Educating the brightest and poorest youth of Haiti

Good afternoon.

 We hope and pray that you are doing well and staying safe.

 As Spring is beginning all around us new growth is literally springing forth.

I recently got a picture from my sister in Alaska showing a little green emerging from the snow. The “break” has happened and the first signs of spring bring hope to us all. Here at home, we see the early bloomers and those that wait a little longer to bring forth their shoots and leaves. There are spots in our yard that seem to grow six inches every week and others that have stayed the same all winter. One of our oak trees doesn’t drop its leaves until spring. Make the raking and leaf blowing a much longer process. But it makes for a very interesting time of year.

 As we enter the new season the rains are falling and with it, we are planting our new congo bean crop. Congo beans are used in many Haitian dishes. It is a mainstay for their diet, along with rice. You will find them in 80% of Haitian household. This crop will hopefully be able to generate enough income to pay the salaries of the workers in the field. Please keep this effort in your prayers. Remember that your generosity is ripple that touches countless souls, thank you for making the world a little brighter. Our goal this week is to raise the payroll amount of $500 for this team. Can you help?

 We would also like to thank all those who have donated to our scholarship fund for our student scholars. You didn’t just give; you inspired hope and that is a gift that they will carry forever.  Our goal ($500) is to fund more students at the local school in Boucantiste. Can you help with this request?

When I first arrived in Haiti in 2008 this meal, shown below, was what our students ate three time a day. With a little meat on top for dinner. One of the requirements at the school, a tuition free boarding school, was that each student brought their own spoon for meal times. This staple dish of beans and rice gave them more nurishment than the could recieve at home. Three meals per day versus one. That does wonders for concentration and learning. Your help does help and it inspires our students to achieve even more.

Thank you.