tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13727266564272666482024-03-19T09:39:55.125-07:00Haiti BonjouKyle Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04689418034402665349noreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372726656427266648.post-7855187796815590842013-11-10T19:50:00.000-08:002013-11-10T19:50:47.560-08:00Building Community Through Summer Camps in the Diocese of Haiti, Region du Nord<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span>At long last, I want to share </span></span><span><span></span></span><span><span>a bit about the first ever women and young adult summer camps that were held in the Northern region of the Episcopal Diocese of Haiti.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><u>Camp Setting</u></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Both camps
occurred on the grounds of St. Luc Episcopal Church and School in Trou du Nord,
a rural community located about 30 minutes outside of Cap Haitian.<span> </span>Though St. Luc does not have
electricity, it does have a newly renovated and sizable school.<span> </span>The church has also been recently
refurbished.<span> </span>The quality of the
buildings and the spacious property made it an ideal location for the
camps.<span> </span>There were no shower,
bathroom or kitchen facilities on the premises.<span> </span>Ten outdoor showers were constructed, as well as a basic
outside structure to serve as the kitchen.<span> </span>10 portable toilets were also brought in and used for the
duration of both camps.<span> </span>All the
campers slept on inflated mattresses or college dorm style mattresses on the
floor of the various classrooms.<span> </span>Each
camper brought their own cup, plate and utensils in order to reduce garbage and
ensure that each person wash their own cup, plate and cutlery.<span> </span>Solar run batteries were available in
each “dorm” room in the evenings.<span>
</span>Their respective panels were charged during the day.<span> </span>In addition, a generator ran a few
hours each night to provide additional electricity and fill the water tank with
essential water for the showers.<span>
</span>LOTS of supplies and equipment were brought to St Luc to properly equip
it for the camps.<span> </span>This even included
a large gas stove!<span> </span>All told, a
more rustic camp experience than that of the average American!<span> </span>It also required the work of many, many
people to create and disassemble the three-week camp operation.<span> </span><span> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><u>Women’s Camp</u></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">47 women from
throughout the Region Nord participated in the women’s camp.<span> </span>They ranged in age from late 20’s to 80.<span> </span>All were thrilled about the opportunity
to come together and strengthen their general knowledge of Church History and
the Bible, while also sharpening their leadership skills in Church Ministry.<span> </span>The women even had a two-hour session
on health care, for some, the first in their lives. <span> </span>Worship services were held three times a day.<span> </span>It was during evening prayer, though,
when the women broke loose in full song and dance.<span> </span>Madame Jacques, one of the 8 cooks who provided meals for
both camps, led one of my favorite dances, affectionately called the “chicken
dance”.<span> </span>Every open space was
filled with women dancing and singing!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The women look
forward to having camp again next July.<span>
</span>They have asked that it be longer and that more women attend.<span> </span>They are also willing to pay more to
come.<span> </span>This is welcome news to any
camp coordinator’s ears!<span> </span>Women are
the backbone of Haiti.<span> </span>They have a
strength and capacity that is beyond comprehension.<span> </span>They also have a faith that is unfailing, inspiring and
ALWAYS joyful.<span> </span><span> </span><span> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><u>Young Adult Camp</u></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As some of you
know, youth and young adult ministry is my passion.<span> </span>I was particularly excited about the young adult camp.<span> </span>67 young adults participated.<span> </span>While I was readily accepted by the
women, it was somewhat less the case at the beginning of the Young Adult
camp.<span> </span>I should not have been
surprised.<span> </span>Trust and acceptance
needs to be earned, especially among young people.<span> </span>Most of the young adults had never met me before.<span> </span>I imagine they might have been thinking
“Who is this ‘Blanc’ (White person)?<span>
</span>Why is she really here?<span>
</span>Does she care about ME?”<span>
</span>There were certainly some ups and downs along the way as we worked to
build a sense of community, mutual respect and responsibility.<span> </span>As each day passed, the group became
more connected.<span> </span>And as we washed dishes
together, used the same portable toilets and outdoor showers and cared for each
other when someone was sick or upset, we gradually grew into a family.<span> </span>I was no longer the “Blanc”, I was
Kyle.<span> </span>As in the U.S., I am now
engaged in the occasional text message exchange, shared postings on Facebook
and a shout out in Cap when one of the local youth sees me in the street.<span> </span>I eagerly await next summer’s camp and
know an even greater sense of community and leadership development will occur.</span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</span>Kyle Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04689418034402665349noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372726656427266648.post-89005735318683589142013-09-01T16:09:00.002-07:002013-09-01T16:09:55.497-07:00Six months In Haiti-Still Finding My Way In This Call
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I owe an apology to all those who have offered me
encouragement and support in my work in Haiti.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have not posted a blog entry since the end of May.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Truly shameful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not going to try to make excuses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has certainly been a busy few months
for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I just seem to be
less disciplined, less intent on writing about my experiences during this
appointment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not sure why
that is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will try to be better
about sharing my experiences. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
on of my dear friends says, “It allows your prayer partners to know how to
pray.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, I also want
readers to have an opportunity to understand a little more about Haiti and its
remarkable people.
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I want to share some thoughts on the 6-month anniversary of
my second appointment in Haiti.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
I reflect on my first appointment in 2008-2009, it was truly a “honeymoon”
mission assignment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was living
with two courageous and deeply faithful young women, Margarette Saintilver and
Carmel Chery, who were literally blazing a trail for young women called to the
priesthood in the Episcopal Diocese of Haiti.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We became very close during that year, forging a bond that
remains today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also had a
wonderful rapport with the rest of the seminarians and, in some ways, served as
a kind of Dean of Students at the seminary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wrote numerous grants that year and, amazingly, each one
was approved for funding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had a
great relationship with Pere Oge Beauvoir, the Dean of the Seminary and leader
in many other aspects of the Diocese of Haiti.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also lived in Port au Prince, within easy walking distance
to the Champs des Mars, the center of historic and governmental operations for
the City.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While it took a few
months to gain my stride, there was a common rhythm to each day and a sense of
accomplishment in ministry.</div>
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My current three-year appointment has been different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reporting to a Bishop requires a
different level of accountability, a deeper understanding of the inner workings
of the Church and a MUCH busier travel schedule!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As Bishop Beauvoir is the first Suffragan Bishop of the
Diocese of Haiti, particularly focused on laying the groundwork for the Northern
Region to become its own Diocese, the goals are high and expectations
higher.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is wonderful energy in
the region about becoming its own Diocese.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Aside from the technical process (which I won’t go into at
this point) our work requires both a strengthening of existing churches and
ministries as well as expansion and development of new efforts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is both exciting and daunting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I find myself involved in uncharted
territory and, above all, want to make sure that I am able to work effectively
in helping to actualize the vision for the Region du Nord.</div>
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And how do I know God’s hand is in it all?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First, because I feel God with me every
day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Secondly, because I feel the
loving prayers and support of friends and family from the states, Kenya and
Haiti.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, thirdly, because, I am
continually reminded of the incredible intersections that occur in life to help
bring people together to do good work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Just the other day, I was taking a cab to the Bishop’s office (Haitian
cab rides are worthy of their own blog post!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was already someone in the front seat when I got
in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was no conversation
until we pulled up at the Bishop’s office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then the Haitian woman in the front seat turned around, and
in beautiful English, asked if I knew of any apartments for rent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She then said, “I know this is a
strange question, but do you know anyone working with the Episcopal
Church?”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It turns out that her
nonprofit is interested in possibly working with our farming school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On top of that, her last name is Holly,
so she is related to the first Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Haiti!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is these moments that convince me
that I am where I need to be and that God will be by my side and all those
working to effect positive change in the Region du Nord.</div>
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Next blog post will reflect on the woman and young adult
summer camps!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
Kyle Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04689418034402665349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372726656427266648.post-65432752138208697052013-05-30T07:09:00.000-07:002013-05-30T07:15:19.120-07:00Fete Dieu- Feast of Corpus Christi<div class="body parsys">
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Today, May 30, is Fete Dieu, or the feast of Corpus Christi. It’s celebrated
on the Sunday after Trinity Sunday in the States but, in Haiti, it falls on
the Thursday after Trinity Sunday. It is a big feast, with services of Holy Communion preceded by very large street processions.<br />
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I only became aware of the day's significance when our office secretary did not appear for work. As has happened before, I immediately turned to the calendar and discovered today's celebration. In doing some research on Fete Dieu via the internet, I found the article below, written by world renowned Haitian author Edwidge Danticat, during her August 2011 visit to Haiti. If you are not familiar with Edwidge's writing, this article will give you a taste for the power of her words. Her reflections also provide a wonderful representation of the strength of the Haitian people and the permanence, amidst loss, corruption and destruction, of this incredible country. <br />
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<i>It’s the morning<b> </b>of Corpus Christi, Fête Dieu, in Haiti. The sun rises early, along with a chorus of voices singing hymns all over <a href="http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2011/01/14/haiti-earthquake-anniversary-finding-a-skull-in-the-rubble.html" target="_blank">Port-au-Prince</a>.
Altar boys in flowing white robes and girls in communion dresses weave
rosary beads through their fingers. Their parents walk at their side,
their faces glowing in the sun.</i><br />
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<i> </i><i><b>Larry Towell / Magnum</b> </i><br />
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<i><a href="http://cdn.thedailybeast.com/content/newsweek/2011/08/07/edwidge-danticat-reflects-on-port-au-prince/_jcr_content/body/inlineimage.img.410.273.jpg/1337256000000.cached.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="the-city-port-au-prince-OV50-main-art" border="0" class="cq-dd-image" src="http://cdn.thedailybeast.com/content/newsweek/2011/08/07/edwidge-danticat-reflects-on-port-au-prince/_jcr_content/body/inlineimage.img.410.273.jpg/1337256000000.cached.jpg" title="the-city-port-au-prince-OV50-main-art" /></a>CORPUS Christi processions are meant to commemorate Christ’s body in pain, but many <a href="http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2010/10/01/after-the-earthquake-haitian-art-heals.html" target="_blank">Haitians</a>
have their own pain. The procession circles a displacement camp where
mothers are bathing their children in front of the layers of frayed tarp
they call home. Before entering the crowd with her grandmother, my
6-year-old daughter, Mira, who is returning to Port-au-Prince for the
first time since the Jan. 12, 2010, <a href="http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2010/11/29/after-the-earthquake-looming-aids-crisis-in-haiti.html" target="_blank">earthquake</a>, repeats something she’s told us many times since we landed in the city: “I thought everything was broken.”</i><br />
</div>
<i>
</i>
<br />
<div class="text parbase section">
<i>Built for 200,000 people yet home
to more than 2 million, Port-au-Prince is a city that constantly reminds
you of the obvious, as though you were a 6-year-old. No, not everything
is broken. And no, not all the people are dead. It is a city that
everything—political upheaval, fires, hurricanes, the earthquake—has
conspired to destroy, yet still it carries on. The still-leaning houses
and the rubble that has begun to grow weeds, the tent camps that have
become micro-cities of their own, all bear their own testimony to a city
that should have ground to a halt long ago, yet continues to persevere.</i><i> The republic of Port-au-Prince, as
it is often called, is a city of survivors. It is a city where paintings
line avenue walls, where street graffiti curse or praise politicians,
depending on who has paid for them. It is a city of so much traffic that
it has become a city of shortcuts and back roads. It is also a city of
cell phones, where conversations sometimes end abruptly because someone
has run out of prepaid minutes.</i>
</div>
<i></i><br />
<div class="text parbase section">
<i>It is a city of entrepreneurs, a
city of markets where the vendors are as numerous as the products being
sold. It is a city of music, from the street pharmacists who sing the
values of their wares, to the konpa music blasting from the
colorfully painted tap-taps. It is a city of canal-clogging foam food
boxes and discarded plastic. It is a city of trash being constantly
burned, of dust-covered trees.</i></div>
<i>
</i>
<br />
<div class="text parbase section">
<i>It is now, too, a city of tremors,
tremors that are sometimes felt based on your level of experience with
previous tremors, where you might be sitting with someone and that
person feels the earth shake and you don’t feel a thing. It is a city
where sometimes you both feel the tremors and panic equally, especially
when others have dashed outside or leaped out of windows in fear.</i><br />
</div>
<i>
</i>
<br />
<div class="text parbase section">
<i>It is also, you might be surprised
to learn, a city of readers and writers, where at the annual Fête Dieu
Livres en Folie book festival thousands of people stream into an old
sugar-cane plantation to meet 135 Haitian writers. Among those who show
up at the book festival are the former musician-president of the
country, the chief of police, senator-authors, and a former Army colonel
who has written a book profiling the current president.</i></div>
<i>
</i>
<br />
<div class="text parbase section">
<i>What do you write when you’re asked to sign the colonel’s book?</i></div>
<i>
</i>
<br />
<div class="text parbase section">
<i>You attempt in your best Creole, “Best of luck in your new career as a writer.”</i></div>
<i>
</i>
<br />
<div class="text parbase section">
<br />
<i>My 25-year-old cousin Pat, who has
just spent three days at a Port-au-Prince clinic recovering from cholera
and is one of 800,000 Haitians who might get the disease this year,
pensively watches this along with an older friend, Nèl, who like many
Haitians believes that post-earthquake Haiti should have another
capital, but is not sure it ever will.</i></div>
<i>
</i>
<br />
<div class="text parbase section">
<br />
<i>“Port-au-Prince is one of the most
indestructible places in the world,” Nèl likes to say. “People will live
or die here, but Port-au-Prince will always remain.”</i></div>
<div class="text parbase section">
<br />
<b><i>Edwidge Danticat is the author, most
recently, of Create Dangerously: The Immigrant Artist at Work. She
recently returned from her Native Port-Au-Prince, where she participated
in the country’s annual book festival, Livres En Folie. These are her
reflections on a city where she spent the first 12 years of her life and
that she visits often.</i></b></div>
</div>
Kyle Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04689418034402665349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372726656427266648.post-31673579113006966502013-04-25T13:18:00.001-07:002013-04-25T13:21:49.136-07:00Festival Day For Church of the Resurrection<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn3Lo9blKQTFLqq3-mQpOj1k_vEtPDR8Xt1k6hEzgq93YB7hxC3YJ-CJEqYpaP1dkt52J8UnZ5aYGW_ix9G6hk5MzOl-eqcHSRiwW6mnhk8-aP3q7eH5lLu7H9aXVqt9GQSEVEARExLw/s1600/IMG_9157.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn3Lo9blKQTFLqq3-mQpOj1k_vEtPDR8Xt1k6hEzgq93YB7hxC3YJ-CJEqYpaP1dkt52J8UnZ5aYGW_ix9G6hk5MzOl-eqcHSRiwW6mnhk8-aP3q7eH5lLu7H9aXVqt9GQSEVEARExLw/s320/IMG_9157.JPG" /></a>
The traditions around naming have been an important part of human history. Many cultures have particular practices when naming a person or place of significance. I am particularly familiar with the various ways that names are chosen in Kenya. Each of Kenya’s 42 tribes has a different custom. Some determine a child’s name based on the time of day they are born, where they are, whether they are twins etc. Every one of us has a story about the reason their particular name was chosen for them, how it ties them to their family or a certain circumstance. For most, it is part of one’s identity, something to be celebrated.
And so it is with the celebration of church names in the Episcopal Diocese of Haiti. Each parish celebrates its name on the designated day or day closest to that of the same saint. For example, a church named St. Francis would celebrate its naming on or close to St. Francis Day.
Recently, I had the opportunity to participate in the naming festival for Church of the Resurrection in Gros Mornes. These annual celebrations require the involvement of everyone in the parish, whether to help get the church ready for the big day, practice music, prepare the huge volume of food, determine sleeping arrangements for all the visitors etc. For the naming celebration does not just involve the immediate congregation. People who grew up in the community and have relocated return each year to participate. All members of the associated mission churches and preaching stations come great distances from the mountains to join in the festivities. Choirs from throughout the Diocese share in the liturgy with an abundance of singing in French and Creole. Clergy who had any ties to the parish, whether because it was their home church or because they served there at one time, also travel to share in the joyous occasion. It is a massive undertaking that is incredibly moving and inspirational to witness and take part in.
Bishop Beauvoir, his wife, Serette, and I arrived on Saturday around lunchtime. The last part of the trip, on a road between a town called Gonaive and Gros Mornes, is particularly challenging. Perhaps it is not fair to even call it a road. It is all gravel with plenty of ruts and obstacles, including the occasional goat, cow, dog or, of course, person. You spend most of your time driving back and forth across the road. That stretch occupies about 1/3 of the 2 ½ -3 ride from Cap Haitian. Traveling the route in a typical tap tap or on a motorcycle must be quite an adventure!
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXzdw2ZD1BuoELlWT5noCmkL0qI2vhZ4tP49vmQc9r82smFvqm5NtrqnBr00vxHpedlTKIgzJ0QJHy5IKzhW7yJjN3m8qY_TqlP0PSSrBqc-Tc8ywAgy8fyjvDdW-PixxO-HqdS5tkaQ/s1600/IMG_9189.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXzdw2ZD1BuoELlWT5noCmkL0qI2vhZ4tP49vmQc9r82smFvqm5NtrqnBr00vxHpedlTKIgzJ0QJHy5IKzhW7yJjN3m8qY_TqlP0PSSrBqc-Tc8ywAgy8fyjvDdW-PixxO-HqdS5tkaQ/s320/IMG_9189.JPG" /></a>
Lunch was already on the table as we arrived. The Rector’s wife, Luvernia, probably has the most people to accommodate during the festival weekend. She is not only managing all those who come for a singular meal but also provides the food for the large luncheon following the service on Sunday. Luvernia attended culinary school, so we were all spoiled by her fabulous food AND desserts (not commonplace in everyday Haitian eating.).
Saturday afternoon was a time for band and choral rehearsals, various meetings, decorating the church and other related events. I held a meeting with the young adults of the parish, in search of their ideas for the 1st Annual Northern Region Young Adult Camp, scheduled for July 19-31. While at first reluctant to share, soon everyone wanted to pose questions and offer suggestions for the inaugural camp. After our meeting, I spent some informal time with individual young people, especially those interested in assuming some leadership with the camp.
I was then privileged with some free time and chose to observe the other activities and connect with some of the children. I was particularly drawn to two young girls, sisters, who clearly loved each other very much. We spent a good deal of time getting to know each other through a string of questions.
After dinner, there was a choral concert provided by all the groups who planned to participate in the next day’s service. It was a wonderful evening of music and fellowship. Then, it was off to our little hotel for the night.
Early the next morning, we arrived at Pere Jonas and Luvernia’s house for a fabulous breakfast of Haiti’s traditional soup and other fare. Clergy then vested and prepared for the street procession in advance of the service.
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgADFttiKGLBwY9mSj3qlQBqeo4JU93-73aCeJvL-J0moJNLVNWy2A_jjb7-TYX1oUyNu5m9PtS3tH6K-r9OcMfDnirAZJQmEN_ynnlxupfSrPvsI4oDKvDkqah6aIcQNlYo9Rfq9pKkA/s1600/IMG_9081.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgADFttiKGLBwY9mSj3qlQBqeo4JU93-73aCeJvL-J0moJNLVNWy2A_jjb7-TYX1oUyNu5m9PtS3tH6K-r9OcMfDnirAZJQmEN_ynnlxupfSrPvsI4oDKvDkqah6aIcQNlYo9Rfq9pKkA/s320/IMG_9081.JPG" /></a>
Everyone, clergy, choirs, musicians and parishioners alike, gathered in the church courtyard for the procession. Children and adults who had stayed at the church for the night enjoyed their last bit of hot chocolate or coffee and bread before heading out on the street. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZpcpxC3GzLsG_MI7hUnjv6ZYVJwdIwBI0ryH8WkX6Ul_dkFYgahLd-vGj6getBsCYS7RidpxNyPv8wP4tFdcQrex-aZMIH_JPFgaEhW15RrthPlNWORX1jT0lMGIYZR13yXBtsJzPQ/s1600/IMG_9063.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZpcpxC3GzLsG_MI7hUnjv6ZYVJwdIwBI0ryH8WkX6Ul_dkFYgahLd-vGj6getBsCYS7RidpxNyPv8wP4tFdcQrex-aZMIH_JPFgaEhW15RrthPlNWORX1jT0lMGIYZR13yXBtsJzPQ/s320/IMG_9063.JPG" /></a> It is really difficult to translate the image of the massive procession that traveled from the back of the church through the streets and into the church doors into words. Even my pictures do not adequately reflect the power of this powerful symbol of community in Christ.
Service attendants spilled out into the courtyard that surrounded the church, where benches were supplied as well as televisions for remote viewing of the liturgy. It was an incredible worship experience, particularly since Bishop Beauvoir and Jonas Beauvoir are brothers and Bishop Beauvoir grew up in Gros Morne.
The day was capped off with a magnificent lunch of everything imaginable- parrot fish, conch, goat, chicken, beet salad (One of my favorites!), macaroni & cheese and a sea of beautiful cakes, pastries and cookies from which to choose.
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEUx1E3KxcI-EIs23avmjynNLt2WUWtKFbnMeyeem3qohKPro0NGQzmyUANdwTP04e9KwZhkQE_At-VRD_L47_lg8wsKplgTacx8gO0ZQJ0stXdCyxfoHSfdc2mSUS4UsQArnQYgVlZQ/s1600/IMG_9181.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEUx1E3KxcI-EIs23avmjynNLt2WUWtKFbnMeyeem3qohKPro0NGQzmyUANdwTP04e9KwZhkQE_At-VRD_L47_lg8wsKplgTacx8gO0ZQJ0stXdCyxfoHSfdc2mSUS4UsQArnQYgVlZQ/s320/IMG_9181.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXUzyWhgNKRqhQvPiuPUS5DsCaVkbXoXUDa6akzRq8yhWbZptSCpvKgeaRAaIuY0wUeNxmHMV2sRvRtUEWohLqznvinYeyQ9R_LMPLuQo0sX2jduiGfoD77Q8SF1V1bj69-uDAeHj42g/s1600/IMG_9180.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXUzyWhgNKRqhQvPiuPUS5DsCaVkbXoXUDa6akzRq8yhWbZptSCpvKgeaRAaIuY0wUeNxmHMV2sRvRtUEWohLqznvinYeyQ9R_LMPLuQo0sX2jduiGfoD77Q8SF1V1bj69-uDAeHj42g/s320/IMG_9180.JPG" /></a>
As we made our way to Port au Prince that afternoon, all the twists, turns and various obstacles on the road were made tolerable by the rich memories of the previous two days. I anxiously await the next festival day of a parish in the North. In a time of declining numbers in the pews and other challenges for Episcopal Churches in the U.S., perhaps we, too, should consider strengthening the community of our own parishes as well as the community of the larger church through this wonderful tradition.
Kyle Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04689418034402665349noreply@blogger.com0Gros-Morne, Haiti19.671895 -72.67777619.6569425 -72.697945999999988 19.6868475 -72.657606tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372726656427266648.post-42208978509639222442013-04-03T10:07:00.000-07:002013-04-04T11:59:09.514-07:00Maundy Thursday- Loving Sacrifice and Humility <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgILX4gBAAj2twuzgZgavoJFF7xa9J63CyqERiBefAjMh-pZiA5Y4S1ZBnDUaaAmbhUXjiZl1uyoc8XWzExqNzKfiGPAUR0-l1WLey4RlrtjjD61x7iY2zkvn8AdKJQ977IH-_nbuO3vw/s1600/IMG_8810.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgILX4gBAAj2twuzgZgavoJFF7xa9J63CyqERiBefAjMh-pZiA5Y4S1ZBnDUaaAmbhUXjiZl1uyoc8XWzExqNzKfiGPAUR0-l1WLey4RlrtjjD61x7iY2zkvn8AdKJQ977IH-_nbuO3vw/s320/IMG_8810.JPG" /></a>
What is the significance of Maundy Thursday? At face value, it is Jesus's Last Supper with His disciples and foot washing. Much more than that,though, it represents everlasting bonds in faith and humility in service, sometimes beyond comprehension. And so it was for me my first Maundy Thursday back in Haiti.
The Episcopal Diocese of Haiti, particularly the Northern Region, has a growing relationship with Food For The Poor (foodforthepoor.org), an inspiring, faith based nonprofit headquartered in Coconut Creek, Florida that serves the underserved in the Caribbean. One of our Diocese's responsibilities is to distribute food on schedule and on an as needed basis to villages near Cap Haitien. Maundy Thursday was a day designated to make four such deliveries. I was part of the team delivering to Chastenoye, a large village supported by Nativity Catholic Church in Burke, VA through Food for the Poor. We arrived with 85 sacks (more than 110 lbs.) of rice, 16 sacks (60 lbs.) of beans and 8 gallons of oil. As we moved from the paved roadway to dirt, the result of two full days of rain was evident. It was a sea of mud (boule in Creole) and I was wearing a pair of leather low-rise shoes. This was going to be interesting.
We identified the village leaders and quickly began to unload the rice and other goods into a new, currently unoccupied house. Residents began to form around the truck and, soon, a sizable crowd emerged. They were relieved and overjoyed to see the rice, beans and oil, as they shared that they had no food for the Easter weekend. I wonder how many of us on any particular day question where our next meal is going to come.
As we finished unloading the truck, I asked if there was a family who had experienced particular challenges of late. I was directed to a woman who was eager to share the strife of her family and bring me to her home. I speak very little Creole, so, as she spoke, one of the community leaders translated her story into French for me. En route to her home, I was greeted by many children, a couple of whom took my hands. This is one of my favorite parts of theses visits. At one point, I mis-stepped in some of the abundant mud, resulting in some landing on the back of my left sock and leg.
Soon we arrived at the woman’s house and were met by a large pool of fairly deep water. I started to proceed toward the back of the house, hoping to access the porch from the other direction. I was quickly stopped by the residents, who explained that the water and mud was even worse in the back.
Suddenly, a woman came up to me from behind, expressing distress that I had mud on my leg and sock. She immediately wiped it off. Then, seeing my dilemma, she scooped me up and carried me over the water. I was speechless and deeply moved, both by her kindness and her strength!
Once I heard all the challenges before this particular family (to be shared in another blog entry) and started to say my goodbyes, I could feel the woman re-appear behind me. Before I could say anything, I was, once again, wisked across the water. By this time, the truck had been moved to our current location. As I approached the door, I asked the woman for her name. "Rachel", she said. She asked me to write it down. "I will remember", I said. And I have and I will, always.
On the typical Maundy Thursday, we may think of the Last Supper and foot washing. This year, my sacred moment was the loving touch and spirited assistance of Rachel, my new and blessed friend in Chastenoye.
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNZP6BTAV5j6dlr3NS1CLpV78-xTmZlx63ooOmsf6hsNMdabrd2arbPzo02rGkW2J1PiZA8G4JqRF5nY-t0NQ_ozB7BLd8_CETpqrpi99BTvYDmhHN_J9yhYGAh9jw-6heY9zfy7PEWg/s1600/IMG_8831.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNZP6BTAV5j6dlr3NS1CLpV78-xTmZlx63ooOmsf6hsNMdabrd2arbPzo02rGkW2J1PiZA8G4JqRF5nY-t0NQ_ozB7BLd8_CETpqrpi99BTvYDmhHN_J9yhYGAh9jw-6heY9zfy7PEWg/s320/IMG_8831.JPG" /></a>
Kyle Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04689418034402665349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372726656427266648.post-28822567606128781202013-03-27T14:56:00.001-07:002013-03-27T14:56:27.927-07:00A Pilgrimage To Church<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJiwlObHbGsshV9zwjJv-cOCmVTKS9_2ITr6MjrXKKvGCt8VpK_ZCTpX3oz7nfcR4p4z5gRJQAcDuQY80kBoCPx7zY6JsAR6t6eSx7iTl6mi3BqueYUs7-uLIR2xUjrYkAhD1Jidj76A/s1600/IMG_8170.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJiwlObHbGsshV9zwjJv-cOCmVTKS9_2ITr6MjrXKKvGCt8VpK_ZCTpX3oz7nfcR4p4z5gRJQAcDuQY80kBoCPx7zY6JsAR6t6eSx7iTl6mi3BqueYUs7-uLIR2xUjrYkAhD1Jidj76A/s320/IMG_8170.JPG" /></a>
My home parish is about a 10-minute drive from my house. It is easily accessed on well-paved roads and also relatively close to a shopping center with a grocery store, drug store and other amenities.
This could not have been farther from the truth in my recent journey to the dedication of a school and church in a community called Molas. We changed our vehicle to a sturdy 4X4 in Gros Mornes and headed for the hills, literally! At a certain point in off roading through waterways and rocky terrain, we left the car at a coffee grower’s home and continued to make our way to Molas on foot. Four hours each way, up and down mountains, crossing brooks, navigating narrow pathways on the edge of cliffs...it was quite something. It really gave me a glimpse into the life of Haitians so far removed from medical care and needs which we take for granted.
In the midst of my struggle to climb steep hillsides and brace myself on rugged terrain, I marveled at the ease with which Haitians of all ages scampered, if not ran, by me, some barefooted. Ah to be that agile again!
The scenery was absolutely breathtaking, the way all of Haiti must have been long ago. Though people commented on the decrease of trees each time they visited, I was still captivated by the splendor of the lush, green landscape and the clear streams.
When one needs to hike 4 hours for a dedication, all the necessary accoutrements must come as well. Picture an entourage of people carrying vestments, beverages, musical instruments and other paraphernalia. Of course, the musicians were not only carrying their instruments, they were playing them! Talk about a joyful noise- a full band leading the procession with great hymns. The music only needed to stop briefly when a particular donkey was frightened by the sound and refused to pass.
We arrived at our inspiring destination and spent a delightful night in the cool mountain air, completely absent of mosquitoes. The next morning, following the adornment of balloons and loving handcrafted banners from the sponsor church, Holy Family, Chapel Hill, NC, everyone assembled at the school for its dedication. We all then processed to the church for it dedication. The service was wonderfully celebratory, filled with lots of music delivered by various singing groups, and capped off with the confirmation of 22 people of varying ages.
Following a quick lunch, it was time to begin the hike back to the car. Though concerned that my right knee might act up after all the travel of the previous day, a bamboo walking stick served to lighten the strain. Before I knew it, we were back in our vehicle, making our way to Gros Mornes and then on to Port au Prince.
I am sure there were those who wondered whether the “Blanc” was actually going to go the distance. While certainly challenging, I felt incredibly blessed to be able to share in the experience of those two days. I hope to have it again during my assignment, whether back to Molas or another part of the North. It is important for the Haitian people in all parts of this country to know that they are loved and valued. And it is important for those of us who have easier lives to be made aware of life in places far more remote. While there are decided challenges that those communities face, there is also a joie de vivre in the simplicity of their lives and the value they place on their families and caring for one another. The new school and church will add important hope and solidarity to the already rich village of Molas.
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9zFAVdbXrIqik53oiz74uSNlbIxVoMZ2SdZGWy6vanQiT0UJhPKY74UUjwTJEzHm_EVCMXotchtt-6xUw2GAcO6gxgjzFbmcwJklrASJkLWM3Hm75xWxmsy3n3WNzD69U8nEpj87hog/s1600/IMG_8073.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9zFAVdbXrIqik53oiz74uSNlbIxVoMZ2SdZGWy6vanQiT0UJhPKY74UUjwTJEzHm_EVCMXotchtt-6xUw2GAcO6gxgjzFbmcwJklrASJkLWM3Hm75xWxmsy3n3WNzD69U8nEpj87hog/s320/IMG_8073.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Koiccls7q92w-W_mMYhDpIE9z_DoIVTuKZNafdz1ri2I7-VnuyFyc88EbKyicjtIxFU34GFivoY8zO3DFGNV6ZOEy1Z_FK-NmM_kODtqQp31ZBqNmJHj5Vp0VNGQaaomEFPULd50Qw/s1600/IMG_8128.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Koiccls7q92w-W_mMYhDpIE9z_DoIVTuKZNafdz1ri2I7-VnuyFyc88EbKyicjtIxFU34GFivoY8zO3DFGNV6ZOEy1Z_FK-NmM_kODtqQp31ZBqNmJHj5Vp0VNGQaaomEFPULd50Qw/s320/IMG_8128.JPG" /></a>
Kyle Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04689418034402665349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372726656427266648.post-1116353586561370982013-03-08T07:22:00.002-08:002013-03-08T07:24:48.333-08:00Haiti - Social : 102nd International Women's Day<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7iL0gXcOI7pxUTdXlcIku75mY8bYVZqmls_4YxVUiJR0aS7wG5npOdocTPjuyw3QAJbtK8VXk8xvBFuNq4QHQT7siSHubE3m2UQ636M-pUnEmSsn2-vlRpZMZTUssvM2JdfkQKnlWyg/s1600/g-8043.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7iL0gXcOI7pxUTdXlcIku75mY8bYVZqmls_4YxVUiJR0aS7wG5npOdocTPjuyw3QAJbtK8VXk8xvBFuNq4QHQT7siSHubE3m2UQ636M-pUnEmSsn2-vlRpZMZTUssvM2JdfkQKnlWyg/s320/g-8043.jpg" /></a>
Today, Friday, March 8, the world celebrates the 102nd anniversary of the "International Day of Woman". Its many events already announced, Haiti, Atlanta, France, to Montreal, where Haitian women will be honored.
Atlanta "Woman and Society" :
The Consulate General of Haiti in Atlanta informs the Haitian community and the general public, that it organizes on the occasion of "International Women's Day", a day of reflection and of training on the theme "Women and society "Saturday, March 9, 2013, from 10:00 am at the Springhill Suites, Marriott, located #3459 Buckhead Loop N.E Atlanta GA 30326. This day will be moderated by Ms. Michèle Toledo Cainas Director of Program "Georgia Latin Against Domestic Violence" (GLADV), designed for the women of pastors in the Haitian community of Atlanta, most of the time witnesses and confidantes of problems faced by the members of our society, which will constitute and will animate groups of reflections within their respective assemblies. The Consulate General of Haiti in Atlanta, wish a happy feast to all Haitian women, particularly those of the community of Georgia and State under its jurisdiction.
Haiti, tribute to 8 Haitian women :
Friday, March 8, 2013 from 7 pm to 9 pm in Room Franck of the Hotel Montana, the Ministry of Culture, took advantage of the "International Women's Day" to honor posthumously, 8 women writers whose names already appear in the great book of history. They are immortal by their remarkable writings published and unpublished, which have contributed to the flourishing of Haitian literature.
Haiti, opening of the exhibition "Without women no peace" :
Friday, March 8 at 6:00 pm in partnership with the Swiss Embassy in Haiti, will take place the opening of the itinerant exhibition "Without women no peace" presented in Europe and in several countries of Latin America. "Without women no peace" was born in 2005 on the initiative of the international network "Women of Peace around the world" which includes 1,000 women, from more than 150 countries, named that year for the Nobel Prize for Peace. Among them, Haitian women such as Marie Carmelle Rose Anne Auguste, Nicole Magloire and Paula Clermont Péan. This exhibition pays tribute to these women and allows the public to discover the different facets of the struggle for peace throughout the world, as well as UN resolution 1325, adopted in 2005, recognizes for the first time officially, the role of women in the process of consolidation of peace in the world. Free entry from March 8 to 25, at the French Institute of Haiti, 99 rue Lamartiniere, Bois Verna Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
Haiti : Conference on nutrition and economic empowerment of women :
To mark the International Women's Day, a conference on nutrition and economic empowerment of women, will be held Friday, March 8 at 5pm in the room Unesco of the FOKAL with Ms. Sabine Lamour, specialist genres and gender relations and Ms. Lawrence, head of the office of development and nutritional support of the U.S. Agency for cooperation.
Montreal, months of Feminists activities
Friday, March 8, the Maison d'Haiti in Montreal located at 7501, streeet François-Perrault, Montreal, QC, H2A 1M1 Metro Saint-Michel, invites you to two events on the occasion of its months of Feminists activities under the matronage of the Great Anacaona, Queen of Ayiti Kiskeya Boyo. The launch will take place March 8 to 9 and the closure, April 6, 2013 from 4 pm to 8 pm (National Day of the Movement of Haitian Women organizations). Launching and closure are open to all. Parking spaces available. For information contact the Maison d'Haiti: 514-326-3022 ext 225 or 221.
France, "Les Elles d'Haïti" :
The Association "Flame D'espoir France Haiti"organizes the first edition of "Les Elles d'Haïti" on 9 and 10 March from 2h30 pm to 7h30 pm at the Maison de l'économie et de l'Emploi, located 23 avenue Lombart 92260 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France. Portraits of women of Haitian descent engaged and involved, such as Mimi Barthélémy, Anne Lescot and Milcah, will be exposed, to pay tribute to the woman. This event is organized around an exhibition-sale of paintings, jewelry, books and art pieces made by Haitian artists. Books of haitians authors will also be on sales. he artist zouk Milcah, Patron of the Association, will be present for a book signing, Saturday, March 9 from 4h30 pm.
HL/ HaitiLibre Kyle Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04689418034402665349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372726656427266648.post-84526016168898084722013-03-07T14:29:00.002-08:002013-03-07T14:29:21.788-08:00A Return to Haiti!
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHnsxItZ_sVjU7bL3t-CkvOlTbMDSvBOPFr_Mjv72EvOoLGOwVJ6J4LR6aQL81K7Nn_xuXNdHrQKgMmNJt7KZUuLl_p06DampKMvSi-BMfNwDBPHA3Lugs02AnqQ8omzOe31FL-DR9ng/s1600/Cap-Haitien.8.gif" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHnsxItZ_sVjU7bL3t-CkvOlTbMDSvBOPFr_Mjv72EvOoLGOwVJ6J4LR6aQL81K7Nn_xuXNdHrQKgMmNJt7KZUuLl_p06DampKMvSi-BMfNwDBPHA3Lugs02AnqQ8omzOe31FL-DR9ng/s320/Cap-Haitien.8.gif" /></a>
It has been more than three years since I concluded my first, 12 month appointment as a Missioner in Haiti. I have made four trips back to Haiti since the “cataclisme de la terre” (earthquake) of January 2010, primarily focused on the dental education programs sponsored by Tabasamu (www.tabasamu.net). Each trip has only made me love the Haitian people more and yearn to return for a longer period of time. When I least expected it, God answered my prayers through a invitation to assist The Rt. Rev. Oge Beauvoir, the first Suffragan Bishop of Haiti, through a three year appointment in North Haiti.
The focus of my work will include the expansion of partnerships with schools and churches; developing training for Haitian lay leaders in youth ministry and Christian education, including identifying further education for certain Haitian lay leaders in these areas; empowerment of youth and women; pursuit of funding and volunteer assistance for a large regional farming program; significant fund raising and grant writing for aforementioned initiatives; and any other requests made by Bishop Beauvoir.
Though it took more time than expected to iron out the details, I finally found myself on a plane to Port au Prince (PaP) early a.m. Friday, March 1. Following a scenic and SPEEDY 6 hour drive from PaP to Cap, I was “home”. While my apartment is being prepared, I am staying in a nice room with a private bath adjacent to the office where I work. Oge and his lovely wife, Serette, live above me. It has been very nice to share meals together and have lengthy conversations on the hopes and dreams for this part of the Episcopal Diocese of Haiti. The early days of my time have already been filled with meetings and much is scheduled for the balance of the month (including a 5 hour mountainous hike to a school dedication for Food for the Poor!). Stay tuned for more stories and feel free to post comments or questions. Benedictions!
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKb1BhiNJFCVEG0PXp2YCz85wtVEYkS0NUvZezONM0VCdWk4pRMW1JdLf1IPdRaKUqM_MmHxgdED8BQmcuF9qato4f5qxDuJnw92aaNip_jo8E1rhsElmJfBDuvMowg8ma3aclBYOqOg/s1600/safe_image.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKb1BhiNJFCVEG0PXp2YCz85wtVEYkS0NUvZezONM0VCdWk4pRMW1JdLf1IPdRaKUqM_MmHxgdED8BQmcuF9qato4f5qxDuJnw92aaNip_jo8E1rhsElmJfBDuvMowg8ma3aclBYOqOg/s320/safe_image.jpg" /></a>
Kyle Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04689418034402665349noreply@blogger.com1Cap-Haitien, Haiti19.75622 -72.19966899999997219.6964385 -72.28034999999997 19.8160015 -72.118987999999973tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372726656427266648.post-49679391091778814882009-10-30T07:33:00.001-07:002009-10-30T07:36:30.232-07:00Haitian Senate Fires Prime MinisterThe latest on the political scene in <a href="http://www.miamiherald.com/459/story/1307474.html">Haiti:</a>Kyle Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04689418034402665349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372726656427266648.post-66218876495164750012009-10-29T14:05:00.000-07:002009-10-29T16:55:33.824-07:00Training Of Trainers- A First Step In Advancing Education in Schools Of The Diocese Of Haiti<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvHF0nWbY-YAcRd22C4TVARiDSTAyZ5o20YSThJsl6ZcmI_m1wb3Myklf12-F-VmgMt5CUmBbEVGo5XrCFII-eZ7vurBomiNgmHLDsSwUU3jR5UP2kWNekLRj54T_U745VI1N6xETQvw/s1600-h/SG1L9147.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvHF0nWbY-YAcRd22C4TVARiDSTAyZ5o20YSThJsl6ZcmI_m1wb3Myklf12-F-VmgMt5CUmBbEVGo5XrCFII-eZ7vurBomiNgmHLDsSwUU3jR5UP2kWNekLRj54T_U745VI1N6xETQvw/s320/SG1L9147.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398132731644589778" border="0" /></a>
<br /><meta name="Title" content=""> <meta name="Keywords" content=""> <meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"> <meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"> <meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 2008"> <meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 2008"> <link rel="File-List" href="file://localhost/Users/kyleevans/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0clip_filelist.xml"> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:documentproperties> <o:template>Normal.dotm</o:Template> <o:revision>0</o:Revision> <o:totaltime>0</o:TotalTime> <o:pages>1</o:Pages> <o:words>740</o:Words> <o:characters>4220</o:Characters> <o:company>Missioner</o:Company> <o:lines>35</o:Lines> <o:paragraphs>8</o:Paragraphs> <o:characterswithspaces>5182</o:CharactersWithSpaces> <o:version>12.0</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:drawinggridhorizontalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:drawinggridverticalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:displayhorizontaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:displayverticaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:dontautofitconstrainedtables/> <w:dontvertalignintxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="276"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">While researching funding sources for my daily living expenses and special projects in Haiti.<span style=""> </span>I learned of a special grant program available through St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church in Annapolis, Md.<span style=""> </span>They had several priorities in their giving, among them education.<span style=""> </span>I spoke with one of the members of the Grants Committee before departing for Haiti, so I had a sense of the competition for these awards and the kind of projects that might be most appealing.<span style=""> </span>I did not have enough substantive information to complete the application in advance of my departure for Haiti.<span style=""> </span>However, I did know that my goal as a Missioner and the hope and expectation of St. Margaret’s was the development of a sustainable, capacity building project.<span style=""> </span>I began to imagine a peer training programs for teachers of the schools administered by the Episcopal Diocese of Haiti.<span style=""> </span>I looked forward to testing the idea out on Rev. Oge Beauvoir, Dean of Seminaire de Theologie and Executive Director of the Bureau of Anglican Education of Haiti (BAEH).</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Once I got my bearings in Haiti, one of my top priorities was the grant to St. Margaret’s.<span style=""> </span>The deadline was the end of November, so there not time to lose.<span style=""> </span>As I shared the premise for the proposal, I was thrilled to learn that Marianne Palisse, an education missionary and Assistant Dean at the Episcopal University of Haiti, had the very same idea.<span style=""> </span>I received all the additional details needed to complete the proposal, including the fact that only 8% of the teachers in the private sector are trained and 15% in the public sector, and submitted it on November 30.<span style=""> </span>As projected, we received word in February that we were among the proposals that made the cut.<span style=""> </span>We were ecstatic.<span style=""> </span>Following two rounds of follow up questions and a couple of conference calls, we anxiously awaited the final decision.<span style=""> </span>In May, we were thrilled to receive word that teacher training project had been awarded $10,000.<span style=""> </span>It was a wonderful start to what we hoped to be a three-year training program.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3IH1MgmkzlPvWQg0YQ_CC0iOP-mD3k5j_TS8m4KBZ_w-KFUh-D3MjEf4_o-1iG3GHDzt7QFm-HZrceoKh3CegVqAIOYgDu2lqAOicVywDbAlukQGk6P0S_GQCkbx3qLyexnZZu2a9fw/s1600-h/SG1L9042.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 247px; height: 164px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3IH1MgmkzlPvWQg0YQ_CC0iOP-mD3k5j_TS8m4KBZ_w-KFUh-D3MjEf4_o-1iG3GHDzt7QFm-HZrceoKh3CegVqAIOYgDu2lqAOicVywDbAlukQGk6P0S_GQCkbx3qLyexnZZu2a9fw/s320/SG1L9042.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398134100127341538" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The months of planning and preparation passed quickly.<span style=""> </span>Soon August 24<sup>th</sup> arrived and the beginning of the first 2-week training of trainers was here.<span style=""> </span>Virginie Hoareau, the BAEH Director of Pedagogy, was recovering from surgery, so I served as an administrator for the program.<span style=""> </span>This included gathering all the personal information on the teachers, producing name tags, tracking attendance, taking pictures and assigning a different participant to write a daily blog entry on the experience.<span style=""> </span>Greeting each person as they arrived and managing these details really gave me a chance to get to know the different teachers.<span style=""> </span>There were 20 participants, representing all 5 Archdeaconries.<span style=""> </span>Many came long distances, some making the trip on a daily basis and others staying with family and friends in and around the Port au Prince.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbDknjdcDi65pWkChyLPYlg57S_nnRgvCW_M2kJnvEA7DedGliwKHmX8d1ilw-EE-8sk-r-rZ7G8ijFblykG2cp7wIjo_-VGS7JxTi1SsWIZU8343ElETVfNtOgsqPJJEeYa8wjxdmUQ/s1600-h/SG1L9062.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 177px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbDknjdcDi65pWkChyLPYlg57S_nnRgvCW_M2kJnvEA7DedGliwKHmX8d1ilw-EE-8sk-r-rZ7G8ijFblykG2cp7wIjo_-VGS7JxTi1SsWIZU8343ElETVfNtOgsqPJJEeYa8wjxdmUQ/s320/SG1L9062.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398135278181626354" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The days were LONG and HOT.<span style=""> </span>August was, without question, the steamiest month of my residency.<span style=""> </span>We began at 8:30 a.m., took a 20-minute break around 10:30 a.m., had lunch at 1 p.m. and concluded the day at 4:30 p.m.<span style=""> </span>The training was facilitated by Monsieur Rouille and Monsieur Maucouvert, two members of GREF, an organization of Retired French School teachers who offer their extensive experience to provide training to other teachers in French speaking countries.<span style=""> </span>Though Haiti has a long history of rote learning, Monsieur Rouille and Monsieur Maucouvert<span style=""> </span>emphasized the didactic approach to learning.<span style=""> </span>This was reinforced in the training experience through small group discussions and individual and group presentations.<span style=""> </span>Furthermore, with 4 female teachers in a group of 20 participants (a ratio, representative of the overall teaching population in Haiti), some important attention was given to encouraging their confidence and leadership in the academic arena.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6kETq3cJ53-mhoZAQww1pNN5TkqXBZzkpGxSYhdiUxdAuyjJAcstTbX9xQs_saMTKGNK7ky_LFkGBHssRivL5V1ARg5q1HZgaoZUVhLvKmyyFPJ1jLdrX0yGTi8eVrRsZNWl2kCJ4-Q/s1600-h/SG1L9140.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 262px; height: 175px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6kETq3cJ53-mhoZAQww1pNN5TkqXBZzkpGxSYhdiUxdAuyjJAcstTbX9xQs_saMTKGNK7ky_LFkGBHssRivL5V1ARg5q1HZgaoZUVhLvKmyyFPJ1jLdrX0yGTi8eVrRsZNWl2kCJ4-Q/s320/SG1L9140.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398136423507144898" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Through the two-week session, the group focused first on philosophy of teaching, followed by an overview of Haitian curriculum and requirements of the Haitian Ministry of Education, instruction on the creation of a lesson plan, and, finally, a presentation of a class in each of the core subject areas.<span style=""> </span>The last day was spent reviewing the overall training and determining, as a group, what should be placed in the training manual that would be assembled and sent to the team electronically by Monsieur Rouille and Monsieur Maucouvert.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUMF19Rc83R19GMHWSr2zR9RpKkUKBRju0lXwXq5mPhmRBsscxiu8kzUvJNgj2LEltKAkSDr0q1SeHoYe40sPpCQup2uXI5x64pInkjCML9jdaxRdw3x34ObJamR4rFsjQSYfo5X0Cdw/s1600-h/SG1L9119.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 253px; height: 168px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUMF19Rc83R19GMHWSr2zR9RpKkUKBRju0lXwXq5mPhmRBsscxiu8kzUvJNgj2LEltKAkSDr0q1SeHoYe40sPpCQup2uXI5x64pInkjCML9jdaxRdw3x34ObJamR4rFsjQSYfo5X0Cdw/s320/SG1L9119.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398137460322958530" border="0" /></a><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The next training will take place during the two week around Mardi Gras in February.<span style=""> </span>Although it was originally to focus on the newly trained trainers being observed training others, the GREF facilitators felt that another two weeks with the original group would be beneficial.<span style=""> </span>July 2010 will be a month long training by the newly formed Haitian trainers throughout the Episcopal Diocese of Haiti, with GREF representatives offering counsel where needed.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It was very rewarding to see one of the projects first envisioned during my early weeks in Haiti come to fruition.<span style=""> </span>The Teachers Training Teachers program is a perfect example of an initiative where I was only tangentially involved and which can, therefore, be easily sustained after I return to the states.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVFEegM6Odc5esl8Iku_BzLtl0GiHCF7quJnC3m87ml6dQp0Yl0BF0mQtLdKvxqceX5-4GqArJ3nfcgXi1LYxmqxw2zaemkKByw3YmpYC54ctHcsc-vsJEy5hGpeh_MxTKsGO9jnVcow/s1600-h/SG1L9072.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 236px; height: 157px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVFEegM6Odc5esl8Iku_BzLtl0GiHCF7quJnC3m87ml6dQp0Yl0BF0mQtLdKvxqceX5-4GqArJ3nfcgXi1LYxmqxw2zaemkKByw3YmpYC54ctHcsc-vsJEy5hGpeh_MxTKsGO9jnVcow/s320/SG1L9072.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398170886921340434" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-style: italic;">To learn more about this training, please visit the BAEH blog, baehdioceseofhaiti.blogspot.com.</span>
<br /><span style=""> </span></p> <!--EndFragment--> Kyle Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04689418034402665349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372726656427266648.post-41274591667366176892009-10-29T10:09:00.000-07:002009-10-29T16:56:32.970-07:00Haitian Prime Minister on the way outAn update on the probable removal of <a href="http://www.miamiherald.com/news/americas/story/1305762.html">Haiti's Prime Minister:</a>Kyle Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04689418034402665349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372726656427266648.post-18613904938549790882009-10-29T09:44:00.001-07:002009-10-29T16:56:17.179-07:00Food crisis in Haiti: an interview with Myrta Kaulard of the World Food Programme<a href="http://shar.es/ae4QJ">Food crisis in Haiti: an interview with Myrta Kaulard of the World Food Programme</a><br /><br />Posted using <a href="http://sharethis.com/">ShareThis</a>Kyle Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04689418034402665349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372726656427266648.post-24644225931909176192009-10-29T09:33:00.001-07:002009-10-29T16:56:03.913-07:00Latest Political News from HaitiClick here to read the latest political news from <a href="http://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/editorials/story/1303859.html">Haiti: </a>Kyle Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04689418034402665349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372726656427266648.post-84238591014036468092009-09-13T05:33:00.000-07:002009-09-20T14:17:26.060-07:00A Dental MASH Unit in Gwo Jan<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKzpjEkuQcMxlwLQiCJ7jloBBPUmi5Wrv9dx8ZQLONTI1vJZsBhHAg1KJKYQlBynohe9rfbqF8XNpAU8Ix7vzpzulVMNZeNA1jGabIQA_meGd2tq7e0kph32GJdD3hWizapzhlajJaiQ/s1600-h/SG1L8973.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 260px; height: 210px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKzpjEkuQcMxlwLQiCJ7jloBBPUmi5Wrv9dx8ZQLONTI1vJZsBhHAg1KJKYQlBynohe9rfbqF8XNpAU8Ix7vzpzulVMNZeNA1jGabIQA_meGd2tq7e0kph32GJdD3hWizapzhlajJaiQ/s320/SG1L8973.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381175797073611650" border="0" /></a><br /><br />While on leave in the United States, Dr. Trey Wilson ordered some dental supplies for Joseph Antony, one of the Haitian dentists who participated in the Tabasamu dental clinic and T3 training in May. I brought them back with me and called Joseph to schedule a time for him to pick them up. When he stopped by, Joseph mentioned that he was organizing a dental clinic in Gwo Jean during the third week of August. He had brought a beautiful young woman with him, Falide, who was also a dentist and his girlfriend. I was thrilled about the dental camp in Gwo Jean and asked if I could be of assistance. We decided to meet the following week and finalize all the details.<br /><br />Joseph had already done most of the planning for the clinic. I made a few suggestions and offered to help on the first day. The only remaining concern was transportation (Surprise! Surprise!). I offered to contact one of the drivers who drove to Gwo Jan on a regular basis. However, Joseph assured me that he was pursuing some options.<br /><br />In the course of the final e-mails the week of the clinic, I learned that the clinic was going to be held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. I envisioned providing important dental care amidst pews and altar, truly sacred space where God was laying his healing hand upon those who required it.<br /><br />The first day of the clinic arrived. I had done all the necessary shopping, including the purchase of an Igloo and cooler (not easy commodities to find in Haiti!) and was ready to be picked up. Joseph’s friend had been unavailable to drive, so he secured a tap tap driver. I wondered if this driver was actually familiar with the final road to Gwo Jean- a decidedly steep and rocky climb. However, I decided to keep my thoughts to myself. As was the case with the reforestation initiative, we found ourselves about ½ to Gwo Jean when the chauffeur pulled over and began to negotiate for a higher wage. At this point, he argued that he had not been aware of the distance. His attempts failed and, soon, we were back on our way. As we made the arduous ascent to Gwo Jean, there were another 2-3 occasions when the chauffeur stopped and groused about the condition of the road, the challenge to his brakes etc. Ultimately, however, he continued to drive us to our final destination. He backed the tap tap up to a little incline to the left hand side of the road. A small group of volunteers appeared and, as we unloaded the supplies, willingly took items and started to walk up the hill. I was a little surprised that there was no road access to the church. However, I folded in and went along with everyone else, taking pictures along the way.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfPl4seoUVZyUuNvt_EN2kprDgcbXIt9IFQaJWY2tOMuDClhYQa5kfVGryJK00_9Ob5AQQGx68IJEtdNW53d5eWRkKHO0rgqrGy0pk0uCoE629ZNEKFzKGIC3WBFf_7MaKNPywBMGJbA/s1600-h/SG1L8931.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 135px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfPl4seoUVZyUuNvt_EN2kprDgcbXIt9IFQaJWY2tOMuDClhYQa5kfVGryJK00_9Ob5AQQGx68IJEtdNW53d5eWRkKHO0rgqrGy0pk0uCoE629ZNEKFzKGIC3WBFf_7MaKNPywBMGJbA/s320/SG1L8931.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381179688771595490" border="0" /></a><br />As we arrived at the crest of the hill, I saw before me not a bricks and mortar structure but, rather, a mission church created from woven palms and supported with small tree trunks. I had to laugh- I had lived in Haiti for 9 months and it never occurred to me to ask about the physical construction of the church. Silly me, I should have known better!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgaPnpf5496qweDywPkju4aFnBIq9tkDGAb_Lnm58MlDMdrHwDcTizqwadsbcUNZ7n2o8KguxjEZ8BV0fTAEH5dZ8ceDiPjZxBLtbtWc1mR-0qzHGq2Ni-S4ENGwAPpojv5NGMGYakOQ/s1600-h/SG1L8932.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 227px; height: 151px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgaPnpf5496qweDywPkju4aFnBIq9tkDGAb_Lnm58MlDMdrHwDcTizqwadsbcUNZ7n2o8KguxjEZ8BV0fTAEH5dZ8ceDiPjZxBLtbtWc1mR-0qzHGq2Ni-S4ENGwAPpojv5NGMGYakOQ/s320/SG1L8932.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381177682732264450" border="0" /></a><br />In approaching the church, I could see that the right front corner had been designated as the operatory. Volunteers had already created a sterile space with sheets. They had also placed a sheet over that section of roof to reduce the intensity of the sun’s heat.<br /><br />Before Joseph and Falide set up the operatory, we added a second sheet to the ceiling. Though it was only 9:30 a.m., the sun was already beating down on the church. Joseph also switched out one of the sheets on the back wall for a sterile covering typically placed over a patient during surgery. Joseph and Falide unpacked and organized all the instruments and set up the collapsible dental chairs. Simultaneously, the registration volunteers reviewed the list of patients and created additional numbers for “walk-ins”. Within about 30 minutes, we were ready to see the first two patients.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMUwg6bcTvrhwpdbW7WoMFCadSn1CUwP3npu_4rSZyXctNC-8ErVIhqx8ec-w3CWX1DSxeeZlygEuzTFYOyBU99DYIKyEP0ALTQlgxOAZly6g0tKx0GXjuxAj3_NL40dKLLErZwQ2KCw/s1600-h/SG1L8935.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 253px; height: 168px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMUwg6bcTvrhwpdbW7WoMFCadSn1CUwP3npu_4rSZyXctNC-8ErVIhqx8ec-w3CWX1DSxeeZlygEuzTFYOyBU99DYIKyEP0ALTQlgxOAZly6g0tKx0GXjuxAj3_NL40dKLLErZwQ2KCw/s320/SG1L8935.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381183051821199458" border="0" /></a><br />Before receiving those patients, Falide stepped outside of the operatory and made some introductory remarks. I beckoned Joseph who introduced himself and shared a few details about the schedule for the day. I was taking pictures during their presentation. When they had finished speaking, the three of us started to re-enter the operatory. An older gentleman shouted out something in Creole. Joseph apologized and told me that the man wanted to know who I was. They introduced me and then it was time to begin.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKvJkoJ9G08c-4XCpbllEE2hHN1fwv6FAd-bspxgkKIJB32asCl8tyhnQ_3yOvLKenFTi67RSBCiOHuDbzNRUrgDxCR4_iAC04yvQZlfZg67UiGw5oM0qMcmQ8EGqfCWe-JxE8zbAPw/s1600-h/SG1L8947.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 259px; height: 173px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKvJkoJ9G08c-4XCpbllEE2hHN1fwv6FAd-bspxgkKIJB32asCl8tyhnQ_3yOvLKenFTi67RSBCiOHuDbzNRUrgDxCR4_iAC04yvQZlfZg67UiGw5oM0qMcmQ8EGqfCWe-JxE8zbAPw/s320/SG1L8947.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383355707883587442" border="0" /></a><br />My responsibilities included sterilizing instruments, providing patients with bibs (paper towels) & cups of water for patients and disposing of cups filled with spit. At the end of each cleaning and/or evaluation, I presented the patient with a toothbrush and two instruction sheets, translated into Creole, on how to brush teeth and general dental hygiene. Of course, I also documented the day with lots of pictures.<br /><br />Around noon, a 3rd dentist, Francois, made the scene. He had spent the morning in his clinic at the hospital in Pernier. He would now spend the afternoon volunteering with us.<br /><br />Despite the cramped quarters, everyone honored their own space and the operatory remained remarkably sterile. I kept thinking of “MASH”, one of my favorite movies and TV series. This experience gave me a glimpse into what it must have been like to offer medical care in what some might define as a “hostile environment”. Though the setting was rustic, the atmosphere was anything but hostile. There was a true sense of partnership and teamwork. Laughter and lively conversation filled the operatory. There was also important care given to each patient, including counsel on ways to improve their oral hygiene and more complicated dental issues that could not be addressed during this particular clinic.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirjXVBAGTBC5dePz7Qw7nx8NQWUFeBOI3mBMX7iJgXrRZ2rcdGfgf039yNRgjKGNJYQhiPOlfASwQvGQAmnXUwF3hjlJmqAP4PPqiHrPdDtqqe5KcW3rDHEQh_VjkTAxEyDrXskWmRVA/s1600-h/SG1L8962.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 236px; height: 157px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirjXVBAGTBC5dePz7Qw7nx8NQWUFeBOI3mBMX7iJgXrRZ2rcdGfgf039yNRgjKGNJYQhiPOlfASwQvGQAmnXUwF3hjlJmqAP4PPqiHrPdDtqqe5KcW3rDHEQh_VjkTAxEyDrXskWmRVA/s320/SG1L8962.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383357681071732626" border="0" /></a><br />Just before the last two patients, around 3:30 p.m., we took a break for lunch. The timing was perfect, as I was starving. We all ate quickly and then Joseph and Falide treated the final patients. We packed everything up and left most of the supplies in Gwo Jean for the next day. The tap tap driver arrived, loaded the few things we were taking to Port au Prince and we headed home.<br /><br />It had been a good day. We treated about 20 patients. We might have treated more if we had not charged them. However, we felt it was important to set a small fee for the dental care that they received. This also helped to offset the cost of the program. Joseph and Falide treated about the same number of patients the next day. Since then, word of the quality care that the patients received has spread and there is a cry for a second clinic in Gwo Jean. Joseph, Falide and I hope this can happen in the next couple of months.<br /><br />Joseph, Falide and Francois represent the wonderful spirit of Haitian people and the incredible ingenuity and determination of their generation of young professionals. I think it is very important to encourage their commitment and vision, for they are truly the future of Haiti. Joseph, in particular, has a contagious energy and important understanding of the need to lend a hand to serve the underserved while pursuing one's professional dreams. It is a joy and blessing to work with Joseph and all the special young adults that he brings to his initiatives.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwrA-1F_xaFByK7Itu1oz1l_W9u8lCbIvWsIkoqdRSyfztP4lbukH4y6gnWBN3N-tRQ4i19tpnZnzLQWgMdjk-ngC02hgMf0mPne-YQmXdP2bAF-CQ7UdnOejiaKCzX6tZdmDElfmvHg/s1600-h/SG1L8969.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 152px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwrA-1F_xaFByK7Itu1oz1l_W9u8lCbIvWsIkoqdRSyfztP4lbukH4y6gnWBN3N-tRQ4i19tpnZnzLQWgMdjk-ngC02hgMf0mPne-YQmXdP2bAF-CQ7UdnOejiaKCzX6tZdmDElfmvHg/s320/SG1L8969.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383361249750312642" border="0" /></a>Kyle Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04689418034402665349noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372726656427266648.post-5949611430033046762009-09-10T19:47:00.001-07:002009-09-13T21:23:27.020-07:00Meeting Milhous Rabel in Thiotte<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsmdRBBYa0ITxVxZC7TFWn6pQNJUCrzlx0VRDLfjUW4RjWeP3YLt87vVssG_rJqqH_bYxhxlO1gpamqf6wZY6eqrBYirW8iIY6tOqn1wSubcHzhIMfm1vkS0F6jsLBJ0ROCxiKZoAYQw/s1600-h/SG1L8857.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 168px; height: 253px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsmdRBBYa0ITxVxZC7TFWn6pQNJUCrzlx0VRDLfjUW4RjWeP3YLt87vVssG_rJqqH_bYxhxlO1gpamqf6wZY6eqrBYirW8iIY6tOqn1wSubcHzhIMfm1vkS0F6jsLBJ0ROCxiKZoAYQw/s320/SG1L8857.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381145191556364946" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Today’s technology has revolutionized the way we interact and also the capacity to connect and re-connect with others. When I prepared to depart for Haiti, Hannah Powell, one of Trinity’s youth group members, urged me to establish a blog and get on Facebook. I took her advice on both and, through these forms of electronic communication, I have met new people and had others long since absent return to my life.<br /><br />My 35th high school reunion was last April. A member of my class set up a Facebook page and, within a very short period of time, names and faces of people who I hadn’t seen or heard from for over three decades, began to surface. It was wonderful. Along with this pre-reunion reunion came a string of old photographs that prompted all kinds of great memories and much laughter.<br /><br />Since I was not able to attend the reunion, I sent a message to my fellow classmates, sharing a little bit about my work in Haiti and letting them know that they would be in my thoughts and prayers as they came together. This e-mail prompted a response from Jeannette Pittman. Now living in England, Jeannette sponsors two children through an organization called ActionAid (www.actionaid.org). One of these children is located in Rwanda and the other in Haiti. When I learned this, I let her known that I had visited a child in Nairobi, Kenya sponsored by the sister of a friend of mine through another organization. I offered to visit Jeannette’s child in Haiti. I explained that, in such cases, the sponsor needed to make the request of the organization.<br /><br />Jeannette was excited by such a prospect and said that she would contact ActionAid. Some time passed, during which Jeannette sent a couple of e-mails to me expressing diminished confidence that this was going to happen. Eventually, though, she did receive a response from ActionAid and, almost simultaneously, so did I.<br /><br />Edithe Mathieu, Sponsorship Junior Officer in the ActionAid Port au Prince offices, became my contact. She was extremely efficient, both in terms of communication and also making all the necessary arrangements. We began the planning before I departed for my leave in July. I learned that the little girl’s name was Milhous Rabel. She was 9 years old and lived in a town called Thiotte. Thiotte is in South Haiti, about 3 ½ hours from Port au Prince. It is the #1 producer of coffee in Haiti and about a 2-hour drive from the border of the Dominican Republic.<br /><br />As I investigated transportation options, I learned that a journey from Port au Prince to Thiotte required changing buses three times. Since I was not familiar with this part of Haiti, and still somewhat limited in speaking Creole, I decided that this was not viable for me. I contacted Edithe and asked if someone from ActionAid might be traveling to and from Thiotte and could give me a ride. She responded by saying that round trip transportation would be provided by ActionAid. As a result of the distance and the length of the visit with Milhous, Edithe said that we would spend the night at a Guest House in Thiotte and return the next morning. We set the date for August 18.<br /><br />Time passed quickly and, soon, I was back from leave and ready to finalize the details for the visit with Milhous. ActionAid does not endorse having a single child receive gifts or benefits over and above others. Along with Milhous, I would meet with 9 other children. I was invited to sponsor a pizza and ice cream lunch and/or bring small gifts for all of them. I chose to do both.<br /><br />August 18 arrived and I was picked up by Edithe and another gentleman. I quickly learned that we needed to purchase the ice cream and pizza in Port au Prince. It was another reminder how much Americans take for granted with regard to easy and immediate access to virtually all things. We picked up the ice cream at one of my usual markets, Piyay National. Then it was on to Epidor for two large home made pizza pies.<br /><br />Once we had the essential items for the party, we began to creep our way out of Port au Prince and through Croix de Bouquets (the home of Haiti’s beautifully crafted iron art) during the morning traffic. After Croix de Bouquets, the road started to open up. After we drove past Fon Parisien, the rest of the trip was going to be uncharted territory for me. And uncharted it was. I have traveled on some pretty bad roads in Kenya, Guatemala and Haiti. However, this trip was, without a doubt, on the worst roads that I have experienced.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnOeRH1tmeI19cOUjbffUyszGNfNNDp4rZSa8RpIvctBWSv0vdX9Kxn_s3LXt1z6Tmcw_sRDIqCfi9VpPpWnlHsCEA81BNoqqPN5xTvjunimFGs6oFK6Aer2I2sEYMlqh5Yx6rE05REw/s1600-h/SG1L8917.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 142px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnOeRH1tmeI19cOUjbffUyszGNfNNDp4rZSa8RpIvctBWSv0vdX9Kxn_s3LXt1z6Tmcw_sRDIqCfi9VpPpWnlHsCEA81BNoqqPN5xTvjunimFGs6oFK6Aer2I2sEYMlqh5Yx6rE05REw/s320/SG1L8917.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380039377889835906" border="0" /></a><br />The balance of the drive was filled with narrow paths of rubble, up and down steep mountain, around hairpin turns and down into valleys, all with enough jockeying and bouncing to destroy the best of shock absorbers. Guard rails are almost non-existent in Haiti, so one was keenly aware that one sudden swerve or slip of the tires and you might well find yourself down a mountainside. One is particularly aware of this when a large truck on tap tap passed by. Thankfully, our “chauffeur” was an excellent driver.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8DoXvxsh7MZGov4uuYVPBEuFN147GGECPZxoyGpPFKxjepOISDaiufmbGu_UYZNUBeXwHA6Yx1F8dsB8TvIqH8FZdRqN_LQtq9Ga8z0Tnjlog5sjGODjocCccQVOCL152EVsL3d1aRQ/s1600-h/SG1L8925.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 142px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8DoXvxsh7MZGov4uuYVPBEuFN147GGECPZxoyGpPFKxjepOISDaiufmbGu_UYZNUBeXwHA6Yx1F8dsB8TvIqH8FZdRqN_LQtq9Ga8z0Tnjlog5sjGODjocCccQVOCL152EVsL3d1aRQ/s320/SG1L8925.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380046422167647106" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_4-5k08RKAUBZ_m4EFar3pWrU2S_cNW0VAooYuAt-0knBtGgHNYuVdlge1oHarENnRs4eQ8ECPwDZPG2Rp0v2ZY74KizapISS5mHUr67HkbyTgG2xkc6piRO0esZ2PggIMQ0BjF3JoA/s1600-h/SG1L8904.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 245px; height: 164px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_4-5k08RKAUBZ_m4EFar3pWrU2S_cNW0VAooYuAt-0knBtGgHNYuVdlge1oHarENnRs4eQ8ECPwDZPG2Rp0v2ZY74KizapISS5mHUr67HkbyTgG2xkc6piRO0esZ2PggIMQ0BjF3JoA/s320/SG1L8904.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381135611987347442" border="0" /></a><br />Amidst the “adventure”, I saw the greatest spectrum of landscape-vast expanses of land devastated by deforestation and a major flood in 2004, resulting in miles of boulders and other rock where a small river and various communities once stood; a beautiful pine forest; exquisitely terraced farms; and lush, almost jungle like areas representing the heart of the coffee business.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig-NXQJ8YB70yLjbq1lBQfQRorCy4liX17r8M-cRfcsrdy4ploejQR4V3SoNmbr_rw6Fz5cjYCmB3PiFNzn3qfj5a4Dssvb5w5Q6oGQJ0tMsguzDz2R4_pbPrgdiw15xoOWdLCDU9qGQ/s1600-h/SG1L8914.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 228px; height: 118px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig-NXQJ8YB70yLjbq1lBQfQRorCy4liX17r8M-cRfcsrdy4ploejQR4V3SoNmbr_rw6Fz5cjYCmB3PiFNzn3qfj5a4Dssvb5w5Q6oGQJ0tMsguzDz2R4_pbPrgdiw15xoOWdLCDU9qGQ/s320/SG1L8914.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381137658327236482" border="0" /></a><br />Once in Thiotte, we first visited the regional offices. We were greeted by officials of both ActionAid and their national partner CROSE. A lovely snack of boiled eggs, fresh bananas, bread and coffee were provided. Within about 20 minutes, we were off to meet Milhous and the other students.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIiwELnUfIPfzjTKJpttORHshFPlPzhlN4uvswy66Vrd6zcV6Y0ItJ6u7muTEtJGtmeguS3PXJcc39S0d8Ig2ePLIhStL76zDck7-IMAvvT_R0GCT23AgcpxuARgcmKQnM2ORW5eC_Ow/s1600-h/SG1L8854.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 217px; height: 145px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIiwELnUfIPfzjTKJpttORHshFPlPzhlN4uvswy66Vrd6zcV6Y0ItJ6u7muTEtJGtmeguS3PXJcc39S0d8Ig2ePLIhStL76zDck7-IMAvvT_R0GCT23AgcpxuARgcmKQnM2ORW5eC_Ow/s320/SG1L8854.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381138932423478834" border="0" /></a><br />As we approached the school grounds, there were two brightly painted buildings, one to the left and the other to the right. In the center, there was a large tree providing significant shade. Under the tree, we found Milhous, her parents, the other 9 nine children and about half a dozen adults seated and patiently waiting.<br /><br />I was first introduced to Milhous and her parents. Milhous wore a beautiful cream-colored lace dress. Her parents were also impeccably dressed. It was an emotionally charged moment for me as I became the conduit through whom Jeannette was linked to Milhous and her parents. I fought back the tears and joyfully shook their hands. I then greeted the rest of the children and adults.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuFrKP6bK7n1dcqedVCo14cvhvO4ZTqbrjyFR-mOBYgkVkxcS07HtanpP4n9vqtAqHBBlqw_bfI0E5S4i_IcU2siL-sEyLkSpJOskGkzpQr36Y6XhwgxmlyFVG-mobMqmKtNO2pYFN4w/s1600-h/SG1L8855.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 163px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuFrKP6bK7n1dcqedVCo14cvhvO4ZTqbrjyFR-mOBYgkVkxcS07HtanpP4n9vqtAqHBBlqw_bfI0E5S4i_IcU2siL-sEyLkSpJOskGkzpQr36Y6XhwgxmlyFVG-mobMqmKtNO2pYFN4w/s320/SG1L8855.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381146958490690178" border="0" /></a><br />After introductions, we began to serve the pizza and the ice cream, still surprising cold, to everyone. The children were incredibly well behaved, each patiently waiting to receive their serving.<br /><br />Following their snack, I distributed a few gifts to each child: a beenie baby, box of crayons, pencils and 3 toothbrushes. Given my involvement with Tabasamu, I always try to provide toothbrushes wherever I visit. The children seemed to like everything. One little boy received a bright yellow duck for his beenie baby. He clung to it all afternoon, even in the group pictures. Edith Evans, my mother-in-law, had donated the beenie babies. Her loving gesture brought great joy to the lives of these children.<br /><br />Since I provided dental instruction sheets in Creole, I was asked to do a small presentation on good dental care. The children were attentive, though clearly the length of the day was beginning to effect their energy level. As so often happens in Tabasamu programs geared for children, the adults who were present seized the opportunity to ask their own questions.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Rp9XBIaVWz45s8wxXNykBl1LsWUbv2JxT8uEF22QXxdqGBSc8xlQywo7Z8TT4G-_DkNhuCeQrtvo8tZvyvfnz-nWpFshJ6ouEKmksZK-eyOjMspdtEO2qTvgmf5hKxKtbYMGLjQ_pQ/s1600-h/SG1L8879.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 248px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Rp9XBIaVWz45s8wxXNykBl1LsWUbv2JxT8uEF22QXxdqGBSc8xlQywo7Z8TT4G-_DkNhuCeQrtvo8tZvyvfnz-nWpFshJ6ouEKmksZK-eyOjMspdtEO2qTvgmf5hKxKtbYMGLjQ_pQ/s320/SG1L8879.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381142694164510946" border="0" /></a><br />At the end, I asked if there were any other questions that the group had for me. Milhous’ father asked if it was possible that Jeannette might visit Haiti some day. I explained that she lived in England and that it might be difficult. I was then told that I was the first person to visit a sponsored child in Haiti. Perhaps those who are reading this posting, and who sponsor a child through ActionAid in Haiti, will consider making a visit. It was certainly a blessing for me and was clearly meaningful to Milhous, her parents and the broader community.<br /><br />Following the dental program, everyone assembled for group photos. Then it was time to say goodbye and head to the micro finance coffee business. The coffee company has been in existence for several years and exports coffee to various countries, including Japan and the United States. This enterprise not only provides income to sustain ActionAid’s regional programs, it also offers employment to a significant number of parents of the sponsored children. It was an impressive operation and a wonderful example of local business supporting community development.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG3IxQS9is-xSnWTE78QsGYJERrcmvVfVMtWGkDr6tSp97BgqpFVhLGwSdSbExXM3q4pEtaepCQFg9yE9x-0bcU9i89b1yNyZTbsJY0nczC75mWp5x5eQayynxUEdhpefE5jIdLLVXIQ/s1600-h/SG1L8887.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 235px; height: 157px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG3IxQS9is-xSnWTE78QsGYJERrcmvVfVMtWGkDr6tSp97BgqpFVhLGwSdSbExXM3q4pEtaepCQFg9yE9x-0bcU9i89b1yNyZTbsJY0nczC75mWp5x5eQayynxUEdhpefE5jIdLLVXIQ/s320/SG1L8887.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381166491081753570" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIm3Q9otD7TgySpDUHhZne6zdOeB2lNpwLSDsnSleQxKtR4Z0rXLKYTiPmMM6nJcq19Gr203NwnfpZK2pT4tzwczdi0jPvovXGujcK-FG3rdzWcyv6qrZOJ1PYUODTsr3j0Wr_bdzF7A/s1600-h/SG1L8884.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIm3Q9otD7TgySpDUHhZne6zdOeB2lNpwLSDsnSleQxKtR4Z0rXLKYTiPmMM6nJcq19Gr203NwnfpZK2pT4tzwczdi0jPvovXGujcK-FG3rdzWcyv6qrZOJ1PYUODTsr3j0Wr_bdzF7A/s320/SG1L8884.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381167249516486370" border="0" /></a><br />We left the coffee business and headed to the Esperanta Guest House, stopping briefly to purchase some of the wonderful coffee that we had witnessed in production.<br /><br />Esperanta was a lovely multi-room guest house, which also hosts banquets, weddings etc. We checked in and had time to relax a bit before dinner was served. Given the altitude, the air was delightful. I sprayed the tops of my sheets and the balcony doorway, so that I could keep everything open.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEPFHedoJkE-3Wsw_ODE1HGRuwfEwLqbkmLf5eEDdLAId1gWuDODoRPcbCzVV-IPgbCRYaTecDI3sYQOwfji8kdssBET6U43BGPW7qkCbIH-cAzHIR3ThVM1UhtrHXUpp3MfqRusUjxA/s1600-h/SG1L8897.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 220px; height: 146px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEPFHedoJkE-3Wsw_ODE1HGRuwfEwLqbkmLf5eEDdLAId1gWuDODoRPcbCzVV-IPgbCRYaTecDI3sYQOwfji8kdssBET6U43BGPW7qkCbIH-cAzHIR3ThVM1UhtrHXUpp3MfqRusUjxA/s320/SG1L8897.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381169581661013538" border="0" /></a><br />Dinner was delicious-rice, beef with sauce, plantains, salad and fresh juice. After taking a shower, the rest of the evening was spent catching up on a few e-mails via my BlackBerry and reading Mountains Beyond Mountains.<br /><br />Breakfast (classic Haitian spaghetti with ketchup & fresh juice) was served at 7 a.m. the next morning and we were on the road by 7:30 a.m. Edithe and the chauffeur were quite gracious in allowing me to request a stop whenever I wanted to take pictures. I took full advantage of their kindness, particularly in the forest and in the area of the terrace farming.<br /><br />When we returned to Port au Prince, Edithe took me to the central office. She provided me with a full tour that ended in the sponsorship office. I completed the visit evaluation form on line and, as I got up to leave, was presented with a lovely collection of ActionAid gift items. The straw hat and the travel first aid kit would definitely come in handy! I thanked everyone for all of their efforts in making this memorable trip happen, especially Edithe. Then Edithe and the driver took me home.<br /><br />Sometimes we think the world is very large and disconnected. My visit to Thiotte brought three countries together- England-Jeannette’s home; the U.S.-my home and Haiti. It took a team effort to make this amazing encounter take place. And, for a brief time, the world became very small.Kyle Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04689418034402665349noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372726656427266648.post-50665358169242683372009-09-07T21:00:00.000-07:002009-09-07T21:01:18.940-07:00Haiti should take care of disabled children - Editorials - MiamiHerald.comhttp://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/editorials/story/1213496.htmlKyle Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04689418034402665349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372726656427266648.post-16485798412514997672009-08-23T21:00:00.000-07:002009-08-25T22:01:21.271-07:00The Episcopal Diocese of Haiti & Trees for the Future-A Reforestation Partnership<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDSX2H01oujDVnjj5yf3oaZIfdk1eltqQvA7wWpbJNtE8nYsybeNNSlCaeTvn9TAdx7hvNBEDqeH2Zr3jTI3YC421joU9dtetYzsJbQ_GPh5bas6dD2afffoZaZTlmYV11ai8IHWPBTw/s1600-h/103_0531.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDSX2H01oujDVnjj5yf3oaZIfdk1eltqQvA7wWpbJNtE8nYsybeNNSlCaeTvn9TAdx7hvNBEDqeH2Zr3jTI3YC421joU9dtetYzsJbQ_GPh5bas6dD2afffoZaZTlmYV11ai8IHWPBTw/s320/103_0531.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373376374358805298" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br />A Little Background</span><br /><br />Before leaving for Haiti, I made a special presentation to the members of Trinity Youth Group (TYG). At that time, I announced my intention to facilitate a two-week summer mission trip to Haiti. Participants would return to Haiti with me following my leave and share in both cultural immersion and two community-based initiatives. I had hoped for a strong representation of TYG members in this trip and was therefore eager to learn in which projects they were interested. Among other things, I shared the long history of deforestation in Haiti and the devastating effects that it has had on the landscape, wildlife and economy of the country. Megan Piette, a high school sophomore, expressed real concern over this issue and wanted to know hoe group could offer assistance.<br /><br />Megan’s passion over the challenge of deforestation, coupled with a connection I had already established with a member of a greening organization working in Haiti, actually confirmed that one of the summer mission projects would focus on the issue. For me, Megan’s concern and interest was a sign that this was an area of high priority for the future of Haiti.<br /><br />Weeks and months passed, more extensive materials were distributed on the summer mission trip along with monthly articles and other promotions. Despite these efforts, which spanned far beyond my home parish, no youth expressed an interest in participating. Though I could certainly invest time trying to analyze the reasons and examine what I could have done differently to successfully launch the program, I chose to accept the situation and decide how I might best execute the two projects that I had identified.<br /><br />Since Timote Georges, the Field Manager in Haiti for Trees for the Future (www.treesftf.org), and I had been strategizing this project throughout my time in Haiti, it certainly seemed feasible to identify an all-Haitian volunteer team. As I also discussed this with Oge Beauvoir, the Dean of the Seminaire de Theologie, he expressed a desire to involve the youth of the Episcopal Church in Arcahaie, St. Thomas. Timote and I scheduled a meeting with Pere Deveaux, head priest of St. Thomas in mid-May. As we shared the mission and vision for the project, Pere Deveaux told us that the Church’s scout troop had been eager to participate in such an initiative and should, therefore, represent the volunteer force from St. Thomas. He called one of the scout leaders who joined the discussion. Soon dates were confirmed and preliminary logistics set.<br /><br />While I was on leave, Timote held a couple more detailed meetings with the scouts. When I returned in early August, Timote and I had a final planning session and arranged to spend a morning shopping for all the necessary supplies.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Project Itself</span><br /><br />During my years of leadership in the youth program at Trinity, a week long residential outreach program in the city of Philadelphia called Mission Philadelphia had been created. Initially, the group engaged in a wide variety of projects throughout the city. During the past 7 years, they have partnered with a greening organization call Urban Tree Connection (www.urbantreeconnection.org) and helped to transform abandoned spaces in the West Philadelphia corridor into inviting, community utilized gardens and parks. The key to the success of these projects is the significant relationships that are forged within the neighborhoods where the work takes place. Community members not only participate in the week’s experience, they continue their commitment to the initiatives throughout the year.<br /><br />The model for Treesftf is quite similar. As Field Manager in Haiti, Timote receives requests from communities in the regions most affected by deforestation. He holds meetings with them and, together, they determine the best way to move forward in the given area. Trees for the Future supplies the equipment, seeds and other associates supplies for each sponsoring area. The ongoing stewardship of the project is the responsibility of each community. Thus far, this approach has been a most successful one. However, there continue to be two consistent challenges to the growth and sustainability of the reforestation program- food for community volunteers and transportation.<br /><br />Hunger is probably the number one health challenge in Haiti. Since most of the reforestation work is taking place in outlying areas, the issue of starvation is even more striking. Thanks to the generosity of my Mission supporters, especially those who made some special gifts in the late Spring and during my leave, Timote and I were going to be able to offer both breakfast- coffee and bread with mamba (peanut butter) and lunch (rice, beans, beet salad, meat and pikliz (a kind of spicy cole slaw-delicious!) along with unlimited water and juice throughout the day. We took comfort in knowing that both the scouts and community members were guaranteed two meals on the days we partnered in their area.<br /><br />Transportation is another major issue in Haiti. Few individuals have their own vehicles, especially in rural areas. The roads are in terrible condition, often requiring a 4 wheel drive or pick up. This is especially true in the rugged and mountainous regions where much of the reforestation occurs. Again, because of the support of so many to my work in Haiti, we were able to rent a truck for the two days of the program. This not only allowed for the transport of supplies but also all the workers.<br /><br />Since this was a first experience for the scouts of St. Thomas, Timote identified two established programs located 20-30 minutes from the Church. The first was located in Bercy. It included a significant parcel of land on which to plant trees, a tree nursery and a large compost pile. The second location was in Caryies, a hilly and rocky region where the community leader, had established the nursery on his own property.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtDnn09d8D3dH2bSDkLtATT3EaUwwJJ2NvRlNpV7cHt1pZwx43DFN1UGrf3Gyh66fmIm6IgpYtwdeXvrsJaURO6Oh0RU4NoxuX2-xwC2solOGymzgGpzQ3DNFNSJ8Yq_LrgcB8w81n0w/s1600-h/SG1L8600.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtDnn09d8D3dH2bSDkLtATT3EaUwwJJ2NvRlNpV7cHt1pZwx43DFN1UGrf3Gyh66fmIm6IgpYtwdeXvrsJaURO6Oh0RU4NoxuX2-xwC2solOGymzgGpzQ3DNFNSJ8Yq_LrgcB8w81n0w/s320/SG1L8600.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373378821296865938" border="0" /></a><br />Timote and I left Port au Prince late Sunday afternoon with a truck full of supplies. Junior, the driver for the LAMP Clinic of Cite Soleil, had graciously offered to serve as the driver for most of the project. What a God send! We arrived at St. Thomas to find the scouts assembled and waiting to meet me, receive marching orders for the next day and ask any questions. They were very excited about the program, and eager to receive their t-shirts! Some questions already anticipated future programming.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipQ6XsQrjXhxc3yZqS0jUr04NYnm00kBFu2ZrU2AVYjm4RV113uvM-qFdKDjxGaokSeDzZJTx9Cm0zB8Ygyo9u4Wwft2MvS_uIrpHsq_inDBirEc-gDPLFPQx_NUoyoC2z-CF_FdrHcg/s1600-h/SG1L8612.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 199px; height: 229px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipQ6XsQrjXhxc3yZqS0jUr04NYnm00kBFu2ZrU2AVYjm4RV113uvM-qFdKDjxGaokSeDzZJTx9Cm0zB8Ygyo9u4Wwft2MvS_uIrpHsq_inDBirEc-gDPLFPQx_NUoyoC2z-CF_FdrHcg/s320/SG1L8612.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373380908520451234" border="0" /></a><br />Given the August heat, we woke up at 5 a.m. and prepared for a 6:30 a.m. departure for the work site. One group pulled all the equipment out of the storage area and began to assemble the two wheelbarrows and a couple of the tools. Another small group left to purchase 7 five-gallon jugs of purified water. I was on bread and mamba duty, while a few men pulled the HUGE block of ice off the ice truck (a sight no longer seen in the states!). The cooks prepared coffee avek anpil sik (with lots of sugar!) and everyone gathered for breakfast.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqVHc9RPKyI_yd58olOYv3DNh1x7qpwe5d3roddNkTqsv14-H9vssko4djQgNzKGHdlVYnRQoQsZk-_GuCnkgmODKFIaJ8sDlk3fRKaOKHdBIFfKwkZU9RogK3Buxna0MLEhfj_dnkuw/s1600-h/SG1L8614.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 220px; height: 162px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqVHc9RPKyI_yd58olOYv3DNh1x7qpwe5d3roddNkTqsv14-H9vssko4djQgNzKGHdlVYnRQoQsZk-_GuCnkgmODKFIaJ8sDlk3fRKaOKHdBIFfKwkZU9RogK3Buxna0MLEhfj_dnkuw/s320/SG1L8614.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374128214367601506" border="0" /></a><br />Junior was not available until later in the morning, so Timote recruited a local tap tap driver to take us to Bercy. All was well until we turned off the main road to “uncharted territory”. As we moved through ever-increasing high grass and brush on a narrow dirt path, the grumblings of the driver and his partner also increased in both length of complaint and volume. At one point, they stopped the tap tap and refused to go any further. After some negotiation, however, we were back on our way. Within another 15 minutes, it was clear that the rest of the journey was going to need to be on foot. We paid the richly deserved fare, and began trudging through the terrain with all of the supplies. Perhaps this is a good time to mention that there were 28 scouts who ranged in age from 9-16. There were 4 troop leaders, all in their early 20’s. Everyone took something, whether a handful of tools or a 7 gallon jug of water, and moved through the high vegetation, under an already intense sun. Soon we arrived at relatively open space. The nursery and the beginning of a compost pile could be seen beyond some banana trees to the far left. Straight away there was a nice shade tree on a small rise. This would become our central location for equipment, hydration, food and rest. To the right, there was a partially cleared field of banana trees. This area would be prepared by the group. There was a third location where the ground needed to be loosened with pick axes for tree planting. Given the intensity of the labor, this project would involve the some of the older volunteers and Timote.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTUTMos7h5pL6TjAEsmzDbzem9EWBl2Uc4Z9wqyH5JrvraOZkQx5odGYPs9ANWSHHIL1mnlC826coUn8ezsG7WGe93wykueME_ExBPylWzzufF9kkS82OtmsRHj4D50MNn4yGD9B7SsA/s1600-h/SG1L8623.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 218px; height: 146px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTUTMos7h5pL6TjAEsmzDbzem9EWBl2Uc4Z9wqyH5JrvraOZkQx5odGYPs9ANWSHHIL1mnlC826coUn8ezsG7WGe93wykueME_ExBPylWzzufF9kkS82OtmsRHj4D50MNn4yGD9B7SsA/s320/SG1L8623.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373385137563957922" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2kM78mH869_YX02D-sAgh27vjz9jUJr7BadXN5sHgaVXCYO-B2_EwSdYOP4puQ_MMa62eYVUFAQ_S31zBPacUCKPr3oZOqwVoLtDGqPSDL-UOnvL8HTp2J9G96cig5TYsd-tVBPf83w/s1600-h/SG1L8624.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 230px; height: 154px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2kM78mH869_YX02D-sAgh27vjz9jUJr7BadXN5sHgaVXCYO-B2_EwSdYOP4puQ_MMa62eYVUFAQ_S31zBPacUCKPr3oZOqwVoLtDGqPSDL-UOnvL8HTp2J9G96cig5TYsd-tVBPf83w/s320/SG1L8624.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373386739252319506" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Work began around 7:30 a.m. Intense progress was made for the next few hours. Beverage igloos were deployed to the different locations. It was incredibly hot. My job was to make sure that the Igloos remained full and iced. This was a fairly constant activity. I also manned the central gathering place.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDgWLs8OPaJY5BB5AKaG9LK_8FA5Diy-VmQmUssnmWkT-IUv3G9PG3DhZJCVcGHUao9kNoK24jqP-wFw-OivqtW0TX5HBuMUnSPbl2J3vc5UY9twNGAv6odXpeL3icH1o_wZYa9918Ag/s1600-h/DSCN0066.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 124px; height: 168px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDgWLs8OPaJY5BB5AKaG9LK_8FA5Diy-VmQmUssnmWkT-IUv3G9PG3DhZJCVcGHUao9kNoK24jqP-wFw-OivqtW0TX5HBuMUnSPbl2J3vc5UY9twNGAv6odXpeL3icH1o_wZYa9918Ag/s320/DSCN0066.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373392465758068562" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAaPXt4Hf1Nni6POK33M77X3InHLnEGWRyCZt4W1Y1sishPuER9raqJuySwnIBlFSj2xFcy_Sgsr-MphXEbzhoKPMSmQaV7GvepsGrR0qbPp-ZGYKIEZS75irEJ8n_21Ks25XsQ1oAQw/s1600-h/SG1L8648.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 136px; height: 158px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAaPXt4Hf1Nni6POK33M77X3InHLnEGWRyCZt4W1Y1sishPuER9raqJuySwnIBlFSj2xFcy_Sgsr-MphXEbzhoKPMSmQaV7GvepsGrR0qbPp-ZGYKIEZS75irEJ8n_21Ks25XsQ1oAQw/s320/SG1L8648.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373388221101185586" border="0" /></a><br />There was a group break around 10:30 a.m. People returned to their assigned areas until around 12:30 p.m. As the middle of the day approached, all but the older crew stopped and waited for lunch. I had a little bread and Mamba left from breakfast to spell those who were hungry. A parade of cooks and Jr. arrived around 1 p.m. Even after 8 ½ months of being in Haiti, I continue to be amazed at the volume and weight that Haitians can carry, especially on their heads! Large metal pots of rice and beans, more jugs of water and the rest of the wonderful meal were quickly arranged in a buffet line. Everything was delicious and rapidly consumed.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA-aOhOKHKeS_uYC_VfjTWdg0jh7QHJJsmH2PWEQwIKg4Y1kBmvaHEFtRoKOtmhknDmU5rJcw_x6psyLvqKFpKEGckjtJmrlY-HjPQXpHUqb3widHZNzpYWSQVe-zdViqirc6LQM0ZUQ/s1600-h/SG1L8661.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 146px; height: 220px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA-aOhOKHKeS_uYC_VfjTWdg0jh7QHJJsmH2PWEQwIKg4Y1kBmvaHEFtRoKOtmhknDmU5rJcw_x6psyLvqKFpKEGckjtJmrlY-HjPQXpHUqb3widHZNzpYWSQVe-zdViqirc6LQM0ZUQ/s320/SG1L8661.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373394632880450498" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Everything was packed up and the first part of the group headed to the vehicle with Jr. He shuttled them to the road and headed back for the rest of us. Timote and I were part of the second group. As we headed to the pick up point, we stopped to speak with two farmers along the way. Interestingly, they were engaged in some of the very environmental work that Trees for the Future is training other Haitians to do. As we proceeded, Timote remarked that, in his mind, Haitian farmers are the foundation and heart of the country. While formally untrained in certain areas, they have a keen awareness of surroundings and man’s impact on nature. They work to diminish these problems on their own property.<br /><br />After making two runs back to St. Thomas, we thanked the scouts for a hard day’s work and bid them farewell until 5:30 a.m. the next morning. We headed for the public beach and experienced a brief relief from the heat until a thunderstorm rolled in. We quickly gathered up our things and ran to the car. On the way back to the Rectory, we picked up some BBQ (chicken in a clear pike spicy sauce-delicious!). It was the perfect end to a perfect day.<br /><br />I woke up at 5 a.m. the next morning and assembled 60 sliced rolls with mamba. The scouts gathered, formed a circle for their group prayer and the first group jumped into Jr’s car. The ride to Cariyes took us down the main highway toward the beaches. Suddenly, we made a quick right and began to ascend a narrow and rocky road. About 10 minutes later, we stopped in front of a fenced property. As we entered the gate, there was an outdoor dining area, a charming little stone house to the left, a cooking area toward the back and, to the right, a well established tree nursery.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm3dhISVy77TQTxhC6v9h38U1waJQN23sfsmWQCgtswtxvhBSP2JbSeIPYAM9ZlmJ8tIQ7tkqJ2AIF_CEn57PsCrx2lo-Oos0rGv7CBkURWQaQGQlYSCrmp8_aLFcMczLygHls6MyWMw/s1600-h/SG1L8667.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 253px; height: 169px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm3dhISVy77TQTxhC6v9h38U1waJQN23sfsmWQCgtswtxvhBSP2JbSeIPYAM9ZlmJ8tIQ7tkqJ2AIF_CEn57PsCrx2lo-Oos0rGv7CBkURWQaQGQlYSCrmp8_aLFcMczLygHls6MyWMw/s320/SG1L8667.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373398342972044402" border="0" /></a><br />The first order of business was breakfast, Everyone sat down and I doled out the bread and mamba. The cooks had prepared coffee and also offered fresh avocado (in season at this time of year) and bananas. When this group finished eating, they began to process enriched soil for the seedling bags. This was done by first stomping on piles of manure and then adding it to a large pile of soil along with an enriched grain like substance. The soil mixture was properly tossed and blended, resulting in a mountain of dirt. A number of youth and adults gathered round and began filling the seedling bags. As they were filled, other youth took them into the nursery, where they were topped off and carefully lined up. Within a few hours, the HUGE pile of organic soil had disappeared and the nursery was, once again, filled with little seedlings.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXqkcaHpAR7sYUGCi9fumxCoZWB47Csq5tOvrHK9SlLbEVWcaStdThBSTer0ecN7OeUHEINR7yZ16OOgf42Auhc3Kkqkx2K9EZUGiVUJ4U3AsMxZE2fxX8hBZy1DiZFkkOwhdJT4lVTA/s1600-h/SG1L8685.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 232px; height: 154px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXqkcaHpAR7sYUGCi9fumxCoZWB47Csq5tOvrHK9SlLbEVWcaStdThBSTer0ecN7OeUHEINR7yZ16OOgf42Auhc3Kkqkx2K9EZUGiVUJ4U3AsMxZE2fxX8hBZy1DiZFkkOwhdJT4lVTA/s320/SG1L8685.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373749081275272626" border="0" /></a><br /><br />While this work was taking place, there were two other teams planting more mature seedlings, one above the nursery in a large open area and the other on a rise along the road we used to arrive at Cariyes.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibIdJE-faUilHWv5uOydW1QwExQbLwD0VUX-kddOcLGcAjQqOYZP7OwKO_zWyXS_d4u8dLo64_MzrQJhjX7DcudRdbie9jYGmxL4wA7r2_RmUaserbSgMxdWpI8d6myWNsiQ3cL6fILQ/s1600-h/SG1L8697.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 147px; height: 205px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibIdJE-faUilHWv5uOydW1QwExQbLwD0VUX-kddOcLGcAjQqOYZP7OwKO_zWyXS_d4u8dLo64_MzrQJhjX7DcudRdbie9jYGmxL4wA7r2_RmUaserbSgMxdWpI8d6myWNsiQ3cL6fILQ/s320/SG1L8697.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373751221656674962" border="0" /></a><br />One of the reasons that our second day of work started so early was that a 23-year old member of the scout troop had died recently and his funeral was scheduled for that afternoon. I was told that he died of anemia. I suspect it was Sickle Cell Anemia. Certainly a sad time for the community.<br /><br />We stopped work around 1 pm. We returned to the nursery, washed hands and shared in a fabulous lunch of fish (the best I have had during my entire stay in Haiti), chicken, beet salad, and rice. Then it was time to load up the truck and say good-bye. Just before departure, we took a group picture. It was great to have the volunteer team in their lime green shirts. Of course, the community leaders and the cooks were also an important part of the day.<br /><br />We shuttled the crew back to St. Thomas in the same fashion as we had the previous day. I drove with Jr. on both runs between Cariyes and St. Thomas. The first group created the following song about deforestation and sang it during the entire ride back to the church:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Escout sen toma yo: we</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span><span>St. Tomas Scouts: Hey</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />Nou sot plante: bwa</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span><span>We come to plant: Trees</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />Poun rebwaze: Peyi a</span><br />To reforest: Our country<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">(Repeat many times)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Fok nou plante: bwa<br /></span>We should plant: trees<span style="font-style: italic;"><br />Poun rebwaze: Peyia</span><br />For reforesting: The country<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">(Repeat many times)</span><br /><br />It reminded me of the many wonderful mission trips I had shared with youth at Trinity. These scouts had not only deepened their own community though this experience, they had developed a real commitment to environmental work in Haiti.<br /><br />When all had returned to St. Thomas, there was a brief gathering to offer thanks and allow for questions and comments. The overall theme of this time was the enthusiasm over what the scouts had done during the past two days and the eagerness to continue the work. Of course, identifying funding sources is going to be critical. I offered some suggestions. The scouts also have a few ideas. Certainly, anyone reading this blog who wishes to offer support can contact me. This assistance can be provided by individuals, churches and organizations.<br /><br />I returned home dusty, sweaty and filled with a sense that the intergenerational, community based approach to reforestation is the ideal model for sustainability and capacity building. I was also excited to see the Episcopal Diocese of Haiti take a major step in Arcahaie toward being good stewards of God’s creation.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs0hgJGxIyvyHxuelnZ0q9nykWCybxT4ZQ2k7OzEu52G1XaG5GHFXgMFWwfpHrVykFpihbBjC1zqyVC5oa-I2qEgcCw20_RT5w5aAR1Rd-p8rev8FmxlNUriUu3XMn0V4b6xO5OvKIow/s1600-h/SG1L8735.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs0hgJGxIyvyHxuelnZ0q9nykWCybxT4ZQ2k7OzEu52G1XaG5GHFXgMFWwfpHrVykFpihbBjC1zqyVC5oa-I2qEgcCw20_RT5w5aAR1Rd-p8rev8FmxlNUriUu3XMn0V4b6xO5OvKIow/s320/SG1L8735.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373753494904823906" border="0" /></a>Kyle Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04689418034402665349noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372726656427266648.post-23476489043193481162009-08-13T18:07:00.000-07:002009-08-13T18:31:39.960-07:00A Seminarian’s First Trip to America<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdc3cE-63a44dPYgKdHF7YvLWi0gdrP29jKa62qcPEZVCKgTmWxN9VULiYyG-tQbknzjqZ2GRA217zmfCt8dU8OWUHWC2-7lk0E-lrdPd5XKX2EL0hq2KRntdnaaY97ndQvpsBeMC32g/s1600-h/DSCN0062.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 264px; height: 198px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdc3cE-63a44dPYgKdHF7YvLWi0gdrP29jKa62qcPEZVCKgTmWxN9VULiYyG-tQbknzjqZ2GRA217zmfCt8dU8OWUHWC2-7lk0E-lrdPd5XKX2EL0hq2KRntdnaaY97ndQvpsBeMC32g/s320/DSCN0062.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369621555445231234" border="0" /></a><br />Last Wednesday, August 5th, Marie Carmel Chery, a rising third year student at Seminaire de Theologie, took her first plane ride across the Atlantic Ocean and began an exciting visit in the United States. Carmel and the only other woman at the Seminary, Margarette Saintilver, were offered summer internships with Episcopal parishes in the United States. This is a rare opportunity for any Seminarian from Haiti, let alone a female student.<br /><br />Margarette left for her post at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Bangor, Maine a couple of weeks ago. I was on my leave when she departed and not able to share in all of her final preparations. I was pleased that I returned to Haiti in time to support Carmel as she readied for 6 weeks in the Diocese of Upper South Carolina.<br /><br />It had been a long journey for both Carmel and Margarette to be eligible for such an experience. They each had to secure passports and then Visas. It is extremely difficult for Haitians to obtain Visas, especially single young adults who appear to have the least motivation to return to their homeland. Once Carmel and Margarette had their passports, they visited Sogebank, paid a fee and made an appointment at the American Embassy. They left the apartment at 6 a.m. and returned at 11 a.m., having successfully secured their Visas. They were particularly excited about receiving their Visas since they had stood in a line where the representative was issuing them to very few people.<br /><br />Ongoing communication followed with the sponsoring churches and respective planning committees, arranging housing, schedules of activities and, of course, airline tickets. Soon it was time to make final preparation for departure.<br /><br />When I returned to Haiti last week, I found Carmel feverishly washing clothes and organizing her personal things for the trip. She also secured all prescriptions and other items that she might not find in the states. When it was time to pack, Carmel loaded a large suitcase with an ample supply of outfits, toiletries, books etc. We went to bed around 11:30 p.m.<br /><br />Carmel and I were up at 5 a.m. the next morning. She had a beautiful new outfit on and was packing the last of her items. Her father, also in a new shirt and pair of slacks, joined us to spend a little time with Carmel and travel to the airport. We quickly ate breakfast and loaded the car.<br /><br />At 6:30 a.m. in Port au Prince, there is certainly traffic. However, it is not nearly as bad as later in the day. We arrived at the airport in record time. We unloaded her suitcases and made sure that she had a “red cap” (an airport sky cap) to assist her. Then it was a group picture and she was off to manage security and check-in on her own.<br /><br />I texted her a couple of times while she was in the Port au Prince airport . She let me know when she had boarded the plane. Then all was silent until I received confirmation from the sponsors who met her at the Charlotte, South Carolina plane that she had arrived safely.<br /><br />Given my age, the fact that I am a mother and my professional background working with youth and young adults, I have been particularly committed to seeing that Margarette and Carmel felt well prepared for their internship experience and making certain that their time in the states would be fulfilling and transformative. Though Carmel has only been in South Carolina for about a week, I have the sense that she is both enjoying her time and learning a great deal. I also have no doubt that the members of her sponsoring parishes, particularly those on the Internship Planning Committee, are also appreciating the opportunity to better understand the rich and vibrant culture of Haiti and the depth of training that postulants receive in the Episcopal Diocese of Haiti.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjH3un1UHXLIMCLnBkiHB_qDnyk1AfXenzbN_RF7j8soLhKBXcLWA9hiOUwc-flSapaL1vVc9JcrQTpyJPAQAPF8YjRMBsQpychFDj5l_Ltmf9PSNVtnSF_6smHDmWnSE_Iq1UXBfIZA/s1600-h/DSCN0063.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 260px; height: 218px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjH3un1UHXLIMCLnBkiHB_qDnyk1AfXenzbN_RF7j8soLhKBXcLWA9hiOUwc-flSapaL1vVc9JcrQTpyJPAQAPF8YjRMBsQpychFDj5l_Ltmf9PSNVtnSF_6smHDmWnSE_Iq1UXBfIZA/s320/DSCN0063.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369623771446099682" border="0" /></a>Kyle Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04689418034402665349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372726656427266648.post-15510558623445470132009-08-09T13:40:00.000-07:002009-08-09T13:44:00.540-07:00Bill Clinton to Haiti With Entrepeneurs-Let's Hope This Visit Yields Financial Benefit For Haiti!<a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090809/ts_nm/us_haiti_clinton_1" target="_blank">http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/<wbr>20090809/ts_nm/us_haiti_<wbr>clinton_1</a>Kyle Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04689418034402665349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372726656427266648.post-73580353764546180262009-08-09T12:54:00.000-07:002009-08-09T13:04:01.202-07:00A Wonderful Time In The States & A Return To HaitiI apologize for the month of silence. I really tried to honor my time with family and friends while in the states. As urged by my Bishop, I also needed give myself time for rest and renewal. This is not an easy practice for me. However, I did manage to designate some personal time into the weeks at home.<br /><br />As I suspected, my visit passed very quickly. I scheduled many appointments and social get togethers well in advance of my arrival. This was done to assure that I took care of all the personal and professional needs as well as the very important reunions with those who I love and who have supported me throughout my discernment and execution of mission. Despite the best of intentions and heartfelt desires, there were several people who I did not have a chance to see. I felt very badly about this and hope that they understand. I will certainly look forward to seeing them in November when I conclude my service in Haiti.<br /><br />The end of my time in the U.S was met with some difficulties related to my flight back to Haiti. Delta began to fly to Haiti in late June. I was thrilled by this news. American has been the only commercial airline to fly into Haiti and they are long overdue for some competition. I booked my last round trip excursion with them and looked forward to experiencing what I assumed would be the utmost professionalism and great customer service.<br /><br />I had a 9 a.m. non-stop flight out of JFK airport in NYC, a hub for Delta. I arrived at 6:45 a.m., allowing plenty of time to process a boarding ticket, check baggage and board. I pulled up to what appeared to be curbside check-in. I was excited, as this would both save time and eliminate the need to drag three heavy suitcases inside. Within 15 minutes, it was clear that these representatives were not really doing anything other than confusing the passengers. I proceeded inside, loaded a cart and joined a HUGE line of passengers, all being served by half the number of representatives who should have been on duty for such a large group of customers. General chaos and inefficiency reigned, resulting in many, including me, missing our flights. I found myself faced with spending the day and evening at the airport in anticipation of boarding the same flight on Monday morning.<br /><br />Despite my disappointment and frustration, my “stay” at JFK actually proved quite interesting. During the hours that followed, I observed the comings and goings of countless people from all possible nationalities and was truly amazed by the diversity of travelers passing through the airport. I had personal interactions with a Ghanaian gentleman named Derek who was based in South Dakota and had traveled to many countries including Russia, China and Tanzania, engaged in community-based initiatives on behalf of a Christian non-profit. I also had a delightful conversation with a 9-year-old Irish girl while her mother ordered their dinner. Apparently, she travels to the U.S. each summer visiting different parts of the country. She was remarkably poised and worldly for her age.<br /><br />My observations at JFK airport are a clear reminder that our world has truly become quite small. We are called to embrace such opportunities, to deepen our understanding of each other and open our hearts to the rich and abundant cultures of the globe. <br /><br />Now, back to my 48 hours journey to Haiti! My check in process on Monday morning went a little more smoothly. The waiting area for the flight was filled with Haitians. It was wonderful to hear the banter in Creole and re-aquaint myself with the wonderful Haitian spirit and laughter. As we landed in Port au Prince, all the passengers cheered. They were equally responsive when hearing the live Haitian music being played as we entered the terminal. Once I passed through the customs, baggage claim and security clearance areas, I exited the building. Oge Beauvoir, the Dean of Seminaire de Theologie, had arranged to meet me. However, much to my surprise, I was also greeted by Moliere, a gentleman who has provided transportation to me and my friends visiting Haiti. Although he knew that Oge was meeting me, he wanted to welcome me back to Haiti as well. I was so touched. Moliere was an instant reminder of the warmth and remarkable commitment to friendship that is inherent to Haiti. Though I know I will miss my family and friends in the U.S. during my final months in Haiti, I also know that the love and comradery that I experience here with so many people will sustain me. In fact, it is that same sense of community which will make it very difficult to say goodbye on November 2nd.Kyle Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04689418034402665349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372726656427266648.post-53014786690904163872009-07-18T19:16:00.000-07:002009-07-18T20:55:25.228-07:00Drumming Performance at St. Joseph's School of Boys, Port au Prince, Haiti<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyQ1HHPwZb7rxG6_MvIJwqGz_tM9OTup7RRo6ztmrGAoQKr-phBQGLRETS3QKbc8GG0dyHcnh3wSljYPF0qwQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Kyle Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04689418034402665349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372726656427266648.post-15020347092595634522009-06-29T09:45:00.000-07:002009-06-29T10:01:56.141-07:00A Visit to Einstein Albert’s Woodworking Studio<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfggbKH0nT-rQTW4vKd8fp24jDfbHvZ9TOjhz_q_kmFpyM2EV7zY1aK6IKBJCOrdyV0Su3s-zmtqm64-ht7qEYTj_NPzybtsAEoa_xnqjmGp_6FATM95X9Fv6sHGwEC7XZSEJNhakbDA/s1600-h/SG1L8371.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 177px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfggbKH0nT-rQTW4vKd8fp24jDfbHvZ9TOjhz_q_kmFpyM2EV7zY1aK6IKBJCOrdyV0Su3s-zmtqm64-ht7qEYTj_NPzybtsAEoa_xnqjmGp_6FATM95X9Fv6sHGwEC7XZSEJNhakbDA/s320/SG1L8371.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352792614251846002" border="0" /></a><br />Jacqualine Labrom, a wonderful travel and tourism agent, had shared her passion for the artistry of Einstein Albert, the second-generation owner of a local woodworking business, with me. I was eager to go, especially before heading home on leave. I have a special wedding to attend in July and wanted to select something handcrafted in Haiti. This was going to provide me the perfect opportunity.<br /><br />Jacqualine picked me up around 10 a.m. There were five other people joining us, three of whom were staff members from the United Nations. We proceeded through Leogane and Carrefour, driving about 40 minutes. At a certain point, the driver u-turned and then accessed a small side road. As is so often the case here, you proceed down an alley like road where there seems to be little of interest. Suddenly, however, you turn a corner and find that you have discovered one of Haiti’s treasures.<br /><br />Einstein greeted us at the gate. He first took us the open-air work area where some of the women were sanding pieces in various stages of production. Einstein began with the family history. His parents came to Haiti from Jamaica in the 1940’s. They founded the woodworking business. As word spread of the quality and craftsmanship of their product and demand increased, it was suggested that they develop their own tree plantations. They settled on the Obechee tree, a kind of gum tree. They chose this tree for a couple reasons. It was a soft wood and, therefore, not viable for making charcoal. It was also very fast growing. Within 9 years, an Obechee tree can have a circumference of 90”. They now have multiple tree plantations from which they draw their wood.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfs7FIC71q66uficU9zDSthemA7OcmK9exaqbEo8HPV-yCRFVqrC8daU0vc55V-Z6P8mfk318EbwCI5uvnFXEORYgzaL3IlEM_eVzkEyDmcWYIgK9XEo1WkQxhsCZMYA7KMNalNBHIvg/s1600-h/SG1L8379.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 257px; height: 171px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfs7FIC71q66uficU9zDSthemA7OcmK9exaqbEo8HPV-yCRFVqrC8daU0vc55V-Z6P8mfk318EbwCI5uvnFXEORYgzaL3IlEM_eVzkEyDmcWYIgK9XEo1WkQxhsCZMYA7KMNalNBHIvg/s320/SG1L8379.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352793707053317234" border="0" /></a><br /><br />They woodworking center averages 40 employees although, at their busiest times, they employ as many as 80. 60% of their work force is women. The women are primarily responsible for the sanding. The men are engaged in aspects of production requiring heavier labor.<br /><br />Every piece is of the highest quality. The varnishes are produced organically from other trees. The color of the varnish varies with each species of tree and therefore affects the color of the final product. Each piece is varnished 13 times and then receives a final matte. This enables all the products to be used for food. They are also temperature resistant. In addition, the pieces are specially treated against termites. This is particularly important given the softness of the wood.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmpXrdsKSPERgQCOx94aIflLNrtjJglSY_nVzLokXEG2YTTzIUcJ7wzm7oCnTrJQtfMmWb69rJZGUZh5wBz0sYn8lIkzI-geBVJ66lAtP61iAtOGO463UIQQou4-Ls6pAp5blt7TMHrQ/s1600-h/SG1L8383.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 127px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmpXrdsKSPERgQCOx94aIflLNrtjJglSY_nVzLokXEG2YTTzIUcJ7wzm7oCnTrJQtfMmWb69rJZGUZh5wBz0sYn8lIkzI-geBVJ66lAtP61iAtOGO463UIQQou4-Ls6pAp5blt7TMHrQ/s320/SG1L8383.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352794314771502274" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Einstein shared the story of one of his most popular pieces. Some years ago, he attended a special gift convention in New York City. A woman came to his booth and raved about his work. As beautiful as everything was in his display, she was interested in finding something unique. Einstein asked her if she had an idea of what she wanted. She said yes, borrowed his pen and sketched it for him. He said he could have it produced in two week and shipped to the U.S. She handed him her card and told him to contact her at her hotel when it arrived.<br /><br />After the woman left, the person in the booth next to Einstein said “Didn’t you know who that was?” Einstein said no and looked at the card. It was Lady Diana! The bowl arrived, as promised, two weeks later. He delivered the bowl to the hotel. When Lady Diana asked for the price, Einstein said that it was a gift. In exchange, he asked permission to associate her name with the design. To this day, it is known as the Diana bowl.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidP9dwI4TUhHt1O__dfWGXvDM2ghwa_LZyQfqEVXD23ERYRvOYZE9Hl3hvWaOaSdBO3j_ArgBEzFqHWr1DybAEGVvPt5dmSyk6dC0yKjlolnkk0UJxBCoXCP0MTjIGqsX8-ZHs59_L7A/s1600-h/SG1L8380.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 206px; height: 183px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidP9dwI4TUhHt1O__dfWGXvDM2ghwa_LZyQfqEVXD23ERYRvOYZE9Hl3hvWaOaSdBO3j_ArgBEzFqHWr1DybAEGVvPt5dmSyk6dC0yKjlolnkk0UJxBCoXCP0MTjIGqsX8-ZHs59_L7A/s320/SG1L8380.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352794897356231890" border="0" /></a><br />Einstein has a great business sense. While not sacrificing quality, he is coming up with some new, simpler designs to keep costs down during the recession. One of his innovations is what he calls a plate. It is available in various sizes, about ½” thick and can serve any number of functions. I bought a small one to use as a cheese board.<br /><br />Today was both delightful and informative. It I always heartening to witness successful, family owned businesses that also provide important employment opportunities for the community. Einstein is a remarkable man, open to sharing his gifts and collaborating with others. He entrepreneurial spirit demonstrates hope and promise for Haiti’s future.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWmvGO7cAIusSgd8WgZYpVKleQv2UxcGqswr6a3K4T5o_JIvWsybKj4IyHPFUCHR0Glkg1KAEsR22xJxS3TRMYNe3HW1D6TSDX9AMn83JmyO2k4k1KIyEWuwmRxLKI5b5t7wYIX42UjA/s1600-h/SG1L8388.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 249px; height: 189px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWmvGO7cAIusSgd8WgZYpVKleQv2UxcGqswr6a3K4T5o_JIvWsybKj4IyHPFUCHR0Glkg1KAEsR22xJxS3TRMYNe3HW1D6TSDX9AMn83JmyO2k4k1KIyEWuwmRxLKI5b5t7wYIX42UjA/s320/SG1L8388.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352795618356684866" border="0" /></a>Kyle Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04689418034402665349noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372726656427266648.post-74001903964217848172009-06-29T09:32:00.000-07:002009-06-29T09:45:28.359-07:00Coming Home<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHngbqEvNjWrKPT8lBoagO8_Zk7a_wTQgBw5bM_L9HugjOWQ5QGtZvItptsb9mT30hNrSCM9kfYOF9HdSAqrLh3o6OxRBYZDJSJU-bTHtXOwfjpF4Ka0w5eS07qJlcsvLJuZW2phT5eQ/s1600-h/SG1L5583.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 177px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHngbqEvNjWrKPT8lBoagO8_Zk7a_wTQgBw5bM_L9HugjOWQ5QGtZvItptsb9mT30hNrSCM9kfYOF9HdSAqrLh3o6OxRBYZDJSJU-bTHtXOwfjpF4Ka0w5eS07qJlcsvLJuZW2phT5eQ/s320/SG1L5583.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352791485149527186" border="0" /></a><br /> <p>Eight months in Haiti. Wow! In some ways, it feels as though I just stepped off the plane. The time has passed so quickly. There are many places yet to be seen, people to meet and, most importantly, work to do. In another sense, I feel immersed here, almost forgetting what it is like to live in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. There is a different routine to my day in Haiti. The smells, sounds and surroundings quite distinctive, almost exotic, in contrast to those of my hometown. What will it be like to come home?</p><p><br />My husband, Eric, visited me for a week in early April. He was the first member of my family to come to Haiti. As I suspected, when he left I realized how much I missed my family, and the months that followed were a little more difficult that the first six. Once June arrived, I began a countdown for my leave, eagerly anticipating reunions with my family, Trinity parishioners and other dear friends. As I write this article, I am ten days away from departure and starting to clean my room and make other preparations to ready for my month in the states.</p><p>As excited as I have been to head home, I was thrown a curve ball last Sunday. I attended the 9 a.m. service at St. Trinite Cathedral. I have become quite accustomed to hearing the liturgy in French and, sometimes, Creole. My comprehension has improved with time and, since we share the same Book of Common Prayer, I feel very much a part of worship. As Pere Sadoni, Dean of the Cathedral, made announcements before the last hymn, I gazed at the beautiful murals of the birth of Christ, the crucifixion and the ascension, which serve as a backdrop to the high altar. I realized that, because of another commitment the next week, this would be my last service in Haiti before going home on leave. I began to think about hearing Holy Eucharist Rite II and all the music in English with American voices. Suddenly, I was moved to tears. I now understood that, as much as I longed for the people and places that I love so dearly, I had found a second home in the past eight months – Haiti.</p><p>So, I ready for my trip home on Thursday. As I share glimpses of my experience of the past eight months with family and friends, I suspect some, maybe all, will see how Haiti has become a part of me and, maybe, how I have become a part of her.<br /><br /></p><p><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:85%;color:#1f497d;"><span style="color: rgb(31, 73, 125);font-size:11;" > </span></span></p>Kyle Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04689418034402665349noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372726656427266648.post-82852625854847907012009-06-16T09:52:00.001-07:002009-06-16T09:52:37.217-07:00Bill Clinton: Haiti has chance to escape poverty - Kansas City Star<a href="http://www.kansascity.com/440/story/1253713.html">Bill Clinton: Haiti has chance to escape poverty - Kansas City Star</a><br /><br />Shared via <a href="http://addthis.com">AddThis</a><br /><br />Kyle Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04689418034402665349noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372726656427266648.post-16593499901270866002009-06-12T09:46:00.000-07:002009-06-13T07:00:57.952-07:00Guess Who’s Coming To Haiti?!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgka-vDu5uDeBITfHmhezpPdQ5njcSomcUT1nz32wKpCf717mAF4J4iLZr0SnMJUTQwMcpFtmzQuiLxdZOXCnYIAFkxSd2sTq0K4a5jwXDa9Dl6nNfn_JJv8JPctK9yA9JndIAWdp4cxA/s1600-h/SG1L7904.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 295px; height: 177px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgka-vDu5uDeBITfHmhezpPdQ5njcSomcUT1nz32wKpCf717mAF4J4iLZr0SnMJUTQwMcpFtmzQuiLxdZOXCnYIAFkxSd2sTq0K4a5jwXDa9Dl6nNfn_JJv8JPctK9yA9JndIAWdp4cxA/s320/SG1L7904.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346484183723390226" border="0" /></a><br />Immediately following the Tabasamu program, I received a visit from Rev. Lauren Stanley, an Episcopal priest who hails from the Diocese of Virginia and serves as a Missioner through the Episcopal Church Center. She has spent the past four years in the Sudan, teaching English and a number of courses at the Episcopal Seminary there. She endured relentless heat, living in a mud hut with no running water, no electricity and, given the significant political unrest, prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice. As with those truly called to Mission, Lauren immersed herself in the daily life and culture of the Sudan. She is fluent in Arabic, speaks some Dinka and embraces many of the traditions of the Sudanese.<br /><br />Lauren recently returned home from this assignment and wanted to consider Haiti for her next post. I invited her to stay with me not only as an extension of hospitality by a fellow Missioner but also to provide her with an opportunity to ask questions about my experience and share some time with the Seminarians.<br /><br />As part of my Missioner training last summer, I attended an Episcopal Mission world conference called Everyone Everywhere. I heard Lauren speak at the conference and was very moved by her experience in the Sudan. Little did I know that our paths would cross again so soon and that she would be considering an assignment in Haiti!<br /><br />Lauren is a ball of fire, passionate about service as a Missioner. We exchanged a few e-mails before her arrival. She was eager to learn about Haiti and, in particular, my perspective on the country and the Episcopal Diocese of Haiti. I took full advantage of her visit, asking her to bring a guitar and recorder and some hand made book bags with school supplies for St. Vincent school for Handicapped Children. She did so willingly and eagerly.<br /><br />Lauren’s stay in Haiti allowed me to meet another priest in the Diocese, Pere Ajax Kesner. As with all the priests of the Diocese of Haiti, Pere Ajax carries many responsibilities. A primary duty is the management of the Partnership Program. This initiative involves oversight of all partnerships between schools administered by the Diocese of Haiti and their U.S. sponsors. There is a keen interest in growing the number and scope of partnerships, so much so, that it is a goal included in a special resolution to be presented at the National Convention this July. Though Lauren certainly spent individual time with Pere Ajax, I was also able to join them for a number of meals and help to share some of the culture and traditions of Haiti.<br /><br />One of the highlights of her stay was when she co-celebrated Eucharist with Rev. Fernand, the only ordained woman in the Diocese of Haiti. They led the Wednesday morning liturgy at the Seminaire de Theologie. What a great example for all the Seminarians and an inspiration for Margarette and Carmel, the first, and to date, the only two female Seminarians.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9HhGn112z6_RWcrHKQvl2HDvFdMxrwaKDVsxcMAP1UOWzhTWv9tHPk5CJ8w6agFgavYBQC3fZvPPD1mfTAJBEFl84UcQBJnodzy48YOu9YOJn1kFx6T62YyDADt8NISr6YvkMPuGgOA/s1600-h/SG1L7908.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 260px; height: 173px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9HhGn112z6_RWcrHKQvl2HDvFdMxrwaKDVsxcMAP1UOWzhTWv9tHPk5CJ8w6agFgavYBQC3fZvPPD1mfTAJBEFl84UcQBJnodzy48YOu9YOJn1kFx6T62YyDADt8NISr6YvkMPuGgOA/s320/SG1L7908.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346484936124478386" border="0" /></a><br />Lauren met with Bishop Jean Zache Duracin last Wednesday and was formerly invited to serve in the Diocese of Haiti. She will be situated in Petionville, a suburb of Port-au-Prince, and live in an apartment over St. James the Just Church. In addition to focusing on the Partnership Program, she will also help with communications, and serve at the English-language 8 a.m. service on Sundays. Many expatriates, including a lot of AID and embassy personnel, attend this service. Lauren hopes to foster deeper relationships with them.<br /><br />About a month after I arrived in Haiti, I spoke with David Copley, the Mission Personnel Officer for the Episcopal Church, and urged him to begin considering who might follow me when I departed in November. I could never have imagined that a Missioner with Lauren’s experience would choose to serve here. I am additionally blessed to be able to work with her for two months before I head home. God has truly provided abundance in ministry for the Diocese of Haiti.Kyle Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04689418034402665349noreply@blogger.com1