Prayers & Help needed

Please pray for Pastor Yves Louis-the pastor of the orphanage we partner with in Port au Prince. Last week he had his right leg amputated due to diabetes. His medical bills are GREAT (medicine, bandages for dressing changes, travel for medical care, etc) If you would like to help in a concrete way we will accept donations through our website heartsunitedwithhaiti.org or checks to Hearts United with Haiti P O Box 55 Morgantown PA 19543. Any amount would help this family I am sure. They have sacrificed for years for the orphans and are looking at a very uncertain future for the ministry, the children, the school, etc. Cards can be sent to our office as well and will be forwarded to him. He wants people to know his faith is strong and his attitude is good. I know that will help a great deal in his recovery. Thanks!! (and sorry to not share this sooner-we were respecting his privacy but he is ready now to share this news). #heartsunited #thisiswhatitisallaboutfolks #opportunitytobless #missions #orphanministry #pastor #familyincrisis #donate #cardshower #godbless #godisawesome #missionarylife 

Fruit/Milk Ministry

I know I took a break from the "ministry spotlights" and actually have a piece written highlighting the different ministries we have (through our organization) at Life is Wealth Orphanage, BUT I wanted to take a few minutes to share some photos with all of you.  These photos show how much the children enjoy the deliveries of fresh fruit and milk twice per month.  A woman in Michigan started this blessing a few years ago at Christmas with a delivery of fresh fruit/milk for each child and it has grown (mostly by her spreading the word and soliciting funding from her family/friends) to include delivery twice per month.  Here are some photos from the last delivery just last week.  The children look forward to their special treat.  They chant, jump up and down, and run off to eat their treat wherever they can on the orphanage grounds after receiving it.  THANK YOU for this special ministry to the orphans and for supplying them with good nutrition they would be lacking otherwise.  But, more importantly, with the knowledge that someone cares enough to send them a special treat twice each month.  If YOU would ever like to be part of this distribution or to help by donating a delivery of fresh fruit & milk, let us know.  God bless!

First Redgi buys the mangos from the side of the road.  This helps the local economy and the fruit lady gets SO EXCITED when he comes.  She has gotten to know him and the days he will be there and saves fruit for him.  So, we are helping her family while feeding the children.  Here is one of her assistants helping carry the mangos to the car with Redgi. 

Then, we drive to the depot to buy the milk (canned this month- sometimes powdered).  They too get the business and are excited.  Redgi has their phone number now and calls in the order ahead, swings by and loads it into the Montero.

The children know to line up (smallest to largest) and advance to get their piece of fruit.  The milk will be served with dinner the same day.  

Here are some of the older ones- at the end of the line.  By the time we get to them they are all out of line- haha.

And now..... it's time to EAT!

Some of you may remember Sandrine.  She recently was dropped at the orphanage (Wed, Feb. 4th) and is starting to settle in.  This was the first time she was part of the delivery and she just carried her mango around with the BIGGEST smile- you can see that!  

Lonyse with her mango.  She recently lost her sponsor so is available for sponsorship ($32 per month)

Cathie holding mangos for others (some give their fruit to someone they trust and they eat it later- others "trade" for chores but we ask the nannies to discourage that).  

Sodnise and Marie-France (2) each with a mango.  

Widline with her mango- so cute.  

Berlando LOVES the fruit every time we come.  He asks for it each time I go to the orphanage and you can see he eats EVERY bite!  

Berlando again- eating his mango

Berry off in the distance eating hers.  She is available for sponsorship by the way- hint hint!  ;)  

Let us know if you would like information about our fruit/milk ministry at the orphanage or if you have any other questions about any of our ministries in Haiti.  I will shortly resume the "Ministry Spotlights".  heartsunitedwithhaiti@gmail.com is our e-mail address.  Someone will respond to you shortly.  God bless!

The Onion

Every trip I make to Haiti is filled with so many emotions.  Yesterday as I was talking to Redgi and James I said I finally understand when people compare an experience or situation to an onion.  That is kind of how I feel my trips to Haiti are.  Each day, each adventure brings a new experience or challenge which is like peeling back the layer of the onion.  BUT, as those of you who have peeled onions know, with the peeling comes tears- sometimes few, sometimes many.  And, just when you have finished with those tears and have begun to peel back the next layer, you find that along with that one comes another wave of the same.

I hope this makes sense, but what I am trying to say is that coming to Haiti does take a physical toll on me, but the emotional and spiritual aspect of the trip is much greater.  My experiences in Haiti are filled with so many highs and lows- ups and downs- exciting moments and frustrations.  The range is vastly different than my experiences in the USA.  Perhaps it is being away from close family/friends and spiritual mentors or perhaps it is just that the battlefield here is vastly different from the one I grew up with and learned to adjust to over the 53 years I have been on this earth.  Perhaps it is a mix of the two.

Don't get me wrong.  I am BLESSED to be here.  I am totally convinced this is exactly where God wants and has me at this time in life.  The incredible joy and peace I have daily when living "my Haitian life" is proof.  The experiences I speak of and the tears I refer to are because I love the people here so much.  God has blessed me with the gift of compassion, but with that comes the ability to understand (to the degree I am able) what they feel and to understand their daily struggles.  On my own I am helpless to change any of the circumstances of those I meet and know in Haiti, but through Christ I am able to come alongside them, encourage them and love them through the daily hurts, frustrations, struggles.  God has used Haiti and the people here to break me many times and to teach me so much about Himself!  For that I will forever be grateful to the people and situations I have come to know/experience in this amazingly beautiful country.

Yesterday was one of those days.  At the orphanage I found out that one of my favorite children has disobeyed the rules and gone out of the orphanage at night to hang with friends- something that is strictly forbidden.  She knew the risks she was taking and now is facing the reality that she will be taken (supposedly on Friday) to Haitian Social Services and will probably be relocated to another orphanage.  This is fair because if one is allowed to not follow rules, then others will do so too and soon there will be no rules.  I know, understand, and support the decision for her to be punished.  I don't know that I agree with the punishment, but it is not my orphanage.  But, praise God I was able to hold her, pray with her and tell her (maybe for the last time) that I love her.  I got to give her Redgi's phone number and tell her that she can call any time and we will do our best to keep in contact with her/support her.  I explained that we all make mistakes, yet God loves us the same and though I am disappointed with her disobedience that I still love her too.  (you get the point- don't need to keep going)

Yet, just about an hour after I was given the news this girl would be leaving, I was blessed that one who had been taken away a few months ago for the same reason came to the orphanage to visit because she knew I would be there yesterday.  She came with her father who she has been reunited with.  She came to tell me she is doing ok, that she is happy now and back with family and that they are searching for her sister who is still in an orphanage somewhere in Haiti (they don't yet know where).  They need assistance to stay together- Dad is living in a tent and she is currently with other family, but it was God's way of showing that I am not the one who is helping these girls... HE IS!  He has His hands on them even if they are out of my sight.

So, my highs were HIGH yesterday and my lows were LOW.  Tears of joy and tears of grief.  My heart swollen with happiness and torn apart from sadness.  I got to say "hello" to someone I love dearly and "goodbye" to another. But, I also got to sit with both and talk/listen to them.  I got to tell both (at different times) of God's love.  And, both know they are loved- by Him and by me.  I am SUCH a blessed woman indeed to live this life and to live out the calling as "missionary".

My challenge to each of you reading:  Find your passion- that gift from God that you have been given.  And USE IT to bless others.  That is why we are given spiritual gifts- to bless others and to strengthen the entire body of Christ.  You each have your own gift to give/use.  I thank Him that I am able to use mine here in Haiti (and at home when there).

Jennifer - she came to visit with her dad yesterday.  Her leg is TOTALLY healed and she looks great.  You can see the happiness in her smile and eyes.  Love this girl!

(and I will not be posting a photo of the one who is mentioned as possibly leaving- still not sure it will happen and also her sponsor has yet to be notified)

Ministry Spotlight # 4: Nanny Program at Life is Wealth Orphanage

The story:  As we have gotten to know the Pastor, his family & staff, and the children better at Life is Wealth (LIW) we have come to realize that there is a need for more stable caregivers- ones who really pour into the girls and work with them but also become trusted influences in their lives.  We have offered to send missionaries to the Orphanage and have come up with other solutions but for one reason or another they have all been dismissed by Pastor Yves.  UNTIL he started having some trouble with some of the girls now that they are feeling more comfortable and now that they are getting older and hormones are kicking in so they are becoming a bit more difficult to monitor- at least for him and his existing staff.

So, we proposed a solution.  We offered to assist with hiring 10 women and give them training from an American Social Worker who lives and works in Haiti.  This formal training included teaching them how children grow and develop emotionally and how abuse can influence, damage and even retard this process.  They also learned strategies for disciplining children who have come from abusive backgrounds (because most of the children currently at LIW have been restaveks- domestic servants for a family other than their own- and have been abused/beaten).  A normal child who grows up in a nuclear family knows the idea of consequences for behavior.  They know the family "rules" so to speak and the appropriate discipline for breaking them.  But, a child who has been abused or has grown up being beaten (sometimes just for sitting in a chair that an adult felt was "theirs" as one little one reported) doesn't know appropriate behavior, consequences or boundaries.  Therefore, these hired women (Nannies) will work with the children to help them feel safe, loved and valued.

Pastor agreed to give it a try this past fall!  So, in October 2014 Redgi and the social worker participated in the hiring process and ten women were hired and trained.  Since that time we have seen a DRAMATIC difference in the children- especially the little ones!  They are cleaner (someone to remind them to care for themselves- hard to do with 70 children and only a few staff in the past), more are going to school, their hair is done, clothing and other items are better cared for, and we have seen very positive interactions with the children.  The orphans are no longer running to us when something happens when we are there, they are turning to the Nannies which is EXACTLY what it should be.  They realize that we will leave but the Nannies will be constant.  It is working beautifully and will continue to do so if those women are encouraged and empowered in their jobs.

To be honest, God has shown us that only a few trips with groups to visit the children per year (listed as "Sponsor trips" or "Orphan Care trips" on our website) should happen in the future.  There are many studies that show the negative impact of bringing a constant string of visitors in and out of  orphanages.  Though Pastor Yves has others he works with and some do not agree with this philosophy, we are called to follow God and his leading for US and for the CHILDREN so we truly believe that, for Hearts United, those types of trips could be hurting the emotional well-being of the very children we are trying to help.  Sometimes the bigger picture or what is best for someone isn't what your heart wants.  We would love to spend as much time as possible loving on the children and playing with them, but when that interrupts the structure and dynamics of those already in place; when it undermines (though not intended to) their authority when we allow something they normally do not; or when it causes the children to behave badly each time we leave, then we need to put their needs before our own and trust in HIS solution which we believe is this program.  So far, He is showing us that this is a great program for all involved.  We see our future as as ministry as one that works to support the Nannies--working to continue training and encouraging them.  We see less personal interaction with the children but when we do go, to do so intentionally and with a purpose that works along with the Pastor, Nannies and staff to bless all involved.

**Note: since the start of the program, Pastor Yves has decided to restructure the schedule so we only have six Nannies left (and he hired one of his own- someone he knew that needed a job)  So, there are seven women there regularly.  Only one of those lives there with the children.  The rest have regular hours they come to work.  This has some "bumps" to iron out, but is working very well.

The vision:   (oops- again, I kind of put that in the above as part of the story) Basically, God has given us a vision of seeing these girls (and a few boys) grow and develop as the women He has created them to be, with self worth and a full understanding of the fact that they are special and have a purpose for their lives.  We have always said, "We can feed them, clothe them, educate them and give them medical care, but ultimately, they are just going to be heavier, cleaner, smarter, and healthier. However, some day they will die as we all will.  Where will they spend eternity?  That decision is theirs to make, but they deserve to know who they are in Christ - beautiful women who are dearly loved and created special and with a purpose. Then, when the time is right, they can make their own personal decision regarding Him."  The Nanny program will help because the nannies can insure that the orphans understand the truth about their worth DAILY- something we can never do with short visits.  (note:  Yes, Jesus met physical needs too and we believe we are certainly called to do that as well- He healed the sick, fed the hungry, etc... but He also taught us MUCH about God and His purpose for our lives as Christians)

The needs:  Of course as with anything, there is a financial need associated with the Nanny program.  We had funding to do the training, and to pay for the first two months of the program.  That time has now passed.  We have two of the Nannies funded (their salaries) monthly but for this program to continue we will need financial support.  Each Nanny is now paid the equivalent of $110 per month so that brings the total to $770 for salaries.  We are praying for churches, Bible Study groups, or others to pledge monthly support for this worthwhile program.  It is an amazing way to help these children immediately, but also to help future generations because we are working with girls who will then be mommies of their own and will be able to pass along the values they learn to their own children.  

In addition to financial assistance, we always welcome your prayers.  For this program to be successful we need prayers that the current staff and Pastor will continue to see it's value and will support the Nannies as they do their jobs, discipline with love/compassion, work to heal physical and emotional wounds, and train/mentor the children.  Pray for the Nannies too.  Some of the techniques they learned are not traditional in Haiti, so the women are putting new parenting skills into practice- some that they, honestly, are not too sure will work but are doing because they have been instructed to do so.  Pray that they will begin to see the benefits of their training and the new techniques and maybe they can even begin to use those in their own homes since many are mothers themselves. Pray for financial support to come in for this program as well because if we do not have that support the program will need to be stopped and we are really seeing benefits already so it would be so difficult to lose all the children have gained.

Note:  As always if you have read this blog and feel led by God to contribute to this (or any of our other programs) you can do so through our website.  www.heartsunitedwithhaiti.org   We have a "donate" page with instructions or you can send a check made to Hearts United with Haiti  to this address:  PO Box 55  Morgantown, PA 19543.  Mark the donation for the Nanny Program and we will allocate those funds to be used to pay salaries or for other expenses associated with this program (training for the women, etc).  THANK YOU in advance for your generosity and for following God's direction.  

Here are some photos of the Nannies at work...

Totally candid photo of Ketlie (one of the Nannies) helping Elena dry her tears after she got something in her eye while playing.  This made me happy because it showed that the children run to the Nannies to help fix their "boo boos" like a child would to their mother.  

Here is a photo of two of the Nannies in with a group of children- watching and talking to them as we brought a few scooters and skateboards for the chldren to play with.  

Another photo of the two Nannies discussing rules for using the scooters/skateboards (ie:  "should we limit the area the children can use them because we do not want cuts/scrapes?";  or "how do we teach the children to share/take turns?")  We let the Nannies decide the rules along with Madame Pastor (Pastor was not there that day)

More of the children are going to school now that we have the program AND the Nannies have even started a small tutoring session for those that feel behind or unable to go to school because they have no basic knowledge or have never been before.  

The name tags we had made for the Nannies.  

Here is Jasmine doing Dejna's hair.  This is one of the first photos I have of the Nannies.  I took it their fist week.  Nothing like a little personal attention to build relationship and get to know the girls better.  She talked to each one as she did their hair- asking questions to get to know each girl personally.  :)  

Ministry Spotlight #3: Life is Wealth Orphanage.....

***** Note:  This will be a general introduction to the orphanage, but since our ministry there is so vast we will do a few other posts about our work there. (ie:  child sponsorship, Nanny program, Clean water outreach, etc...)

The story:  Wow!  Where to begin?  I guess I will paraphrase the story I tell groups that come to visit the orphanage.  This story begins in the summer of 2010- long before Hearts United with Haiti was formed.  My daughter, Emily, and I were in Haiti working with another organization by leading short term mission groups.  During that first summer in Haiti Emily met and quickly bonded with two children at an orphanage in Carrefour- a little girl named Sarafina and a boy named James.  Many of her teams visited this orphanage and she got to see the children often during that summer in Haiti, but when she was stateside again she longed to know how they were doing.  At the same time, we had formed Hearts United with Haiti and during my many trips to Haiti in the fall of 2010 and/or spring of 2011, I promised to visit the orphanage and check on the children for her when in the country and able to do so.  It was just a short walk from the home where we would stay when in Carrefour.  Anyway, during that time we discovered that there were other groups involved in helping this orphanage- donating food, clothing, providing medical care, etc. yet the children were always dirty, sick and malnourished.  Since we were friends with some of the translators that were used by many of these groups (the common denominator for all were the children, the orphanage, and the many of the same translators) we were able to connect with others around the country and hear their stories and suspicions about what was really going on at this orphanage when no teams were in town.  As we all compared stories and information it became evident that this orphanage was, in fact, a front for child trafficking among other things.  The children were being exploited and sold for profit, their belongings that were donated by us and others were sold as well and so was much of the food/water/medicine that was provided for their care.  So, through a series of events, risk-taking, and working together with authorities a group of God-connected missionaries (each had their role- whether praying, passing along info, or physically participating in gathering evidence and/or setting up a sting operation that resulted in some of the staff being arrested) the orphanage was closed in the end of October 2011.  This is where Emily and I actively stepped back into the picture.

As we knew more and more about the eminent closing of the orphanage in Carrefour, both Emily and I offered to come help the children transition to whatever new place they were taken.  We knew the children and had relationship with them which would help ease their young, vulnerable, scared minds and make the transition a little less traumatic.  Only by God's guidance was our offer accepted and with a day's notice we flew off to Haiti to be with the children.  At the time we thought we would be with ALL of the children, however, that was not the case.  Instead of the children being moved to a safe house that had already been arranged in advance of the orphanage closing, they were split up by Haitian Social Services:  boys to a facility in Carrefour and girls to Life is Wealth Orphanage in Port au Prince.  Though both directors were warned by Haitian authorities to be wary of "the foreigners", Pastor Yves (the director of Life is Wealth) readily opened his home to Emily and me and let us stay for about 2 weeks (at first) with the girls.  Our days were filled with administering medical care (almost all the children had scabies, respiratory infections, and were extremely malnourished), and comforting the girls who were, understandably, distressed by this move and the closing of the orphanage they considered home prior to Life is Wealth.  Add to that the fact that Life is Wealth already had 37 girls and 3 boys when these new girls (37 total) arrived.  This literally doubled the size of Life is Wealth- with no assistance from the Haitian authorities to feed, clothe, provide medicine for, or otherwise help cover expenses for these children.

Those first days turned into weeks and then months spent with the children.  I would often stay in the guest quarters of the orphanage and since not all my time was spent with the girls, I spent countless hours getting to know Pastor Yves and his wife, Anne-Rose.  They are wonderful people with a great heart for children and, though the orphanage is run as a Haitian orphanage, they truly care for the children and treat them well.  Life is Wealth was running well prior to the introduction of these 37 new girls, but with this transition came lots of struggle. First, we were blessed to have assistance during transition from some wonderful churches- especially one in Colorado that really came alongside Pastor Yves and his family financially.  They were able to purchase duffle bags/clothes for each new child, provide a freezer for Pastor Yves to keep the extra food, and provide for most of the initial medical care (and there was a LOT).  We also got a lot of assistance from an organization in Haiti who provided protein powder, vitamins, clothing, etc..  They were also the ones who assisted Emily and me physically with transportation, lodging (when not at the orphanage), in-country contacts for items needed and translation assistance (though I learned a LOT of my Creole there from the children).  Besides the physical needs of the children, there were emotional ones.  We spent MANY hours letting them cry or dealing with angry outbursts because they didn't know another way to show their frustration. Altercations were common between the original Life is Wealth girls and these new ones who were brought in (and getting so much attention from us).  We really got to know all the girls well during our initial days/weeks living there and believe that this really aids us now because they trust us and know we are committed to helping- not with THINGS, but with the LOVE of Christ.  (note:  In the first two months we were able to go home for about 2 weeks when another acquaintance of mine covered their care and came to stay, then I returned alone- Emily had other commitments in the USA)

We have been involved with Life is Wealth Orphanage since November 2011 and pray that God will allow us to stay for many years to come.  What a blessing it is to watch these women of His grow and understand that they are loved and special.

The vision:  God has given us a vision for these girls/young women.  He has showed us over and over how precious they are to Him and has challenged us to show and teach THEM that fact.  We have set up a sponsorship program (more info. in another post coming) where the main purpose is not to provide financially (though there is a financial commitment) but to provide friendship, encouragement and support for each girl.  We have done countless Bible lessons with them and have formed a group of leadership girls whom we instruct/mentor so they can instruct/mentor the others.  Together with Pastor Yves and his staff we have helped with food, clothing, education, and clean water for the children.  We have also held parties, taken the children on outings, taught classes/skills, etc. with the children at Life is Wealth.  We recently started a Nanny program after realizing that the children need more constant care-givers than just Pastor Yves and his wife.  The Nannies were trained first by a social worker living in Haiti- about the needs children who have experienced abuse have and how to minister to these needs.  Though the program is only in it's infancy, we have already seen AMAZING results (more about the Nanny program in another post soon coming too).  It is good to know there are women who are there regularly building relationships with the children.  Our vision with this program is to pour into the Nannies more and the children less (directly) since the Nannies are the constant in the lives of the children.  Therefore, we have been meeting with the Nannies, hearing their concerns/thoughts/ideas about the children and then trying to support those in a manner we all agree upon. To be honest, He has shown more and more the harm that bringing groups over and over to the orphanage can cause.  Many of these children have been abandoned there by their families that love them but can not provide, so to bring others only to build/break relationships over and over may cause harm emotionally. We believe that it may just be better to visit a few times per year (or not really bring groups at all) and in the meantime really invest in the Nannies so THEY can invest in the children.  This is tougher for us, but the best needs (emotionally) of the children are what needs to be most important- not our selfish desires.  We ask you to pray for guidance for this since we are still not sure what is best overall for the children.  One thing we are certain of though:  God has so much more for these children than to just live at Life is Wealth.  He wants them to have abundant life- not an abundance of things, but an abundance of HIM!  (His love, His forgiveness, His healing)

The needs:  As always- we need your prayers.  Pray that we would continue to follow His lead.  This is an area where emotion can take over.  We need to stay rooted in His truths and desires for the children- not our own emotional ones.  It is easy to become overwhelmed with the stories of abuse from the children or with the many needs WE see at the orphanage (bathrooms, cleaner facilities, more play areas/toys, etc) but honestly, though it is hard to understand and embrace sometimes, THINGS are not going to change Life is Wealth.  In fact, as we often see in Haiti, THINGS can make it worse.  The more they have and the nicer the place is, the more people could want to send their children- thus creating yet more economic orphans.  We must, instead, spend our time on what really matters to these children- their emotional/spiritual needs.  So, we ask for your prayers as we constantly battle between what the children NEED and what we THINK they need.

That being said, there are physical and financial needs at Life is Wealth.  To care for about 70 children requires a lot of funding.  Food is bought regularly and taken to the orphanage (and they are getting food from organizations we have gotten them contracts with) but each load costs about $250 US.  This gets about 2 bags of rice, spaghetti, oil, flour, milk, sugar, beans, etc. (see photo below for a sample).  Twice a month fruit/milk is provided by donations from individuals/groups.  This costs $75 US per delivery and includes a fresh piece of fruit from the market and a large glass of milk. (the children LOVE this day and look forward to it).  We pay the salaries of the Nannies (about $770 per month) and have paid for training for them too.  We also give personal products (especially feminine hygiene products) as they are donated to us along with sheets, towels, clothing, school supplies, etc.... We try to buy as much as possible locally.  First of all, it keeps us from having to ship it to Haiti and secondly, it provides income to those who sell it- thus helping two people (the one selling and the one receiving) so funds are always welcome.

Note:  If you have been moved by this story and feel God asking you to donate toward any of the needs at Life is Wealth, please feel free to do so via our website (www.heartsunitedwithhaiti.org) or send checks to Hearts United with Haiti  PO Box 55  Morgantown, PA 19543.  Mark the donation for Life is Wealth and we will use it accordingly (if you would like it for something specific, mark that as well- ie:  Fruit/Milk, or  Nanny Salary).  Thank you in advance for your generosity to help these children.

PS-- Update on Sarafina and James:  Sarafina is at Life is Wealth, doing well and growing. She was able to reconnect with Emily just this past December after three years apart. James is back with family members in Haiti and awaiting adoption by some great people from California who also met him that summer of 2010 and fell in love with him and another child at that original orphanage.  I got to see him in November and he looks great!  They hope to bring their children home soon.

Here are some random photos of Life is Wealth....

The gate to enter the orphanage dorms.

Me with some of the girls... they LOVE to see photos of my family (or the girls from Mirebalais who used to live with them)

Some of the girls from Life is Wealth

The roof is always a great spot to go and take photos- the view is amazing!

One of the many meals we have provided over the years- always such fun!

Berlando enjoying his fruit - this month:  Mango (he got milk too)

Here is a photo to show the amount of food $250 US will buy- not much for that many children!  Not all food is pictured but a lot of the expense is in those striped bags behind the girls- they contain beans which are more expensive.
  (Also shows some of the girls in uniform.  School/education is provided to all sponsored children)

Another delivery (not all food was shown in the photo with the children above).... this order cost about $220 US 

Some of them LOVE to write to their sponsors (or draw photos)

Ministry Spotlight # 2: Bas-Citronniers....

The story:  Last summer I spoke with a friend of mine who was a builder/architect working in Haiti as he was planning to leave the country and return to the USA (after living in rural Haiti for a few years).  We had casually known one another for about 2.5 years.  During that time, I followed his facebook posts and photos as he worked with local Haitians to build a school and medical center for Respire Haiti as well as a school in a remote area outside Leogane for another organization.  He was finished with building the school and had formed some great friendships with the locals in the year or so it had taken to complete the project so it concerned him that the organization responsible for the project was having some internal struggles and was basically dissolving.  Their main supporter (both financially and personally) was still committed to the people in the community and the recently-built school and was looking for an organization to come alongside as that organization provided in-country mentoring, contacts, and assistance to this community as it began it's walk toward self-sufficiency with the school and future plans they have for themselves.  You see, the school building was complete, the children/teachers were in place and holding classes for a few years, and all was well, BUT when the former organization withdrew their financial resources the community would have been left with no way to sustain what they had worked so diligently to create together.

My friend, Kyle, asked if we would be interested in seeing the community and praying about getting involved with them to walk together toward their goal of independence.  It seemed the perfect fit- especially given our prior involvement in Chaveneau and the lessons we had learned there a few years ago.  Finally a way to use those hurts and lessons to benefit another community!  So, in July 2014, Redgi, Kyle and I went to meet the 3-man committee of local men who have helped design and build the facility that is composed of a school (with 9 classrooms), a storage depot, a general use building (they call it the medical center and hope to offer medical clinics and outreach to their surrounding community in the future), a kitchen (to feed the children of the school), and a building to house the generator/water cistern & pump/etc.

Though you have to drive up a river bed (you hope it is dry at the time or relatively low) for about 30 min. or so to reach this isolated community at the foot of some HUGE mountains because there are no roads into the area, the school and other buildings are very well constructed and modern.  There is a great amount of pride from those who were responsible for design and construction as there should be!  One of the men has even used some of the techniques he learned when working on his own house this past spring and was quick to show off his work!  This community is a perfect example of TEACHING a community and them grasping that teaching to move forward.

So, ...... our role?  We have been blessed with financial backing (in the form of a grant from that supporter committed to seeing this community move forward) for this school year to cover the operating costs- teacher salaries, food for the children (one meal daily), school supplies, etc.  During that time we have been working with the community leaders to develop a business plan.  The goal is that they form some sort of business that will be able to use the profits to off-set the operating costs for the school.  This way they can continue to offer education to the community at a very low fee since most of the area is extremely poor and can not afford to educate their children. Of course, a side benefit would be job creation- not only for the teachers but others in the community as this business grows in the future.  So, we have been meeting monthly (at least) to brainstorm ideas for how they can start a business, what that looks like legally in Haiti, what the market is for items they would like to sell among other logistics for the business, etc.  These are VERY motivated community leaders and they have already proven to Kyle (and now to us) that they are willing to put in the work/effort to make this successful.

We are halfway through the school year and already they have had meetings with the Dept. of Education in Haiti to get the school registered and official.  They are just waiting on some papers and official notification.  They have modified the old school budget to work with the amount of money we were granted- having to make some difficult choices about items NEEDED vs. items WANTED.  They have done research on feasibility of a business they are thinking about starting, the market for that "product", what expenses they would have, etc. and they are soon ready to make a formal proposal so that we can assist them as they seek financial backing.  And, they have dealt with remaining issues regarding land deeds, foundation status in Haiti, etc.  We have all grown and learned many lessons already together about what a "well-intentioned project poorly managed" can look like.

We believe very strongly in this community and the success of this project and are very excited to see where the future leads them.  They, themselves, have stated that they "want to be an example to other communities in Haiti that it IS POSSIBLE to be independent of foreign assistance".

The vision:  This was pretty much stated in the summary above, however, I must confess that I am very excited too that the area is virtually unchurched.  Voodou is practiced openly but when asked about a church in the area the committee told me that there are none nearby.  So, part of the vision includes introducing these wonderful people to Jesus Christ which we were able to do a bit on Dec. 19th when we attended their school Christmas/Holiday party.  I was able to pass out candy canes and tell the story of Jesus through them by reading a book about the candy cane (ie:  shaped like a "J" for Jesus,  red/white because through his blood/red we are forgiven/white,  etc...).  We are so excited to continue building relationships with those in the community who are fast becoming friends.

The needs:  First of all, we welcome your prayers as we proceed.  Starting a business in Haiti is challenging and the market is difficult for products unless you can find a niche not being served.  The committee is having difficulty coming up with any unique ideas but instead keeps coming up with ideas for things that have already been done by others in the area so we are not sure their market analysis is very accurate.  This is typical in Haiti and is seen even among the street vendors who all paint the same paintings (because they have seen a certain style sell in the past) or the many people that start "professional schools" because others have been successful but now there is virtually one on every corner in Carrefour so attendance is very low.

Secondly, when a business is decided upon we will need to help the committee secure financial backing.  They have the motivation.  They have the work ethic.  By then, they will have the business plan.  BUT, they do not have capital or connections with those who do.  We are not sure whether this will be in the form of grants to them or loans but probably will be a mixture of both.  It would be difficult for them to form a new business and expect profits to both support a school and repay loans.  There simply won't be that much profit margin at first.  So, we would like to help them start the business, get them going  and then let them manage it.

** Though we were not looking for "one more ministry" to add to our list, we truly believe God brought this to us and so far it is seeming like the perfect fit for all parties involved.  Here are some photos from this amazing community.  Again, if you were touched by this idea or would like to support this ministry, you can send donations through our website (there is a donate page) or via regular mail.  Donations are tax-deductible.  Mark the donation for Bas-Citronniers and spread the word about the wonderful things going on in Haiti.

The school and other buildings - seen in the distance as you drive up the river

The committee of men committed to this project.  

The kitchen where a meal is made for all 120 children daily by a staff (paid) of two women- providing jobs!  

The opposite view as the first photo- from the top of the mountain looking toward the river we drive up to access the community.  The roof and building were all done under Kyle's direction and teaching, but used mostly local materials and labor.  

A view of the "medical center".... 

The school building- all the classrooms but the office open into this courtyard.  Future plans include leveling this area so the children can play here.  

The side of the school (kitchen in the front-right and school behind that)

Ministry Spotlight # 1: Mirebalais....

So, as we begin a new year I am going to try to highlight the different ministries God has called us to in Haiti and tell a little about each one.  (the story, the vision, the needs)

MIREBALAIS-

The story:  When Son of God orphanage was closed down the orphans were split (boys/girls) by Haitian Social Services (IBESR).  Their goal besides moving them to safe locations was to find their families because many were obtained by illegal means and, if possible, work toward reunification.  Of the 37 girls who were originally sent to Life is Wealth Orphanage in Port au Prince they were able to relocate 17 of them with family members.  Five of these girls were members of the Marcial family, were cousins of one another and lived in the mountains outside Mirebalais.  In the summer of 2012 they were moved back home and IBESR paid for schooling and gave a food stipend for the first year. The girls themselves contacted us to let us know of their relocation and during that first year we just visited a few times and got to know the families well (two different families). When IBESR stopped visiting we used some of our "orphan feeding" funds and the donations of others to continue ministry with them- committing to paying their school fees as long as they progress, working on a merit program so they could earn goats for each family (which both did) and currently, working with the girls themselves to help them earn money (both for spending and saving).  Over the past two years we have traveled to visit them many times and built quite a relationship with the families there and the girls.  Some of them have taken advantage of what we have offered (a "hand up") and are really doing well.  Others have chosen to reject our involvement because they were only looking for a "hand out" which we do not do.  We will not be part of the ongoing cycle of dependency many have created in Haiti, so though we remain friendly with those few, we no longer offer them any incentives or assistance.  Though this type of "tough love" is difficult, it is necessary and they totally understand.  That is not to say that they are exempt from future incentives and they are quickly learning that involvement with us will require work, but will be beneficial as one of the girls has not only raised her initial goat (for the family) but has bred it twice now and has FIVE goats currently.  She has also used funds earned from the bracelet program to purchase 10 chickens for the family.  They get eggs from the chickens- a great source of much-needed protein.

Many of you have followed the story of these girls from the beginning.  Their lives are a true reflection of resilience and perseverance through very difficult circumstances.  They are thriving and growing and two of them were soooo excited this past summer to present their certificates proving that they passed the Haitian National Exam given at the end of 6th grade.  MANY in the countryside never make it to this point in their education- especially girls.  What a milestone!!  And, their teachers say that they are doing really well in 7th grade now too.

Spiritually, they are strong women of faith.  We always get to share how God is working in their lives, pray with them and spend time in fellowship together.  It is always a time I cherish and I do my best to get to see them EVERY trip.  I honestly see some of them working with our ministry some day in some capacity.  For now, they are "my Haitian daughters" and I couldn't be more proud of the women they are growing to be!

The vision:  God has given us the vision to see these girls all the way through their schooling and to continue to provide the funds to pay for books, uniforms, tuition, exams, school supplies, backpacks, shoes, etc..... God has also given us the vision for starting (and now continuing) the "Bracelets of Promise" program where they make friendship bracelets to sell to foreigners- thus earning some spending money and starting a savings plan.  They currently have between $50 and $150 US in their savings accounts- depending on the girl.

One of the girls is a mother now and has had to drop out of school.  We are praying she can return but for now we are working with her on parenting and teaching her skills/tips that will, hopefully, break the cycle of creating economic orphans. She now has the opportunity to provide for her daughter through bracelet making (and hopefully other means in the future).

We also believe we can provide consistency in their lives, expose them to things they would perhaps not have the opportunity to experience, and to continue to pour into their lives spiritually.  We have taken a few groups out to meet them and all agree that the love of Jesus SHINES in these young women.

The needs:  The needs for this ministry we have are mostly financial, however, we are also potentially looking to help with a construction project in the future (not yet sure what that looks like- we are still praying).  We use funds in this category mostly for school needs/expenses but sometimes purchase food or other items for the homes.  This spring/summer we are planning to provide some seeds for gardening and, hopefully, teach canning so that they can preserve some of the vegetables/fruits when in season.  We also need people to promote the sale of bracelets (take a bunch to sell to family/friends) which, in turn, will help them raise more money for themselves and help them become more independent.

If this is a ministry that appeals to your heart and you would like to invest your support in this ministry, you can donate funds online from our website (www.heartsunitedwithhaiti.org-  "donate" page) or you can send a check/money order to Hearts United with Haiti  PO Box 55, Morgantown, PA 19543.  Mark your donation for "Mirebalais" and we will put it with the donations of others.  When needs arise we will draw from this account to keep this worthwhile and life-changing ministry moving forward.  Thank you!

(here are some photos from the past year or so- of the girls, their houses, the goats, the baby, etc)

The momma goat with her second set of babies!  (just born the beginning of January 2015)

Baby Melantchy- born Sept. 18, 2014

Marie-Joline standing outside their home in the mountainside.  

Me with three of the older girls....

Some of the first bracelets. They have gotten MUCH better since then, but they are still pretty here.  

More bracelets from the first batch

Mimose showing off her certificate.  We even got them laminated for the girls so they will never get ruined from the weather since the houses are mud.  Something to keep and be proud of for sure!