Pwoje Espwa - Hope in Haiti

Arts and Crafts

2009-12-17T11:15:00.002-05:00

Samy Nelson holding his latest creation

A close-up

Hospitals

2009-12-15T18:19:00.004-05:00

While at the General Hospital I saw the storeroom for medical records. Wow!

Bergeman Laurole

Pascal Vendredi

Went to see two of our older boys at local hospitals this afternoon. Bergeman fell unconscious and could not be revived so we took him to the General Hospital. Thank goodness he regained consciousness but is now complaining of severe cramps. There will be lab work done tomorrow and we'll see what to do with him from the results.

Pascal was admitted last evening at CiteMed after passing out and vomiting blood. He's running a temp so will be there overnight for observation. Say a prayer for these two. Thanks.

Rafael and Angel Jesus

2009-12-15T14:21:00.002-05:00

Rafael with his new fans (after he gave them each a soccer ball).

Angel Jesus and Rafael posing with their new friends

Rafael Torrado flew from Puerto Rico to Santo Domingo yesterday. He and friend, Angel Jesus, flew here this morning bearing gifts for all the children and a check for ESPWA. We are very touched by his generosity. May God bless him, Angel Jesus and their loved ones for thinking of those less fortunate at this time of year.

Santa comes early to ESPWA

2009-12-15T14:11:00.004-05:00

A large suitcase filled with HotWheel cars for the boys

Rafael and Nathalie
Rafael Torrado opening one of four suitcases he brought to us today. The bags were filled with toys and gifts for the children. This will be the first Christmas every child will get a small present thanks to Rafael.

Abner

2009-12-13T16:34:00.002-05:00

Abner comes by almost every day looking to get some food for himself and his sister. The blue cut-out container is his and the metal pot is for her. Recall the quote from Isaiah this morning? Abner cannot hear the good news until his stomach stops hurting. Thanks to all who support our ministry.

Pretty in Pink

2009-12-13T16:27:00.001-05:00

The small tree next to the Guest House was in full bloom this morning. Thought you folks up north would appreciate this photo as winter starts to get its grip on y'all.

Third Sunday of Advent 2009

2009-12-13T05:26:00.003-05:00

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor."

Is 61: 1 Gospel Acclamation for today

Time's Up

2009-12-12T16:51:00.002-05:00

Bossico, Woodlin, Patrick, Michael and Bonhomme

We are hosting a competition for the best original Christmas song and we've got eleven groups attempting to win the grand prize. Above is the group Time's Up who came by and sang for me this afternoon. Excellent lyrics and a catchy melody! Can't wait to hear the others.

Potshots

2009-12-12T15:48:00.002-05:00

Whitmy sitting by the small chicken coop he made from scrap.

Time for a haircut. Johnny is getting his hair styled by Rosevelt. Gotta look purty for church tomorrow.

From left: Ronaldo, Evens and Julio proudly displaying their roosters. Can you believe how tall Julio is getting?

Michael the Gatekeeper

2009-12-12T15:40:00.001-05:00

Little Michael filled in for our security man. He may be small but he's tenacious. Watch out for that switch!

Future civil engineer

2009-12-12T15:34:00.001-05:00

Ashney is caught working on his little road system for the matchbox car he owns. It fascinates me to see what the kids get into. They have tons of potential which we need to help actualize.

Saturday activities

2009-12-12T14:50:00.002-05:00

Certainly the most popular of activities when school is out of session is soccer. Seems to me that there's always a soccer activity going on. If it's not a match, then the boys are practicing. We've a league set up for Christmas vacation time.

Brothers

2009-12-12T14:40:00.001-05:00

Jasquelin and his brother, Jean Brunel, attended the birthday bash today.

Happy Birthday to MarcKenson and Bossico

2009-12-12T14:23:00.003-05:00

MarcKenson cuts up the cake to be shared with his friends.

MarcKenson and Bossico

We celebrated two birthday boys today. Dino and TiCharles prepared a chocolate cake, icing and all, and it was devoured quickly amid the singing and joking. Happy Birthday, guys, and many more.

Shello

2009-12-08T16:36:00.002-05:00

Shello taking a break from studying. Shello is a hard-working student, is very polite and helpful with the younger children.

Jackson

2009-12-08T16:32:00.001-05:00

Jackson was the designated water-boy for the soccer match this afternoon. He seemed to enjoy it.

Security

2009-12-08T16:23:00.003-05:00

Caught Francois as he was making rounds this afternoon. Francois Macenat is head of our security. He's really a big teddy bear but don't tell the neighbors or the kids.

Public Health

2009-12-06T14:56:00.002-05:00

Jude is maestro for this talented group of junior Public Health workers
In borrowed Public Health uniforms, a small group under the supervision of Rebert Constant provided us with an animated lesson on the importance of washing our hands. They did a terrific job and the applause from the others was tumultuous. Way to go, Rebert.

Second Sunday of Advent

2009-12-06T12:45:00.002-05:00

Lord, teach us to judge wisely the things of earth
and to love the things of heaven.
from the Prayer after Communion

Kominote Espwa's Secretary

2009-12-05T15:21:00.002-05:00

Here's Jasquelin writing the minutes of the community's meeting. We are starting to document everything should we decide to seek diocesan approbation.

Field Trip

2009-12-05T15:10:00.003-05:00

Fifth and six graders from the oldest grammar school in Les Cayes, Brother Jerome's, came to visit us yesterday. They were matched up with our students and shown around the place. A snack was provided and all had a great time. We will be scheduling a friendly soccer game with them (well, it will start out friendly) in the next month.

Nathalie and Dachena

2009-12-04T16:54:00.002-05:00

While the mother was waiting on supplies and such, Nathalie made herself useful and held Dachena who has bronchitis. The baby is wearing clothes we gave her as all the twins had were old diapers. It's amazing they didn't have bad rashes.

Twins

2009-12-04T16:33:00.003-05:00

As you can tell from the photo I took, this mother is not happy. She showed up here last evening begging us to take her twin daughters. Her husband is dead and she has two other children waiting for her in Port-au-Prince, a boy who is 3 and another daughter aged 4. Her rent is due and she has no where to go and no family to help her. We are not equipped to handle infants here (wish we could in this case) so we decided to help her with clothing, food and some money for her rent. She now has our phone number for when she will be in need. Please keep Acephie, the mother, in your prayers.

Kominote Espwa

2009-12-04T00:49:00.000-05:00

Members of Kominote Espwa meet regularly for formation, theology studies, prayer and planning their activities which benefit our children. They meet in the primary school as they have no place of their own. This session was dedicated to the liturgical preparations for Advent and Christmas.

Ritual

2009-12-04T00:40:00.000-05:00

The little guys line up to wash their hands before breakfast yesterday. The older boys assist. The system isn't perfect but we're working at it. I can hear Dr. Cynthia clapping all the way from Maine!