It has been over four years since I first went to Haiti. It has been over a year since my last posting on my former blog. Although I have kept in touch with Pastor Saint-Victor Sejour, so much has happened that it will take some time to catch up. For those of you who used to follow my previous blog, I'm sure you noticed in the picture at the top that the group of orphans has grown from twelve children to twenty-five. Of the original twelve, (which includes Mamode from the village), only ten remain. Aquel is a man now and living somewhere in Gonaives. Ismalene moved in with a distant relative but still attends the school. The remaining nine are still living in the house. After the last hurricane (Ike) and then the earthquake, fourteen more children and a couple of widows also moved in. Saint-Victor did his best to accommodate them all. A temporary outdoor kitchen was built behind the existing kitchen to make a room for the additional boys. The living room area is now the dining room. There are more boys than girls. The school and church are still going strong but the funds to pay the teachers and the staff are non-existent. However, both teachers and staff continue to do their jobs even without pay. They are dedicated to keeping the ministry going. Food and supplies are low and the children are in need of healthcare. Although it is now summer, it is also hurricane season once again and the orphanage needs to be prepared with food and supplies, just as we would do here if one were headed our way. In Haiti, it is harder to get supplies on a normal day but in the midst of disaster, it is nearly impossible. The other big need they have is to build another building to separate the boys from the girls. It is extremely crowded in the house and some are sharing twin beds. They also need more beds. There is a long list of orphans waiting to get in but there is just no more room for now. Then there is the need for school uniforms and supplies. Around mid-July to the 1st of August, MSMBH has to get the children measured and order the materials for the new uniforms to be made. They also have to put in their order for school books and supplies. The funds need to be available for them to take care of each child. Also, during the school year, MSMBH provides a lunch for every student and the school now has close to 500 students with eight teachers on staff.
As for the great blessings, last year they were helped by a couple of ministries. One organization donated bags of rice. Not only were the orphans fed but many people from the mountains of Bayonnais came with whatever they could fill and carry back home. Another ministry brought shoes for all of the orphans. They were so happy! It was great to see their smiling faces!
Please enjoy the photos below and I will spend the coming weeks working on this blog and posting all the pictures that have been sent so far. If you would like to get more involved please click on the link for my email address and send me an email with your information. If you would like to make a donation, please click on the (Donate) button and it will take you to a PayPal website. You do not need an account to make a donation. We are asking for a minimum of $20.00, but if you wish to donate more, it will be greatly appreciated and huge blessing for everyone. Thank you for caring. Love to all!
 |
| Rice Donated by PAM Organization |
 |
| Children and Adults from Community lining up to receive rice. |
 |
| Saint-Victor and Children Distributing Rice |
 |
| The Orphans with their new pair of shoes. |
 |
| Elementary Students |
 |
Middle and High School Students |
 |
| The Original Eight of Twelve Orphans: (L to R) Front: Noula, Angeline, Jimmy-Ska, Mamode, and Smith Back: Alicia, Marc-Antoine, and Ismalene Missing are the twins, Cardina and Cadjina, Fenelson, and Aquel First Day Back to School in 2008 |
No comments:
Post a Comment