" You Put Haiti in Your Heart"

I may actually be too tired to make myself stay up and write about the day today, but what a great day it was!

Morose met us in the parking lot today.  It is always so wonderful to  spend time with him and I cherish the relationship we have begun to develop.  My face lit up to see him and he hurried over to give me a hug and ask how his “ pastor friend” and our kids were doing.

We began the morning in Hinche.  I thought we were on our way to COBOCOL ADP, so when we stopped at a road barricade in Hinche and I saw the police in the street I quickly put my camera away to ensure a low profile.  Next I knew I saw a brass bad, balloons and dignitaries in the street. Once again, they had surprised us with an amazing welcome.  First they played the Haiti National Anthem, followed by the Canadian National Anthem.  This was very moving again for Bernie and I and wonderful to watch the others experience it for the first time.

The Mayor of Hinche was absolutely beaming. His captivating smile and address to Hinche city officials as well as us, the guests was indicative of the emotion, excitement and pride he felt to have us, and Mayor Woodside here with him.  He presented with Mayor Woodside to the keys to his city, thankful and appreciative that our Mayor would come spend time away from his city, with his people.  It was a wonderful start to the morning.

From there we did go to the ADP where we met the staff and once again had the brass band perform for us.  They refer to us as the Canadian Delegate and treat us with such high esteem it is surprising.  Morose begins staff introductions by addressing Freddylink “You wanted to put Haiti in your agenda’s but you have also put Haiti in your hearts, for this we thank you.”

The staff took us on a tour of the ADP, Technology Centre, Library, Sewing and Textile Centre, Woodworking and Corn Mill.  We were excited to brainstorm other possibilities for projects to continue the partnership and further development within COBOCOL.  One woman thanked us for our support explaining that for some young people, unable to further their education, they are able to train vocationally and make their own clothes or woodwork as well as sell for added income.

We had the exciting opportunity to hear from the ADP’s first Medical Student training to be a Doctor.  It is exciting to see the sponsor children growing up and being given the opportunities to further their education and then also come back to to use their skills to further develop their communities.

The spread of Haitian food at lunch was wonderful.  From Rice and Beans to Goat, Chicken and Fish, Spicy Potatoes, plantain, lasagna…it was certainly a cultural treat and no one left hungry.

The Administrative Assistant at the ADP was busy helping clean up the food and I put my hand on her back to thank her.  I mentioned that she might not remember me but I remembered her from our last visit (we had had a nice connection point and conversation last visit, she is one of those personalities that simply glow.  She turned around and hugged me “Oh I remember you and pray for you every day!” –these connections mean so much.

On the road again for the Goat project it was wonderful to see the team members hear of the project operations and ask questions of the managers directly.  Goats are a huge resource to the Haitians.  Morose explained, that a healthy goat is like money in the bank.  If an emergency arises, you can sell your goat to money to care for yourself and your family. 

From there we went to the Mothers Club.  Last visit this was one of the highlights of our trip for me, I felt such solidarity with the women.  This time was no different.  The women indicated that most had families larger than 8.  One woman had 13 children and stood to say thanks to the help of World Vision, her 13 children would not be having as many children of their own.  It is obvious the hardship of providing for so many, yet the love for their children is prominent.  As they expressed their hopes and desires for the children’s futures, the hardships and challenges that they face, once again we were reminded that we are all the same, with the same hopes and dreams for our children and their future, perhaps different difficulties, but the same heart for our children. 

As they closed the meeting, one woman came forward and offered us the gift of a song expressing their love and appreciation for the support and love we give their children for a better tomorrow. We had fun following the meeting to connect with the mothers and some of their children, taking pictures, holding babies and just loving the children.  It is true isn’t it?  Regardless of culture or where you are in the world, a mother can see and feel when someone truly cares for their child, and it breaks down walls and barriers.  I honestly could have stayed with them all day long and been quite content to listen to their stories and play with their babies.

We stopped in at the Tree Nursery on the way home.  From Mangoes to avocado, coffee and garlic, tress are being harvested to give and proper train families on their care, maintance and usage. Deforestation is such a tremendous problem in Haiti. 

It has been a long day, packed full of information and meetings, but what remains true is that each one of us shares the same sky, we are brothers and sisters with the same heart beat for our families and future and watching this one community make large strides forward into a better tomorrow is very inspiring.