Haiti Immersion... Day 8 - St. Joseph's Family

There are times when you come across people that have meaningful stories to tell. When they tell them well, it reaches depths of your soul that you may not have been aware of. We heard a story such as this on Thursday night.

View from the roof of St. Joseph's Family Guest House

Bill is one of the men raised in St. Joseph's Family. I hesitate to attempt to tell his story here because his poetic words create a piece of art as he speaks. He has also written a book the relays his story. (I will look for a link on where to find or purchase his book). A synopsis though... Bill was born in the Northern portion of Haiti. Through loss and suffering he found himself as a child slave. Though the compassion of local nuns Bill was rescued and taken to be a part of St. Joseph's Family.

St. Joseph's Family saved the lives of dozens of boys that have now grown into men of honor, compassion, dignity and kindness. Many of the men are working at the guest house, Wings of Hope and Trinity School. Maya, who organizes much of the Haitian side of HTF was also raised at St. Joseph's. Each man who grew up there has a unique story to tell.

The long history of hospitality still flows through the rituals of this place. Bill mentioned that, as soon as he arrived at St. Joseph's as a child, he was offered a glass of cold water. This is still a tradition practiced with visitors today. After a dusty bumpy ride from the airport it was comforting and refreshing to receive that small gesture with great meaning behind it.

As the boys grew into men they would sing together, hug one another and support one another through each day. We heard of them sitting together in a circle and affirming one another's gifts. That tradition lives on in HTF immersion trips. Friday morning we sat together sharing words of respect, affirmation and encouragement. These conversations carry great power to spur each if us to recognize pieces of ourselves that others notice.

St. Joseph's Family is making transitions as the individuals have grown, matured into adulthood and many have family's of their own. Their home is now used as a guest house full of hospitality and grace. When you enter that space you feel like family.

For more info about the St. Joseph's Family... www.sjfhaiti.weebly.com

For more info about Haitian Timoun Foundation... www.htflive.org

On the rooftop

Haiti Immersion... Day 6 - Tetkole

Tuesday afternoon we had another amazing opportunity to see the heart Verbo has for the children of the community. Tetkole is a community based program for children that find themselves in difficult situations. Whether they end up on the street as a child who ran away from home or have lost a parent, Tetkole works toward family unification.

Tetkole works to support families and children through community involvement, support and the arts. Our immersion team had the pleasure of hearing the Tetkole youth band play Tuesday evening.

The dressed well and carried their instruments with pride. Their smiles and confidence demonstrated the dignity that the program brings to their lives. The band played several pieces and a couple of trumpet soloists showed their skill. One young man in particular wore a sport coat and stood before us ready. As he lifted the trumpet to his lips and began to play, the piercing notes sang out the emotion of his heart.

Music is powerful. It is obvious that positive change has stirred in these young people. Their confidence, dignity and voice as been found through the notes and rhythm they play.

For more info about Haitian Timoun Foundation... www.htflive.org

Haiti Immersion... Day 3 - Metal Mart

This morning, Saturday, the immersion group was waiting on the last of our companions to arrive. To pass some time, we headed to the metal mart. Talk about some industrious people. Shopkeeper after shopkeeper ushered us into their shop. They create works of art out of reclaimed metal. Wall hangings, framed mirrors, bowls, Christmas ornaments. Beautiful, beautiful artwork. Their mantra… “One by one.” We were beckoned to peek into each (and every) shop. Haggling was expected, however, everyone was extremely nice. The ting ting of hammers on metal circled in the air. Men sat on the ground with patterns meticulously etching out nativity scenes and trees of life. It seemed like a place of new life. The metal was crafted into something new. More importantly each of those shopkeepers had hope in providing for their families with their business.


For more info about Haitian Timoun Foundation... www.htflive.org