Back in Haiti

Well, I am back in Haiti. Actually, I have been here since June 16. I didn't bring my computer so I have been bumming my son's. And the Internet connection is spotty. And I'm not really a writer. I'd rather pick up the phone than write something.

I'm back at Pwoje Espwa in Les, Cayes. This is a children's home/orphanage/school/farm - lots of things it is, but mainly it is a place where children can come and be loved and taken care of. Right now many of the kids are home for summer vacation. When school is in there are over 600 children here. Now I hear there are 200 - 300.

Fr. Marc Boisvert is the founder and director of Pwoje Espwa. Although Fr. Marc is an Oblate priest and there is a Mass here each Sunday, the program is not specifically Catholic. It is Christian and the Spirit of God is very much here. However, there is room for all who care for kids and want to work for hope in this beautiful country.

I have had the opportunity to minister in a protestant church, Eglise Assemblee des Croyants en Jesus Christ in Guilloux. The pastor there is Gerald Etienne, a lively and committed man of God who clearly loves his people and seeks to extend the love of God in his community. Pastor Etienne works at Pwoje Espwa and I came to meet him through my son. I ministered there last Saturday (6/21) and again today. God willing I will be going back out tomorrow. We have been considering the topic of prayer.

My work at Espwa has been painting one of the houses for the children. There have been setbacks, and the work has gone slowly. I have one more day - tomorrow - to work at this project. One of the older kids - Shupee (sp?) - has been working with me. In fact, Shupee is quite capable of doing the work better than I. I give him great credit.

Haiti is certainly a poor country. It has had a very difficult history including exploitation over the years by so-called first-world countries, including the United States. The Haitian people want a life just like anyone else, and we need to allow them the opportunity. The country is a very beautiful place and the people are beautiful as well. I am so glad that I have had the opportunity to visit these three times and look forward to more visits.

It is late and I am tired. Besides, I really don't write very well. I'll try to do some more when I return home at the end of the week.

God bless Haiti and God bless Pwoje Espwa. (http://freethekids.org)