November Food Distribution

This week we began a food distribution for the HFHC schools. We are able to make these distributions thanks to our donors who generously contribute the the Children's Food Fund. The children and their families are very happy to recieve these food staples.

Each child sponsored in the education program recieves about 10 pounds of rice, 3 pounds of beans, a bottle of oil and tomato paste. In the grand scheme of things it really isn't very much, but to the family who does not know where their next meal will come from, it is a blessing!

I am thankful for each person who contributes any amount, great or small to help these children have a few meals!

This week we distributed food to Brajirois, Robert, Pageste, Dubuisson and Mirebalais. The photos are from the distribution for Mirebalais and Pageste.

Thanksgiving 2009

This Thanksgiving was different from any Thanksgiving we have ever celebrated. For the very first time we were not with our children for the holiday. It was hard for all of us, but we all know how very blessed we are. That's what made it passable! And knowing that we will all be together for Christmas (with the first granddaughter who will be with us by then! And then the first grandson follows in February!).

Actually we had an enjoyable time as we were invited to the Buxmans' home to celebrate with about 70 other Americans and Haitians. We met some very nice people and had good conversation. We truly are blessed people!

We met Larry at the Buxman's home. He was so impressive that I had my picture taken with him in order to share with all of you.

Puppy Rescue

When I was back in the States for the HFHC annual board meeting, Bijou and Tim finally bonded! And it was in a truly amazing way.

Each time Tim & I spoke on the phone he kept talking about "Bijou and I did this" or Bijou and I did that". Truthfully I was getting a little jealous. One night when we were talking he told me about his and Bijou's big adventure for the day. It was really beyond belief, if you know how Tim was always hating on my puppy! Here's how the tale went in the words of Tim:

Typically, our (Tim & Bijou) walk would start going towards the ravine, with Bijou leading the way (note from Debbie: Tim NEVER took my puppy on a walk until this week I was away. So the walk itself is miraculous). This day as we approached the edge of the ravine, Bijou stopped and began to growl. Up atop the far side of the ravine we could see some goats. Bijou continued growling at them and we noticed something very tiny up on the ridge by the goats. The killer goats were butting a small, small animal, over and over again. AS we crossed the ravine to see what it was, we saw thta it was a very tiny puppy, crying for help. Bijou scaredt he killer goats away, and the little puppy came running to us.

Apparently the puppy had been out in the "wilderness" for quite some time with no food or water. It didn't even look old enough to be away from its mother.After playing with her for a few minutes we were going to continue on our walk, but we didn't see any other puppies or the mother any where near by. The puppy was determined to go along with us. At this point I realized I could not just leave the puppy out there all alone. She would not survive, so I decided to take her back to the house to give her food and water. She scarfed down Bijou's food and water like there was no tomorrow! Bijou & I went back out to "sniff out the trail" to see if we could find the mother dog or someone to whom the puppy might belong, but found no dogs, no people, nothing - a cold trail."

Okay, to make a long story short - Tim kept this puppy and took care of it with Bijou's help, while I was gone. When I got home this little (fleabag) puppy was crying all night long and no one was getting any sleep - except Bijou, who after the first night or two had decided whe wasn't going to be a part of that insanity. We decided this just wasn't the best time for us to take in a new puppy and Mezo said his family wanted her. We had to take Bijou to the vet to update her health certificate so she can travel with us in December, so we took little fleabag along and had her vaccinations done and some flea treatment. That night she went to her new home and all mezo's children were happy and so were we when we had a quiet, peaceful night's rest!

Everytime it storms here I lay in bed wondering how Mezo and his family are faring through the storm. The winds just whip off the mountains and are so strong. It seems that a house like his family lives in just couldn't withstand the force. But each time, the next morning when we call the family to see how they are, the house has stood. Of course everything and everyone inside are soaked and mud-coated.

Tim & I felt like we needed to do something about this situation. It's just not "right" that they have to live this way. We can't help everyone, but at least we can start helping the ones God leads us to help! Our friend, Steve, wanted to help too (and is really footing the majority of the work - thank you Steve!) so we began work this past week. Mezo and his family - did I mention there are 10 of them living in the house? - are helping in every way they can.

Mezo put in $1000 Haitian towards materials, his wife and older daughters are cooking a meal each day for the workers, Mezo is doing some of the labor himself and the little kids go to the market area to bring back water to mix cement.

When we told Mezo that we, along with a friend, wanted to help him build a house, we asked him to bring us a plan along with an estimate of what it would cost. We were kind of "scared" of what he might bring back, that it might be more than we could help with. What a surprise! He came with a plan for a 16x20 foot house for 10 people! They are so excited about this grand new house they will have. And all for about $3000! But otherwise beyond their reach.

God is good - we have funds in place and the work is well under way. We will keep you posted on the progress.

I can't seem to find the time to keep up with a blog very well. How do others do it??

Well, I guess this week I have some time on my hands - I'm stuck in Charlotte, NC for a few days to recuperate from some nasty viral attack on the immune system. The doc says I can't travel for a while so I'm hanging out on Myrlene's couch. I'm sure she is ready for mom to flee the country!

So, while I have a few minutes here are some photos of the yard. We took a lawnmower with us when we moved to Haiti. When we arrived we looked at each other and said, "What were we thinking?? We will never be able to use a lawnmower here." We were planning how we could get it back tot he States. But in the past month Tim & Mezo have actually been mowing the grass with the mower! It is amazing the way the grass is filling in. These photos aren't the greatest because at the time they were taken it was pretty dry.

When we lived in Haiti in the mid-90's, we did not have a "haven". It was like living at "ground-zero" 24/7. This compund is a haven and a real home. It is good to have a place of retreat and rest! God has truly blessed us!