Joy of Living: Haitian Hope

Remember the blessed man who "brought forth plentifully" and had to build a bigger

barn to hold all his crops? Jesus told this parable (Luke 12.15-21) to remind us that our

"life does not consist in the abundance of [our] possessions." The joy of living is a life lived
richly for God, and not for ourselves, nor for our myriad possessions, nor for the fun of
distractions (technical or otherwise). A simple life of service to God by serving the poor,
by giving up our ease and comforts, enriches our souls and becomes real joy.

This life we have seen in the Haitians, specifically in the message brought to us by Pere Michaud Fruitho, priest-in-charge in Trouin. We are very grateful for the opportunity to live for something greater than for ourselves. We have been profoundly blessed by the spiritual richness of our Haitian brothers and sisters who witness to a life entirely dependent upon God. Participation in Haitian Hope is a humbling experience, an adventure going into the unknown. Surprises and challenges abound; yet we have been filled with spiritual awakening as we reach out to God's children, whose love knows no bounds.
In our efforts to share our abundance, we have made mistakes. At the same time we learn from each attempt to live for God's purposes and not for ourselves.

Below are reflections on Pere Michaud's recent visit. He arrived here exhausted from his visit with the Virginian partners; and then we showed him some real Georgia hospitality! He was quite impressed and returned the favor by showing Haitian hospitality to daughter Libby and the seven Virginians who accompanied Pere Michaud back to Haiti .

Reflections from the visit May 4-9

1.      appreciation to the donors and sponsors has yielded more energy, greater support and renewed interest in the mission through out the community

2.      Haitian Hope committee members sure know how to host fantastic events!

3.      feeding the Haitian kids is essential and includes feeding the teachers and the poor who come to the village because they are hungry; your money goes a long way feeding many who are in need

4.      the ministry has opened the heart of many at St. Francis and beyond who want to serve God by serving the poor

5.      scripture comes alive when we live beyond our self-interest and beyond our anxieties, depending upon God to direct us

6.      many American proposals for "fixing" the Haitians do not work because we don't know all the facts and misunderstand cultural differences

7.      American example of above: "goats could provide milk for the children at school. Let's buy goats." Problem: goats only provide small amounts of milk. Haitians like cow's milk. What they drink at school is Carnation milk in a can.

8.      Powdered milk, nutritionally more sound that canned milk, is not possible where water is contaminated.

9.      sometimes the only meal these children get is at school

10. trust in a relationship takes a long time and must go through rocky times, especially when crossing cultural lines; long discussions with Père Michaud provide increased understanding for both parties and deepens the relationship

11. St. Marc's Trouin is a magnet for children who want a good education (they can pass the state test!)

12. tuition for one year = 300 gourdes ($7 per year)

13. some children walk 3-4 hours ONE WAY to school; teachers also travel hours to get to the school in Trouin; some teachers live at school during the week

14. balanced meals as we know them in America are not found in the school lunches; however, they eat a healthy diet: rice, beans, a little chicken, fruit-in-season, and milk twice a week—that's all they can do with the money we send ($1700/month)

15. about 400 students, faculty and others are fed daily during the school year—at least they are no longer starving

16. a vegetable garden has been started

17. coconut is basic to their diet

18. Region 13 Virginia has donated 9 computers for the classroom and 1 for Père Michaud

19. Church of the Holy Family has adopted a teacher, Salien Wilner (principal) and corresponds regularly

20. solar energy provides lights in the classroom—a first

21. we received a grant from YOUTHS' FRIENDS to give the teachers a raise to approximately $1800 per year

22. Christ Church is anxious to become involved; has adopted a teacher since last August; has asked Irene Marxsen to be the liaison between Haitian Hope and Christ Church; has at least three people interested in going to Haiti in January 2014: Janet Tidwell, deacon; Bryan Hinson, youth director; Father Joseph Shippen, assistant rector.

23. The French students at First Presbyterian Day school donated $1675 as their final fund-raiser for this school year

24. Tatnall Square Academy hosted Pere Michaud in several classrooms, including a math class and Stacy Hinson's fifth grade classroom

25. Steve Marlow has learned there are 20 children from the Seventh-Day Adventist church who attend St. Marc

26. Père Michaud loved the manners and etiquette program taught by Alice Bailey at St. Peter Claver

27. Chris Sheridan proposes that we seriously consider
 a)bringing three Haitians to Mercer to learn how to assemble prosthetics designed in the medical school and developed in the engineering school

b) teaching a class in prosthetic assemblage techniques at the St. Marc trade school

c) searching for possibilities of the manufacture of prosthetics in Trouin

               28. David Spivey at Mellow Mushroom gave 10% of the profits at the Wednesday night "Farewell" dinner. He is most supportive of the ministry.

As Janet Tidwell said to me, "God is working here somehow." As you consider this statement, first think of how many are involved in this mission: Episcopal churches in Region 13-Virginia; Christ Church; Church of the Holy Family; Seventh Day Adventist; St. Peter Claver, First Presbyterian Day school; Tatnall square academy; and an extensive group of Haitian Hope people who continue to work diligently in this mission.
Something is happening.  Watch for it!  Wait for it!  Be ready!