Ronnie

Thirteen year old Ronnie is a neighbor and comes by every morning selling bread or cookies or home-made popsicles.  He does this to help his mother make ends meet.  Ronnie goes to afternoon school.  We encourage him and occasionally help him out when he's sick or needs clothing.

Out-patients

Took a few photos of the folks waiting to be seen at our small clinic.  Lucky for them our Dokte Cynthia is visiting so not only were they all seen but also well cared for.

Thank you, Mary Kay

Sue and Karen were able to offer our housemothers some "me" time which included a massage (that's Joey's mom getting a shoulder massage by Sue), their nails done, a snack, soft music and relaxing atmosphere.  Each housemother left with a packet of make-up stuff, lipstick and lotion thanks to Mary Kay.  

New sneakers

A dear friend came to visit and brought us some brand spanking new sneakers for some of the bigger boys.  These are all first quality and should last a while.  Muchas gracias, amiga.

REACH volunteers

From left to right: Margaret, Christine and Melissa; Mike, Derrick and Dominick.

Most of the team will be leaving tomorrow after a week filled with hard work and lots of laughs.  It has been a pleasure to have these folks with us.  As Derrick would say: it was a wicked good time.  Thanks much for your help and humor.  Come back anytime.

News

 This is a sad Pouchon.  While he was walking in the yard a rock fell on his head and cracked it open a bit.  The kids throw rocks to knock down mangoes but they occasionally come down on other kids' heads.  They all know not to do it but the mangoes are way too beckoning.

Those of you who have visited the Quad in the last year know Sam.  Here he is faking he knows how to use a computer.  Sam works in the Quad part-time, attends secondary school and makes a pretty mean pizza.

Masons

Our guys preparing rebar for the beams which will be used for the clinic.  Takes a while to do all this by hand but that's pretty much the way it is down here.  That's Janelle on the left and Jocelyn (Blan) on the right.  Can't tell who the others are with their caps on.

REACH volunteers

Margaret (top) and Melissa are part of a six-member volunteer group here with us to install doors and windows in the homes built by SHELTER2HOMES and Cross International.  Once installed,  all the houses will need is a little stucco and a paint job.  It is an understatement that the recipients are ecstatic.

Gourds

Here's a shot of gourds growing on a nearby tree.  Once ripe, they'll be used as bowls or they'll be decorated for Arts & Crafts sale.  This particular tree is producing close to a hundred gourds. 

the Midgetts

Jameson and his dad, Rob Midgett, are here for a few days.  They're from North Carolina.  Susan Midgett, Rob's wife and Jameson's mother, is spearheading a fundraising effort for our new clinic.  She swam the shark-infested waters of San Francisco Bay and will repeat that swim again this summer with Jameson.  Best of luck to both of you and may God bless your efforts.  We are extremely thankful for your dedication.  Click on the SOS FOR HAITI icon on the left for more info.

Jameson x (times) 2

Jameson and Jameson hit it off and then found out that they share the same first name.  Serendipity is alive and well.

Whitney and Zach

Whitney came to visit Zach, her brother,  who works with us in the home building project for victims of the 2010 earthquake.  Her visit was way too short but she promises to return and stay longer.  

OWU

Nine students and two staff from Ohio Wesleyan University spent this past week with us.  They worked in our schools, led some workshops, played soccer, presided over art projects and just had a good time.  The kids were sad to see them leave as they bonded big time with them.  We look forward to more visits and a long-term relationship with OWU. 

Flag Day 2011

Today is Flag Day here and it is traditional to have a parade so we did.  The children meandered around the property followed by the others and ended up in the Quonset building where they sang the national anthem and other patriotic songs, enjoyed a couple of skits, listened to older children talk about Haiti's history and the origin of the flag.  Snacks followed and a good time was had by most.

Teacher Appreciation Day

Maitre Samuel and Maitre Ganeau, two of our over 50 teachers being honored today.  We are blessed to have such dedicated professionals working with us.

Individual classes showed their appreciation to their teachers and a show was put on by the students for all teachers.  Above are the folklore dancers doing their bit.

Space was limited so many students had to settle for standing outside and watching the events.

Earth blocks

Here's a photo of the earth blocks our guys are making for the Guest House wall.  The bulk of the blocks  is clay from our property. We add some sand and a little cement (as a binder).  This is the most economical and ecological solution.  The drying process is a little tricky but we'll keep at it.

Sister Evelyne Tremblay

Sr. Evelyne dropped by this morning.  She was in town for the anniversary of the Brenda Strafford Hospital which she founded and guided for 30 years.  It became the best EENT hospital in the country under her watchful eye.  Sr. retired three years ago, took a well earned vacation and is now working in a clinic up north.  Sister Evelyne is a dear friend who helped me and Pwoje Espwa at the beginning of our existence when we had nothing.  She'd take in the sick kids, provide medicine for us and was always encouraging.  This is one terrific lady and we are blessed to count her as a friend.

Touch up time

Dickenson sprucing up the Quad with paint.  Lucky for him that the paint was the same color as his t-shirt.

Tried to be creative but my automatic camera could not handle the "contre-jour" lighting.

Robert doing some trim work with the wrong brush.

New wall

Two photos of the Guest House wall under construction.  We've been talking about this for a while and decided now was the time to make it happen.  The crew for this job is the same as the alternative charcoal team which is on hold until our friend, Andre, comes back.  Foundation is almost done and the prep work for the poles is finished.  The guys will be fabricating earth bricks for the wall to match the Guest House.

Nurse practitioners

Hillary (left) and Chris, both nurse practitioners from Indiana, left us this morning after spending a full week helping us in the clinic.  They saw patients, stitched up a few, inventoried our pharmacy and visited with the children.  It was as if they had always been with us.  Thank you, Chris and Hillary.  When are you coming back?

Chad and Bro. Robert

Chad Scott (left), Vice-President of Free the Kids, standing with Brother Robert-Anthony, our Guest House Manager.  Do you see a resemblance?  

Reunion

Bernite came to visit her brother this morning.  She's in an orphanage in Jacmel and hasn't seen her brother for six years.  They lost track of each other but a relative put them in touch through the wonder of cellphones. This is the second time they have seen each other in 13 years.  It was a touching reunion.  Robenson hopes to visit her this coming summer.

Gratitude

I've received a mess of good wishes from many fine people... mostly via facebook.  Thank you for your thoughtfulness.  Your support and prayers are greatly appreciated.  God bless you all.

FM

Singers

 Mankus

 Julio

TiJean

Here are three of the dozen or so singers who entertained us this afternoon.

Elizabeth

Elizabeth waiting off stage for her cue.  Isn't she a beauty?

Dance

Our folklore dancers were captivating as usual.  They did a terrific job!

Skit

Daniel (above) wrote a short skit about the history of Haiti.  Having been slaves is never far from their consciousness.  That's Julio (top) who assisted Daniel in today's performance.

Birthday bash

 Maitre Etienne, our Director of Education, was very eloquent as our Master of Ceremonies today.

 Our youngest boy and girl were chosen to be the gift-bearers.

The plaque made for me on the occasion of my birthday.

Packed house

 The little ones who usually attend Kids' Church were in attendance.

 The boys' choir wearing their ESPWA shirts and badges

Daniel and mother, Nathalie