July 2010

We have just returned from an incredible trip to Haiti, including 3 days in Port-au-Prince and a 7 day visit to LaVallee de Jacmel. While the devastation we witnessed was overwhelming, we were inspired by the resilience, courage and industriousness of the people. Everywhere we looked we saw families working together to re-build their lives. Haiti is truly a country of dramatic contrasts. Rolling mountains and glorious ocean views provide a backdrop for endless heaps of rubble and makeshift hovels made of reclaimed tin, scraps of wood and donated tarps.



The view from the mountaintop in LaVallee



Makeshift shelters have become home to thousands

School Kitchen Project

We also visited the St. Therese de Laviale School, the site of our school kitchen project. We were able to spend a few hours with Principal Hermanes, several of the teachers and many of the wonderful students. The foundation for the kitchen has been completed and the concrete blocks and cement are on site. All of the materials used to build the kitchen must be delivered by donkey and hand carried down steep mountain paths. While the rainy season has delayed construction somewhat, we were thrilled to hear last week that the first shipment of food from the World Food Program has arrived. Until the kitchen is completed, school personnel are preparing the food over out-door fires.
Thanks to your generosity the students are now able to have a hot meal daily, but additional funds are still needed to complete this project.



Students of Laviale School posing in front of kitchen construction materials



School kitchen foundation and building supplies

After witnessing the devastation in Port-au-Prince, we were encouraged to see first-hand the real potential of developing Haiti’s rural areas. We remain dedicated to helping the people of LaVallee in their efforts to create a self-sustaining community. Under the direction of our Haitian team we will continue to support projects in education, agronomy, and small business development in LaVallee.