Karnaval

Karnaval is similar to Mardi Gras. This year is the first year Les Cayes decided to celebrate Karnaval two weeks before Lent- normally it is the weekend before. Needless to say, it was a big success. There were large floats, parades, and concerts being held Friday night, Saturday night, and Sunday night. We really had a great time. I love experiencing Haitian culture.


One of the floats with T-Vice, a very popular singer, performing as he traveled through the city. Look at the crowd behind his float- it was nuts. IMPOSSIBLE to walk through.

Amanda and myself on Saturday night. Taking a break from all the walking and dancing.

Sunday night- myself, Amanda, Machontoche, and Wilson. We were doing a dance called the Limbo. It is really fun, and looks SO cool when done right. I still need to practice.

Mikelange, Kevin, and Nesly. Kevin and Nesly are making faces and me and Amanda- I guess they didn't really like our rendition of the Limbo.

Francene

Frankell came a couple days ago with Francene. Amanda and I kidnapped her for a few hours. We had a lot of fun playing house with this beautiful little baby. She has grown so much in just a couple weeks!
And no, I was not quick to hand her over to anyone else...

Father

Mesi, Father.

for bringing us hope.
for seeing a light within us.
for loving us unconditionally.

Mesi, Father.

for giving yourself to us.
for helping to pave our way.
for seeing us as an individual.

Mesi, Father.

for carrying us when we can no longer walk.
for lifting us when we fall.

Mesi.

Little John

Father Marc posted a super cute picture of Little John wearing too big glasses. I thought I'd keep up the trend and post a pic of Little John wearing a too big hat.

This child is too cute!

I don't know why...

Father Marc said he liked this picture when he saw it...

Maybe because it shows that sometimes Amanda and I actually do work?

It's not ALWAYS fun and games with the kids... just most of the time.

A post for my lil sis Jill

The other day, while reading in my hammock, Jean Robert paid me a visit. Since I was busy with my book, he decided to draw a picture. He asked me to post it on my blog so Jill could see it. I love you, Jill!

A Hug

It has been said that in order to stay happy and healthy, a person needs ten hugs a day. Lucky for me, I reach my quota of ten hugs by eight o'clock every morning. With that ratio, how could I ever leave?

Adieu Jean Wil

Yesterday we said good-bye to Jean Wil. Father Charlie and Father Marc led a beautiful mass. Jean Wil's older brother Honel gave a nice speech at the end. All of Jean Wil's family attended.

Jean Wil's tomb is underneath a large tree behind the house Father Marc will one day live in. It is nice to have him on the property. I will be visiting him frequently.

Tears

Jean Wil passed away this morning. As many of you know he has been suffering for months. In and out of the hospital, on different medications, with no relief to his pain. This morning he left us.

Though he will no longer be with us physically, Jean Wil will always be in the hearts of ESPWA. He was a young boy who was caring, patient, and had a smile that was contagious. His fifteen years were cut short, as Jean Wil had so much to offer the world and the people he encountered. He made an impact on us all, and will forever be embedded in our minds when we think of Pwoje ESPWA and Haiti.

Jean Will, I love you. You will be missed.

Braids

Jonas just recently had his hair braided. I complimented him on it, so he offered to braid mine as well. Dino and Jean Robert also decided to get in on it and braided Amanda's as well. Hers turned out a little better than mine.

Godchilden

Frankell's daughter was born on January 2, the day I returned to Haiti. It was such great timing to be welcomed back into the country by the birth of my godchild. Francene is a perfect baby girl, and so small! Mary Lucy, her mother, is doing well, and looks wonderful. Frankell is a proud father, and brought Francene (named after him) to the quad one night to show her off. Once she was in my arms though, I was kind of selfish and didn't want to share her.
Mom with her godson, Fery. He was so happy to have finally met her, and wanted to dance extra well for her at the spektak.

Father Marc's Gift

Amanda, Herold, Father Marc, Makentoche, myself, Father Charlie, Biondy, Andy, Kevin


While I was home over Christmas, my grandmother and aunt helped me make a quilt for Father Marc from the children to show their appreciation for all he has done over the years. They had all signed a piece of fabric, and we sewed them together to make a quilt. Here we all are standing in front of it. I think he liked it, and I know the children loved giving it to him.

Spektak

Guillaume, Fery, and Rodney all dressed up for the dance show they are about to perform.

Nesley reading a speech he wrote for Father Marc about ESPWA and how much he means to all the children. What is even more impressive is that he wrote it in English.

Biondy, Wilson, and Evans, along with a large group of dancers performed a special dance for Father Marc. Wilson was the choreographer, and did a fantastic job.

Our Visitors this Week

My Mom, Pam, and my Auntie Pat flew down to spend a week here and to help celebrate the tenth anniversary. Thank you so much for coming Mom and Auntie Pat. I loved being able to share with you my second home, and the place I love the most in the world.

Daniel and Cheryl (Dan's parents) and Dan. His parents also came down for a week to help celebrate. It was really great to meet Dan's parents- we had a wonderful time.

Andy. Andy volunteered with ESPWA for about a year. He and I had met before in California at a fundraiser, so it was great to see him again in Haiti. He is going to be staying here for a few more weeks before he takes off on a new adventure- yet to be determined.

Tenth Anniversary Party

Tigre, Father Charlie, myself, and Herold getting ready for our anniversary party dinner.


Look at how nice the inside of the quad looked. Dino, Sonia, Frankell, and Sophia worked so hard at making the dinner special for Father Marc's anniversary of ESPWA.

Samedi and myself right before the spektak the children put on for our visitors.

Some of our special visitors included guests from organizations in town, Cross International, sisters from our neighborhood, and families of our volunteers.