September 2011 Postings...
09.29.11 michael g - michael the archangel;
Our St. Joseph Family is built upon a rock solid foundation of prayer. The inspiration to begin the St. Joseph Family came in times of prayer. The grace and increased faith to move forward with the original inspiration required more prayer. On Jan. 31st, 1985, as the founding members of the St. Joseph Family gathered to celebrate that the seed of inspiration was now beginning to germinate, our family roots were deeply embedded into the fertile ground of prayer. From our very first time of gathering to pray as a family we have always closed our prayers with, "St. Joseph pray for us. St. Michael protect us". Today is the feast of St. Michael the Archangel. As we gathered for our family time of prayer this morning we gave special thanks to God for daily providing us with the protective presence of St. Michael. The powerful presence of St. Michael was felt by all of us on the day Haiti and our three homes were violently shaken by an earthquake. With death and destruction all around us we emerged from the earthquake rubble without losing any of our children. Bill, who had been on the 7th floor of St. Joseph's praying, was thrown 80 feet, crashing onto a cement courtyard. When Bill looked up he saw the concrete rubble from St. Joseph's top floors hurtling his way. Bill expected to be crushed to death by those huge menacing masses of concrete and metal. Miraculously the rubble remained in place. A giant oak tree that was even taller than our seven story home, grew alongside our home. Though bent back and close to breaking, the aching old oak tree held its ground, its solid trunk and broad wing-like branches held back the rooftop rubble, saving Bill from being buried alive. In the days after the earthquake, as we reflected on the resurrection miracle of Bill surviving the earthquake, of all of our children surviving, we became more keenly aware of St. Michael's protective presence. We started to call the oak tree, the Tree of God's Divine Protection. When the architect told us the treasured tree had to be cut down, we resisted, but eventually saw the wisdom of the decision. The tree was damaged from holding back the rubble for so many months, the roots were a threat to any future foundation for our rebuilding. The sacred tree was cut down. Then a local wood carver came. He saw beyond the battered and scarred bark and broken branches. He saw the presence of St. Michael the Archangel. Day after day the wood carver chipped away at the tree trunk and eventually he brought forth a glorious statue of St. Michael the Archangel defeating the devil. That larger than life statue of St. Michael now stands on a gigantic pedestal in our St. Joseph Family kitchen as a reminder that God is with us, there is no need for fear. God has sent St. Michael and his holy angels to watch over us always. In celebration of St. Michael's feast day we have placed a bouquet of fragrant flowers at the base of the St. Michael statue. All of the children sang a hymn proclaiming the power of St. Michael. Today's lunch was augmented and sweetened with the addition of cake and soft drinks in celebration of this special day of thanksgiving. The cake and soft drinks disappeared fast, our song took a melodious flight heavenward, the fragrant flowers will soon wither and die. What will remain is our joyous gratitude to God and our call upon St. Michael every morning and evening when we gather for family prayer, offering our petition with one confident voice: "St. Michael protect us". Peace and continued good --- Michael
Our St. Joseph Family is built upon a rock solid foundation of prayer. The inspiration to begin the St. Joseph Family came in times of prayer. The grace and increased faith to move forward with the original inspiration required more prayer. On Jan. 31st, 1985, as the founding members of the St. Joseph Family gathered to celebrate that the seed of inspiration was now beginning to germinate, our family roots were deeply embedded into the fertile ground of prayer. From our very first time of gathering to pray as a family we have always closed our prayers with, "St. Joseph pray for us. St. Michael protect us". Today is the feast of St. Michael the Archangel. As we gathered for our family time of prayer this morning we gave special thanks to God for daily providing us with the protective presence of St. Michael. The powerful presence of St. Michael was felt by all of us on the day Haiti and our three homes were violently shaken by an earthquake. With death and destruction all around us we emerged from the earthquake rubble without losing any of our children. Bill, who had been on the 7th floor of St. Joseph's praying, was thrown 80 feet, crashing onto a cement courtyard. When Bill looked up he saw the concrete rubble from St. Joseph's top floors hurtling his way. Bill expected to be crushed to death by those huge menacing masses of concrete and metal. Miraculously the rubble remained in place. A giant oak tree that was even taller than our seven story home, grew alongside our home. Though bent back and close to breaking, the aching old oak tree held its ground, its solid trunk and broad wing-like branches held back the rooftop rubble, saving Bill from being buried alive. In the days after the earthquake, as we reflected on the resurrection miracle of Bill surviving the earthquake, of all of our children surviving, we became more keenly aware of St. Michael's protective presence. We started to call the oak tree, the Tree of God's Divine Protection. When the architect told us the treasured tree had to be cut down, we resisted, but eventually saw the wisdom of the decision. The tree was damaged from holding back the rubble for so many months, the roots were a threat to any future foundation for our rebuilding. The sacred tree was cut down. Then a local wood carver came. He saw beyond the battered and scarred bark and broken branches. He saw the presence of St. Michael the Archangel. Day after day the wood carver chipped away at the tree trunk and eventually he brought forth a glorious statue of St. Michael the Archangel defeating the devil. That larger than life statue of St. Michael now stands on a gigantic pedestal in our St. Joseph Family kitchen as a reminder that God is with us, there is no need for fear. God has sent St. Michael and his holy angels to watch over us always. In celebration of St. Michael's feast day we have placed a bouquet of fragrant flowers at the base of the St. Michael statue. All of the children sang a hymn proclaiming the power of St. Michael. Today's lunch was augmented and sweetened with the addition of cake and soft drinks in celebration of this special day of thanksgiving. The cake and soft drinks disappeared fast, our song took a melodious flight heavenward, the fragrant flowers will soon wither and die. What will remain is our joyous gratitude to God and our call upon St. Michael every morning and evening when we gather for family prayer, offering our petition with one confident voice: "St. Michael protect us". Peace and continued good --- Michael
09.29.11 gwen w. - beautiful creations;
I love a painting I purchased a few years ago, depicting a little Haitian girl receiving a cup of water. It is as fine a painting as you would ever want to see. This painting --- and two others by Walnes Cangas – are treasures in my home. I know the quality of the work is owed in part to Michael Geilenfeld, for seeing that Walnes and others received art lessons over the years, and to the well-known Haitian artist Ralph Allen, who has been willing to devote long hours of art lessons to the St. Joseph children. The results of Michael and Ralph’s investment are many children who paint very well. Walnes, who not only paints but now creates jewelry, is willing to follow Ralph’s example of teaching others, too. Let the circle be unbroken…
09.21.11 k.c. - three stories;
Story #1 - If rain is a sign of blessing, as Michael says it is, then we are very blessed at Wings. Any of you who have visited Wings during the rainy/double extended rainy season know that I am not joking when I say we fill up a barrel of rain a day. Now that's rain. This rainy season the government is tearing up our main road for construction, which has unleashed the power of mud. On any random day, the children are literally stuck in the house because of the mud. Where is the blessing? Our staff! Many of our staff come from downtown Port-au-Prince everyday. One staff person comes from Carrefour every day! They come in to work with mud up to their knees, mud clumped to their just-cleaned shoes, mud on their hands, having had to battle walking the road for ten minutes in treacherous conditions - sometimes cars won't even dare to pass this road. Not one complaint! Full of energy and love! And when the rain begins again as they are preparing to leave to return home, they must battle the mud again. They enter their homes filthy after a long days work, just to do it again the next day. They do so because they love the children at Wings. This type of service deserves recognition!
Story #2 - Last week I spent I spent some time with a theater master named Max von Duerckheim. Max taught three sessions of theater for two days at Trinity House, closing with a warmly received performance opened to the public. The workshops consisted of various theater warm-ups after which we all broke up into groups, each group having to conceive and act different plots based on the same theme picked by the boys. I was happily surprised to find that many of our guys are very talented in theater. I hope we will be able to continue in this type of theater thru the year, perhaps forming a small theater company! At the same time, I got to spend time with Trinity graduate Mackendy. There were times when Mackendy was a bit rebellious while living at Trinity, but Mackendy has certainly blossomed into a beautiful young man. He teaches art class, but what impressed me was his heart to start a Bible study. Mackendy saw that the young boys truly did have a solid faith in Jesus, but that their actions did not reflect that faith. He started the Bible study so that the youth would have an outlet to learn about how to put their faith into action. He's doing a great job. Join me in praying for Mackendy's spiritual leadership qualities.
Story # 3 - Many of you know Andre Belanston. While in Jacmel, I went to visit Andre's home for children. What a joy! He has around 10 young children. The first thing I noticed when I walked in is how happy the children are. The second thing I noticed is how clean the home is. Of course, this is Andre's home and it is not a surprise to see PineSol everywhere! They have two colorful murals on the walls in the house. It is very clear they operate like a family. Though this home is not associated with St. Joe's, it is a lovely home and such a reflection of the spirit of the St. Joseph Family, as Andre is part of the SJ Family. There are touches of St. Joe's all over Andre's home. It makes me smile to see the extended arms of the SJ Family in action.
09.19.11 bill n. - dance tour dispatch #13
Right now we are Oshkosh. We left West Bend at 7:00 AM and made it here on time for our 9:45 performance at one of the middle schools. We did three shows today, two in the morning and one in the evening. All of them went well and the people liked it so much. Tomorrow we are going to have three shows and that will be it for Oshkosh. Everyone are helping us. Keep on praying for us. While we are in Oshkosh, all of us are staying at a dorm where the University students are and every room has two guys in. At Oshkosh University, where we performed tonight, we had some Haitian students had dinner with us and also came to the show. We had a great time talking with them. We had one of the Oshkosh news paper lady came to one of the school performance, interviewing some of the guys. She also took lots of pictures during the performance. I believe she will put them in the paper here.
09.18.11 lucy d. - dance tour;
For the past two and a half weeks my life was busier than it has been in a long time. The Resurrection Dance Theater of Haiti has been in Eastern Iowa for the past two and a half weeks. My house was Haiti central. Michael and Renee lived here and the boys came and went from here everyday. We had a van and driver to transport the dancers and drummers to and from their performances. They not only danced and drummed wonderfully, they also interacted with the host families with enthusiasm. The host families all told me that they were very happy to have had the opportunity to get to know these young men. Of course, Didi was the star of the show. He captured the hearts of everyone that met him. He was able to attend the fifth grade class at LaSalle three days. Both he and the fifth graders at LaSalle enjoyed the experience. What a wonderful ambassador he was for the country of Haiti. My house is VERY quiet today as my life returns to normal. I think the only one that is glad to have this quiet return is my cat, Tiggar. She was most disturbed with all the activity. It was an incredible experience for me and I enjoyed every minute of it.
09.18.11 bill n. - dance tour dispatch #12
On Friday we left Iowa and arrived in Wisconsin. We had a good lunch at at Chinese restaurant. All of us in the dance troupe love Chinese food. It is our favorite food after Haitian food. Our first night in Wisconsin was at Muskego. We gathered in the home of Jim and Chris Jensen. Lots of their friends were also there to welcome us to Wisconsin. We had a great meal for dinner. We had brown rice, mashed potatoes, fried fish and barbecue chicken. For dessert we had home made cookies and banana bread. On Saturday we got to sleep in. Then we could choose to either stay home, work out at the YMCA or go shopping. I stayed home to help Didi with his school work. We had Chinese food for lunch. At 3:00 PM we left for Mass. Before Mass they had a slide show of St. Joseph's showing the rebuilding efforts. At the beginning of Mass there was a time when they called the children to come forward and Didi was one of them. He carried the candle and the rest of the kids were following him out to the room where they were going for their classes. I played the drums at Mass. The rest of the guys did the procession with the pastor and Jacky, Eddy and Gerald did a liturgical dance after communion. Everyone loved it so much and can't stop talking about it. After Mass we went downstairs for a potluck dinner which was great and there were lots of food there. Then at 7:00 PM we had our full performance. On Sunday we had two Masses and a drumming circle with some of the kids and other members from the church. The priest from St. Therese called the dancers and drummers up front and prayed over us. That was wonderful of him to do that and he also mentioned the people should help more with the rebuilding at St. Joseph's and Wings of Hope. Sunday night we had a performance at St. James. It was great! You should see the cover of their church bulletin! They really talked about us coming to their area. Vedrine, a graduate of St. Joseph's that now lives in Michigan, came all the way to Menomonee Falls to see us. Vedrine used to dance in our dance company. At the end of our last dance in our performance Didi went to the audience and got Vedrine up on the stage to dance with us. Vedrien did a wonderful piece at the end with our dancers. After the show Vedrine went back to Michigan and we moved on to West Bend. We had a performance for some elderly people in a retirement center. There were a couple of young ones there as well. There weren't a lot of people because of the rain and the Packers were playing today as well. Monday we have an early start. I think it is going to be a lot of work here in Wisconsin. I think I'm catching a cold here. Please pray for me. I have been drinking tea to help with the cold. Peace and blessings! -- Bill
09.16.11 michael g. - dance tour dispatch #11;
At 9:00 AM today all the members of the Resurrection Dance Theater of Haiti gathered in the living room at the home of Lucy Dietrich. Holding hands in a circle of prayer with Lucy and our two drivers, we gave thanks to God for the blessings of this tour and God's loving, protective presence with us throughout the Iowa tour. We prayed for God's continued blessing and protection as our dance troupe was about to leave Iowa today for two weeks in Wisconsin. We called upon the Holy Spirit to enliven, enlighten and empower our dancers and drummers as they continue doing their best to radiate the light of Christ through their words, their dancing, drumming and daily lives. Our circle of prayer then offered our St. Joseph prayer of abandonment, the prayer we pray daily, consciously placing our lives in God's hands. As everyone got into the van it started to rain --- a sign of blessing. We trust a rainbow awaits our guys in Wisconsin. Last night there was a farewell pot-luck at the host home of Jacky, Eddy and Gerald. Jacky provided some cupcakes he had made. Bill and Didi spent part of last night experiencing a pep rally and bon fire for a local high school homecoming celebration. People were constantly searching out Didi to have their picture taken with him. Yesterday we viewed a DVD of our dance performance at the Mount Mercy University Chapel of Mercy. We are going to do a test run in Wisconsin to see how well the DVD sells after performances. Later today Renee and I travel to Chicago. Tomorrow we fly out of Chicago headed home to Haiti. Bill now takes on the responsibility as tour leader for the dance troupe. Please keep Bill and all our dancers and drummers in your prayers. We will continue to send tour updates so keep checking in with us. Michael and RDTH
09.16.11 andre b. - my story;
It gives me great pleasure to share my story from the time I was a kid and living at St. Joe's to now - having been a Director, an english teacher (since my return from United States) and now the gardener - all at St Joe's in Haiti. At a young age, my both biological parents died and some family members took me into their home, but their mistreatment of me compelled a priest to send me to St. Joe's, knowing that I would be much better treated. Michael opened both the door of his heart and that of St. Joe's and introduced me to a world that I never could have imagined would someday be possible. When I thought of the poverty level that I had experienced during the lifetime of my mother, I felt then as I do now, that St. Joe's was the best thing that has ever happened to me. While at St Joe's and through St. Joe's I had the opportunity to go to school in the State of Wisconsin, an experience that has made me all that I am today. I completed my high school education and attended some community colleges in Wisconsin. I lived in Wisconsin for about twenty years and now I am back to Haiti. Upon my return, Michael was there to pick me up at the airport when I had nobody else and he provided me with a place to stay and also employment so I could sustain myself. Through such actions Michael demonstrated to me that the door of his heart and that of St. Joe's are still opened to me.
09.15.11 michael g. - didi's schoolwork;
This is what Didi brought home from school today. It is what he wrote on the computer at school: I like soccer. I am best on my team. My team name is Kraze Brize. I like math and grammar. I like basketball. I like dancing like Michael Jackson. But I don't like baseball. --- Didi.
09.15.11 michael g. - dance tour dispatch #10;
We have been on the road with no internet access but we are now back in Cedar Rapids so time for another update. Monday the 12th we spent the day in Dubuque, Iowa. It was a four performance day --- A Catholic grade school, two communities of retired nuns and a full house at Loras College that evening. By the time we arrived at Loras College for the 7:00 PM presentation the guy's were nearly depleted of energy. Fortunately the enthusiasm of the audience enlivened our guys to put forth what was actually their best performance of the tour. They were feeling and responding to the love and appreciation of the audience who knew this was the 4th performance of the day for our guys. After the show we were on the road for the hour and a half drive to my brother's home where an abundance of popcorn and ice cream awaited our consumption. It was another 4 performance day on the 13th --- three schools and an evening presentation for around 450 people from the area. At the evening performance we had an uplifting experience of God's providence. Since we did not have any morning performances scheduled for the 14th, our guys decided they wanted to make breakfast and lunch on the 14th. The guys were told they could fix whatever they wanted. They chose spaghetti and hotdogs for breakfast. For lunch they wanted rice and black beans with goat. The grocery stores in that town of 6,000 people do not carry goat so we had gotten the guys to accept using beef instead. A lady at the evening performance on the 13th heard the guys were wanting goat. She told us she had 10 pounds of goat meat in her freezer that she would give to them. Our guys were so excited that they went to her house directly after the performance to get the goat meat. TiBoudo and Gerald, along with some assistance from Walnes and Eddy, spent the morning in the kitchen preparing breakfast and then the highly anticipated lunch of goat with black beans and rice. Our special lunch guest was the lady who gave us the goat meat. The lady liked the Creole goat so much that she had Tiboudo and Gerald give her the recipe. After a satisfying lunch we all piled into the van and returned to Cedar Rapids with bulging stomachs and happy hearts. Later that night we had our final Iowa performance. While in Iowa we had a total of 25 performances. Today Didi is having his final day as a 5th grade student at LaSalle. The others are resting up and packing. Tomorrow begins the Wisconsin leg of our "Resurrection from the Rubble" Tour.
09.15.11 irina m. - my bill nathan stories;
BILL NATHAN , St. Joseph Family Goodwill Ambassador, Inspired and Touched Hearts in Vermont... Since my first visit to Haiti in 1996, I have many wonderful stories to share about the ever growing St. Joseph Family. I will, however, share my latest contact which was to welcome and host Bill Nathan in Vermont this past May. I had planned originally to be in Haiti for my birthday which was January 10, two days before the earthquake, so I again could celebrate with St. Joseph Family as I had done on my first trip when I turned 50. If a situation had not arisen at the last minute requiring the postponing of my flight, I would undoubtedly have been resting at St. Joseph's Home when the earthquake struck. That my life was spared when so many perished has brought me to deep exploration about how I will devote the rest of my life. Since then I have wanted to return to Haiti and even booked tickets, but realize that my life at this time is to be here. I need to be with my beloved 91 year old mother and work with elders and children bringing them together in inter-generational projects. At the same time I will continue to support Hearts With Haiti and gladly host others from the St. Joseph Family. When I learned that some of the boys/young men were spending time in Boston, I immediately got in touch with Renee and Michael, and plans were made for Bill to come to Vermont! I first met Bill when he was a young shy, thin little boy and love witnessing how he has blossomed into a confident, strong, talented young man. Bill's survival story can only be called a miracle so it was an especially beautiful sight to see him so full of life getting off the bus. Every minute of Bill's visit was a gift. His wisdom, faith, and love were felt by everyone. Radiating strength and compassion, he touched people of all ages by sharing his story and music. His sensitivity and understanding of people were always evident as, for example, when he crouched down to talk on eye level to a child or a person in a wheelchair. Among Bill's activities while he was in Vermont were visits to schools, Heartbeet Shared Living Community, drumming at a Haitian dance class, and doing a community presentation at my church. Cherished memories that I will always remember from Bill's visit are above all how he affected individuals. At one of the schools was a little girl who had been adopted from Russia who was now facing upheavals in her new family. Bill's stories of hope reminded her that she too was a survivor of abuse and neglect as a young child. Learning of the perseverance of Haitian children gave this girl renewed faith in her own inner strength. After Bill's visit at her school she phoned and asked if we could have dinner with her family. Throughout the meal she asked many questions and listened intently to what Bill had to share. Afterwards Bill bounced around on a trampoline with her and her brother, all three laughing with joy. Another memory was at the Heartbeet Life Sharing Community where young adults with mental and physical challenges live and work in a family setting. Bill and I spent several days there so he could see the farm and meet staff and residents. Bill was greeted warmly and immediately welcomed into the Heartbeet Family. A young man with Down's Syndrome took Bill by the hand and showed him his drum set and the two of them drummed together. Everyone was thrilled to hear them play, but especially when the young man offered his drum set for Bill to play. NEVER has he before been willing to let anyone touch his drums so this was a real honor. Later at the Community Event for Bill, this young man and others from Heartbeet came and again were part of a big drum circle. Other special memories are Bill meeting my family. He joined my son, Eben, to disc jockey at the community radio station where Eben has a weekly show. Bill selected music to play, told his story and drummed. Another day Bill joined my husband and his friend for a fishing trip. As my husband likes to say, "The fishing is always great, even though there is no catching." After this excursion on the lake, Bill joined in celebration for my mother's 91th birthday. She was all smiles and touched when he, who she now considers her Haitian grandchild, sang to her in Kreyol. After Bill left Vermont, I just had to see him one more time. I took a bus to Boston so I could give him a photo album of his trip to Vermont along with photos of the St. Joseph Family I had taken over the years. We had a great time looking at the photos and sharing memories. Besides eating a Haitian meal and giving Bill more hugs, I also got to meet Kay with whom he stays when in Boston. She's such a lovely woman who shares with me a deep love for the St. Joseph Family. We plan to get together again in the USA or Haiti.
09.13.11 sister j - thanks;
I have had the wonderful experience of St. Joseph’s Home, Wings of Hope and Trinity House before and after the earthquake. The initial visits were staying at the Home while going or coming to Pestel, Haiti. The acts of kindness and respect of others was evident from the behavior of all the family members and staff. During prayer, there was always time for each person to verbalize appreciation for some act of kindness that a member received that day. During performance times, there was teamwork and joy in sharing the gifts of self with others. During play or study time, there was humor, joy and always encouragement for those having a hard time. I can remember not being very good at darts and yet the boys in my group tried to teach me and at the same time accepted what I could do. I don’t believe this kind of behavior can be made up; it comes from the heart after having been accepted and supported by others. In all these times, Michael was there with the boys as mentor and spiritual director. Each boy was encouraged to be a leader who knows himself and shares that gift with others. I was able with the help of my religious community, the Sisters of St. Francis and a parish in Toledo, to bring Michael and the Resurrection Dance Troupe to the USA. We came to know each other and share what each of us needed on any of those wonderful days. I experienced the leadership of Michael and the Haitian leaders of the group. There was always tolerance, respect, hard-work, joy and sense of mission. These young men and Michael were givers of self and so shared the Haitian culture and art. The hundreds that experienced them still to this day speak only of the greatness of this encounter. For many in the Toledo area, it was the stepping stone for involvement in Haiti. I am working on bringing some of these individuals to Haiti so they can experience Haiti. Of course in PaP, they will enjoy life with the boys at St. Joseph’s, Wings, and Trinity. I pray that Michael and the family continues to grow and receive as they have given us so much. Thank you, Michael!
09.11.11 michael g. - dance tour dispatch #9;
Today being Sunday we participated with dance, drumming and message giving at several liturgies. Three different Catholic Churches, five Masses. In order to accomplish that the guys split into two groups so they were able to be at two churches simultaneously. This afternoon we had our final performance for Cedar Rapids. It was held at the chapel of Mount Mercy University. A large gathering of affirming and energetic people turned out for us, including three Haitian students from Kirkwood Community College. The night ended with a pizza/chicken party at the home of one of the host families. The lesson we learned experiencing the kindness and generosity of the people of Iowa is: "No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted."--- Michael and RDTH
09.10.11 brittany l. - st joseph's is a family;
I was told the first day I got to St. Joseph's that they were a family. I didn't doubt it. However, by the end of my stay, I knew it, wholeheartedly. I had a wonderful experience staying at St. Joseph's Home for Boys in Port-au-Prince. I was welcomed with love, stories, and delicious food. The accommodations were very comfortable, with many great places to sit and read, chat, dance, or listen to the drums. The staff went above and beyond the call of duty to make us feel welcome and at home in their home. I could not have asked for a better place to stay while in Haiti. And did I mention the delicious food? Thank you for warming my heart and welcoming me into your home.
09.10.11 michael g. - dance tour dispatch #8;
Today was spent at the home of my brother Chuck who was hosting the Geilenfeld family reunion. My brother and his wife Barb live in a log house on 13 acres of land known as Stolen Pines. Our guys thought they were at a resort. There was a swimming pool, yard games, soccer playing space, basketball court, volley ball, restored classic cars on display and the highlight for our guys: three types of 4-wheeler's for them to race around in. On Didi's first solo driving of the miniature 4 wheeler he ran into a pine tree. Roland and TiBoudo took the 4-wheeler razer out for a road test and ended up in a corn field. They came back and had to pull corn stalks out from under the 4-wheeler. Gerald preferred driving the 4-wheeler mule in reverse mode. After hours of 4-wheeler driving our guys are now pros. When not on the 4-wheelers the guys were swimming, playing soccer or eating. My brother and his family are all Iowa Hawkeye football fans so we made sure to arrive wearing Iowa Hawkeye T-shirts. Two widescreen TV's were set up so everyone could watch the excitement of the Iowa Hawkeyes playing against the Iowa State Cyclones. It went into three overtimes and ended with a score of 41 to 44 in favor of the Cyclones. The Hawkeyes may have lost the game but our guys won the day. They had a terrific time celebrating family. Michael and RDTH
09.09.11 michael g. - dance tour dispatch #7;
Our performance tonight was at Wartburg Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa. Wartburg is the Lutheran seminary Ben Larson attended. Ben Larson died at St. Joseph's in the earthquake of January 12, 2010. Our visit to Wartburg Seminary began with a picnic on the campus grounds. It was a gathering of students, faculty and their families. Our dance performance was in the seminary chapel. All seats were taken. Children were seated on the floor in the space up front. People were standing in the aisles. The chapel was packed with love. The affirming audience was like family to us. Their thunderous applause and energizing cheers empowered our dancers and drummers to take their performance to another level. Having our presentation in a chapel reminded us that our dance, drumming and story telling is a prayer, giving praise, honor, glory and thanksgiving to our beloved God from whom all blessings flow. Riding back to Cedar Rapids after the performance, Roland, one of our drummers, received a phone call from Haiti informing him of the death of his father, who is also the grandfather of Didi. Please remember Roland and Didi in your prayers during this difficult time of letting go. Michael and all at RDTH
09.08.11 michael g. - didi's journal entries
One of the school assignments for Didi is to keep a journal of his trip. Here are some of the journal entries from Didi: Aug. 30 --- Today was my first day in Iowa. The plane ride was fun but it was long. When I got to the airport I was amazed at the welcome I received from my friends in Cedar Rapids. They gave me flowers and water. After collecting all my bags I took off with my host family. When I got to their house they gave me a nice room with a big bed. (Sept. 1st) --- I had to get up early for my nine o'clock performance. I performed for more than 400 students. Most of them are in the fifth grade like me. They really enjoyed my show. After the show was over several came and thanked me. --- Didi
09.08.11 michael g. - dance tour dispatch #6
Today we performed at two Catholic middle schools. At each school location three to five other Catholic schools came and joined together to fill each auditorium to the max. The first school of the morning was LaSalle which is the school Didi spent two tour days attending classes with the 5th grade. That class gave Didi a separate standing ovation today. The second collection of schools brought the audience to over 1,000 students. Once again Didi was the star. After the show Didi went out to mingle with his fans and was totally enveloped in an energetic swarm of enthusiastic youth. One teacher gave Didi a school T-shirt with the message of their school written on it. The school is Regis Middle school. The message on the front of the yellow T-Shirt is: "We should treat others as we would treat Jesus, with all our heart, mind and soul" On the back was written a verse from Proverbs 16:3 ---" Commit to the Lord whatever you do and your plans will succeed." While on tour we have had two complimentary lunches from PANERA. The owner of all the PANERA franchises in Iowa is from Cedar Rapids and was a 1981 graduate of LaSalle School where we performed this morning. Renee Dietrich, our beloved SJ family member and the one who set up this Iowa dance tour is a 1987 graduate of LaSalle. Tomorrow Didi will be spending the day as a fifth grade student at LaSalle. Tomorrow everyone except Didi gets to sleep in. Our first performance is not until 7:00 PM. Michael & RDTH
09.07.11 michael g. - dance tour dispatch #5
Today we had our largest audience of this tour. It was the combined student body from Wilson Middle School and Johnson School of the Arts, a little of over 800 students. These are the same students who, after the earthquake, raised $5,000 that they sent to Haiti to help with our rebuilding efforts. The students were thrilled to meet some of the Haitians they helped. Tonight we had an audience of around 250 people. After the performance tonight Didi was surrounded by thirty or more screaming 11 and 12 year old girls trying to get his autograph and hopefully a hug. No question who the star of the show was for them. On this tour we have downsized following the belief that less is more. On our last tour we had 6 dancers and 4 drummers. Now we have 5 dancers and 3 drummers. It is going well. This summer we had drum classes for TiBoudo and Roland, 2 hours a day, five days a week for two months. Those classes are really paying off. Both TiBoudo and Roland have raised their drumming skills to another level. Although we have less drummers we do have more drums. Bill sits in the center of a semi-circle of 4 drums that he masterfully plays as if it was a drum set. Add the awesome drumming of TiBoudo and Roland with their drums, mix in the wild cheering, enthusiastic clapping and screaming of hundreds of middle school girls and you have an explosion of energy that lifts everyone's spirits. It was a great day! Michael and RDTH
09.07.11 robert - my story;
My name is Robert. I was about 13 when a French man by the name of Dennis came by to where I was living on the street from the age 9. Dennis took me to St. Joseph Home for Boys and Michael accepted me. I felt really at home there. At the time, living on the streets wasn't safe as there were some political issues. I was happy to be part of St. Joseph's Family. St. Joseph's gave me a new life for which I am thankful. As an adult I received full time employment at St. Joseph's, providing security, making sure our guests were well taken care of. During my work at St. Joseph's I met a young lady who took a shine to me and whom i took a shine to also. I went to England to be with this young lady. I am now 45 years old and i have a beautiful 20 year old daughter who will be 21 in November. I also have a grandson who just turned 6 months. I make a living doing online marketing. Michael's work is for the good. I am the living proof of it. Robert
09.06.11 michael g. - dance tour dispatch #4;
It is starting to get cold in Iowa. Walnes arrived this morning shivering and his body covered in goose bumps. It was in the upper 40's. As the tour moves into Wisconsin later this month and then into Canada in October, Walnes will hopefully adjust to the increase in cold weather. Once Walnes started dancing he heated up quickly. This was a four performance day. A heads-up to host families in Wisconsin and Canada --- there is a new food that our guys have discovered and become addicted to. CHEX MIX. In the week that we have been in Iowa we have gone through 4 large batches of chex mix. Michael and all at RDTH
09.05.11 michael g - dance tour dispatch #3;
Today being Labor Day we had no performances. It was a day for sleeping in, rest, parties, shopping and tutoring. Today our guys spent the day with their host families. Didi and Roland took some time to check out the Dollar Store. While Roland & Didi were shopping Bill went for a walk. Then it was time for Bill to tutor Didi in reading comprehension and to help Didi with his daily journal entry. Walnes and TiBoudo "chilled" for most of the day. Walnes did make time to stop by the Goodwill store. Gerald, Eddy and Jacky treated their host family by making breakfast for them. Jacky helped make cupcakes for the 18th birthday party of Molly, the daughter of the family he, Gerald and Eddy are staying with. Renee and I enjoyed an afternoon at the cinema watching the movie THE HELP. All are well rested and ready to resume dancing and drumming tomorrow. We will have three school performances and one evening public performance tomorrow. Michael and all at RDTH
09.04.11 michael g. - dance tour dispatch #2;
This morning all of us gathered together for Mass at St. Jude Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids. After Mass most of the RDTH performers returned home with their host families for the day. Bill, Walnes, Renee and I joined Renee Larson, Jon Larson and some of their other family members on a trip to Decorah, Iowa. Renee Larson is the wife of Ben Larson. Jon is Ben's cousin. Ben Larson died at St. Joseph's in the Haiti earthquake of 2010. The pilgrimage to Decorah was to visit the burial site of Ben Larson. Decorah is a two hour drive from Cedar Rapids. Our first Decorah stop was Luther College, Ben's alma mater. We visited Luther College and walked over to see two trees that had been planted on campus in memory of Ben. Then we visited a beautiful waterfall where Ben often went as a student to get inspiration for the many songs he wrote. Our final stop was the cemetery were Ben is buried. I was really moved by the monument that has been set up at Ben's grave. It is a cross cut out of mahogany granite. The edges of the granite cross have been left in the rough and takes on the appearance of earthquake rubble. The face and back of the cross are highly polished mahogany granite. Embedded in the middle of the large cross is a copy of the resurrection sunburst cross that was on the top of our St. Joseph Family Home in Port-au-Prince, Haiti prior to the earthquake. The sunburst is done in gold. Seeing our St. Joseph Family resurrection cross was a powerful reminder that the vibrant spirit of Ben Larson remains connected to St. Joseph's. Ben continues to remind us of our call to radiate the joyful presence of Christ in this world. On the back of the granite cross is a bronze plaque that tells the story and mission of Ben. It highlights his love for the poor and the loving bond Ben had with the poorest ones in Haiti, both in his life and his death. On the plaque are also the words of a song Ben wrote titled RAINDROPS. Renee Larson blessed us by singing the song. Across from the granite cross is a mahogany granite resting bench. On the bench are engraved the words from Romans 14:7-9 --- " None of us lives for oneself, and no one dies for oneself. For if we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord; so then, whether we live or die we are the Lord's. For this is why Christ died and came to life, that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living"
That is the resurrection message our Resurrection Dance Theater of Haiti proclaims: Jesus is the Lord of the dance and our dance on earth will continue on when we enter our renewed Christ --- connected life in heaven. RDTH and our St. Joseph Family is all about radiating Christ wherever we are. It is how Ben lived his life on earth and how Ben is still living his life. Thanks for partnering with us in our resurrection dance. Day by day we strive to keep our focus on Jesus as we rise up from the rubble to better serve our beloved Lord of the Dance. Peace and continued good --- Michael and all at RDTH
09.04.11 kc - transformation of death;
Several months ago, I met a man staying at St. Joseph's who was acquainted with L'arche. He was a college level professor who was intrigued with the concept of "Transformation" and how volunteers go through a transformation in their lives after spending several years with L'arche patients. He runs seminars mainly to teach volunteers how to put a language to their transformation. Many staff/volunteers (and I would say this is true of Wings, as well) become very good at what they do. Their exemplary love and care of the children/clients is unmatched... but if you were to sit them down and ask them about how they have been transformed, they would be unable to because they "just do it", its all action. But it is important to be able to put a language to our transformation, not only to be able to share with others, but to help process our own transformation and grow from it. So, when this man asked about what transformed me, I thought for a minute and said... death.
Death has transformed me. I have told a friend of mine several times that I would write a book called Between Graves (hey, don't steal that title now!) because many of our children are buried between graves rather than in actual burial sites. The stigma of being poor and disabled is carried with them even unto death. This is one of the first things that struck me when I went through a death at Wings for the first time. I was also upset that we hire a man to come and bathe the child, rather than us bathing the child. Sometimes I watch him bathe the child, and I think, I could have done that. But then I realized somewhere along the way that it probably was for the best to help us begin to part with the child, and because yes, even in Haiti, there is a procedure. (Even in the states, we don't prepare our own dead.) I have been around for over 10 deaths since coming to Wings and have been actually present for several of the passing of our children. Pretty much for all of them, I have prayed for healing for the child. But there comes a point in the journey that you realize that they really are going to die and that, you know what, its okay. Of the utmost importance is to remember to be in the present moment with them because it actually is a very holy moment... to be present as a family member transitions from one life to the other is almost like being able to put your hand into "the other side." There are also physical signs you get to know when one is about the transition to the next life. Their breathing changes, the color of the skin changes, their responses change. This is a blessing from the Lord because it is almost in those moments like the presence of the Lord is very tangible in the room drawing the person home. When one of our children dies, because of the condition of the country, the child has been prepared, the casket bought, the memorial service planned and done, and the child buried before the morning is over. It is in these moments, perhaps even during the actual death, we grieve, then sadness departs and turns to joy for the life the person lead. Uncanny isn't it. At my first death, I was upset that one of our employees was laughing on the way to the cemetery even with the casket before her. Now I understand because I have been transformed. I realize and experience the physical presence of God amongst us during death. I realize that the loved one truly has gone on to the Lord. I realize that the sting of death has to do with OUR brokenness, and once we come to grips with that, sorrow is no more. I wouldn't say that death is a fun and wonderful time. I wouldn't say that I like it. I wouldn't choose it for anyone. It was never supposed to happen. Many times our kids have to go through a tremendous amount of suffering before death. In that sense though, dying is a gift. I am happy to be a part of it. (Of course, I have never been married, nor have I born a child from my own womb. Perhaps my attitude might change when that takes place!). In closing, I am reminded of a letter I wrote to a friend in the midst of Carolyn's and Richnyder's death, whom I considered to be my very own, as I do all of our children. I think it is very appropriate for this topic: "The scripture from 2 Cor popped in my mind about God's grace being sufficient. That is kind of where I stand. We spend years studying the scripture to prepare us for what might come, and when it comes you realize OMG, I am experiencing the very thing Paul was talking about. It is no longer an abstract concept, but very real in our lives. It has been hard to reconcile praying for healing and praying in advance God's protection over our children and then having something like this happen. I was struggling with that. But then my sister had a revelation about how we don't have to reconcile it. God is in our very midst and that is all we have to be concerned with. It was such a release and it helped me be able to carry on in the day." So what do you think of that, Mel! Just for you! My affectionate love to all who might read this. God's peace.
09.04.11 michael g. - dance tour dispatch #1;
Yesterday was the 4th day of our Iowa dance tour. Our morning presentation was to have been at an outdoor farmers market in downtown Cedar Rapids but was rained out. In fact it rained most of the day. I've always seen rain as a sign of blessing. The rain motivated me to recall all the positive experiences we have had thus far on our Iowa tour. Didi is currently enrolled in the 5th grade at the American School in Haiti. Being with us on tour is causing Didi to miss three weeks of school. Bill is doing an excellent job as the tutor of Didi while we are on tour. The American School is an English medium school so all of Didi's classes are in English. In addition to Didi being tutored by Bill, Renee was able to arrange for her former grade school to host Didi as a student in their 5th grade on the days when we do not have performances. Didi is loving that experience. He is making lots of new 5th grade friends and has also learned a popular schoolyard game --- kickball. On Friday we celebrated the 31st birthday of our dancer Gerald. The entire Friday night audience sang Happy Birthday to Gerald. Jacky, the director of Wings of Hope, and one of our dancers, baked birthday cupcakes with raspberry frosting which were used for a post performance birthday celebration for Gerald. Gerald likes to change his name on dance tours. On our last tour he wanted to be known as Geraldo. On this tour he has chosen the name Jerry. No matter how he is named, Gerald is an awesome, high energy dancer. Jacky has not just been baking cupcakes. The family Jacky has been staying with while in Iowa taught him how to brew beer yesterday. Jacky, Gerald (Jerry) and Eddy are all staying with the same host family. The highlight for them thus far has been getting car driving classes. Yesterday Daniel Jn Mary, a St. Joseph graduate living in Minneapolis, MN, drove four hours to come and spend the day with us. Daniel has earned an associate degree in business mgmt from a community college in Minneapolis. He is currently getting training in management by working at a Taco Bell in Minneapolis. On Nov. 1st Daniel will be moving back to Haiti and will become the manager of our Nouvo Vi Bakery at Trinity House in Jacmel. Other than our rained out show yesterday, all of our dance performances have gone well. We have been having our presentations at Theater Cedar Rapids. It is a newly renovated downtown theater. On our first two performance days public schools were bussed to the theater. Each performance had a little over 400 high energy students in attendance. We also had two evening public performances at Theater Cedar Rapids. For Labor Day we have two days off. We return to the stage on Tuesday. Peace and continued good --- Michael and all at RDTH09.03.11 amy v. - my friends at sjf;
This past March I took a small group to visit my friends at St. Joseph Family in Haiti. It was the first time I had been to see them since the earthquake of January 2010. The earthquake damaged both St. Joseph's Home for Boys and Guest House and Wings of Hope. The damage was so severe that both buildings were torn down. The residents at Wings of Hope were moved into two homes not too far from the original property. These homes have been fitted to accommodate the needs of the residents as well as could be done, but the truth is that it is a struggle to get the wheel chairs from one floor to another and from one building to another. The rebuilding of Wings of Hope is under way, but was still in the design stage last March, so it will be quite a while before there is a home for the residents that can truly accommodate the wheel chairs and other special needs that they have. I was hoping for the best as I traveled to Wings, but truly expected to encounter a less vibrant educational and experiential situation than I had known in all my previous trips. Was I surprised! I found the leadership, staff and residents to be inspirational as they dealt with the physical issues presented by the buildings they were living and working in. I found the residents to be flexible and accepting of the situation, because their routine was being carried on. Not only was it business as usual with classes and activities, but even special activities were being planned and carried out. It was such a pleasure to see this over the week that my group stayed and worked with the residents, staff and leadership at Wings. While touring Haiti, I saw lots of destruction from the earthquake and lots of "making do" by the citizens of communities, but not a lot of rebuilding or even clearing away for rubble. My friends, the St. Joseph Family, are not only carrying on and continuing to care for and educate children, but they have cleared away the rubble and are rebuilding. They are doing this with faith in the future and a knowledge that together and with God's help, anything is possible. They also know that the responsibility to care for one another is our greatest gift!
Right now we are Oshkosh. We left West Bend at 7:00 AM and made it here on time for our 9:45 performance at one of the middle schools. We did three shows today, two in the morning and one in the evening. All of them went well and the people liked it so much. Tomorrow we are going to have three shows and that will be it for Oshkosh. Everyone are helping us. Keep on praying for us. While we are in Oshkosh, all of us are staying at a dorm where the University students are and every room has two guys in. At Oshkosh University, where we performed tonight, we had some Haitian students had dinner with us and also came to the show. We had a great time talking with them. We had one of the Oshkosh news paper lady came to one of the school performance, interviewing some of the guys. She also took lots of pictures during the performance. I believe she will put them in the paper here.
09.18.11 lucy d. - dance tour;
For the past two and a half weeks my life was busier than it has been in a long time. The Resurrection Dance Theater of Haiti has been in Eastern Iowa for the past two and a half weeks. My house was Haiti central. Michael and Renee lived here and the boys came and went from here everyday. We had a van and driver to transport the dancers and drummers to and from their performances. They not only danced and drummed wonderfully, they also interacted with the host families with enthusiasm. The host families all told me that they were very happy to have had the opportunity to get to know these young men. Of course, Didi was the star of the show. He captured the hearts of everyone that met him. He was able to attend the fifth grade class at LaSalle three days. Both he and the fifth graders at LaSalle enjoyed the experience. What a wonderful ambassador he was for the country of Haiti. My house is VERY quiet today as my life returns to normal. I think the only one that is glad to have this quiet return is my cat, Tiggar. She was most disturbed with all the activity. It was an incredible experience for me and I enjoyed every minute of it.
09.18.11 bill n. - dance tour dispatch #12
On Friday we left Iowa and arrived in Wisconsin. We had a good lunch at at Chinese restaurant. All of us in the dance troupe love Chinese food. It is our favorite food after Haitian food. Our first night in Wisconsin was at Muskego. We gathered in the home of Jim and Chris Jensen. Lots of their friends were also there to welcome us to Wisconsin. We had a great meal for dinner. We had brown rice, mashed potatoes, fried fish and barbecue chicken. For dessert we had home made cookies and banana bread. On Saturday we got to sleep in. Then we could choose to either stay home, work out at the YMCA or go shopping. I stayed home to help Didi with his school work. We had Chinese food for lunch. At 3:00 PM we left for Mass. Before Mass they had a slide show of St. Joseph's showing the rebuilding efforts. At the beginning of Mass there was a time when they called the children to come forward and Didi was one of them. He carried the candle and the rest of the kids were following him out to the room where they were going for their classes. I played the drums at Mass. The rest of the guys did the procession with the pastor and Jacky, Eddy and Gerald did a liturgical dance after communion. Everyone loved it so much and can't stop talking about it. After Mass we went downstairs for a potluck dinner which was great and there were lots of food there. Then at 7:00 PM we had our full performance. On Sunday we had two Masses and a drumming circle with some of the kids and other members from the church. The priest from St. Therese called the dancers and drummers up front and prayed over us. That was wonderful of him to do that and he also mentioned the people should help more with the rebuilding at St. Joseph's and Wings of Hope. Sunday night we had a performance at St. James. It was great! You should see the cover of their church bulletin! They really talked about us coming to their area. Vedrine, a graduate of St. Joseph's that now lives in Michigan, came all the way to Menomonee Falls to see us. Vedrine used to dance in our dance company. At the end of our last dance in our performance Didi went to the audience and got Vedrine up on the stage to dance with us. Vedrien did a wonderful piece at the end with our dancers. After the show Vedrine went back to Michigan and we moved on to West Bend. We had a performance for some elderly people in a retirement center. There were a couple of young ones there as well. There weren't a lot of people because of the rain and the Packers were playing today as well. Monday we have an early start. I think it is going to be a lot of work here in Wisconsin. I think I'm catching a cold here. Please pray for me. I have been drinking tea to help with the cold. Peace and blessings! -- Bill
09.16.11 michael g. - dance tour dispatch #11;
At 9:00 AM today all the members of the Resurrection Dance Theater of Haiti gathered in the living room at the home of Lucy Dietrich. Holding hands in a circle of prayer with Lucy and our two drivers, we gave thanks to God for the blessings of this tour and God's loving, protective presence with us throughout the Iowa tour. We prayed for God's continued blessing and protection as our dance troupe was about to leave Iowa today for two weeks in Wisconsin. We called upon the Holy Spirit to enliven, enlighten and empower our dancers and drummers as they continue doing their best to radiate the light of Christ through their words, their dancing, drumming and daily lives. Our circle of prayer then offered our St. Joseph prayer of abandonment, the prayer we pray daily, consciously placing our lives in God's hands. As everyone got into the van it started to rain --- a sign of blessing. We trust a rainbow awaits our guys in Wisconsin. Last night there was a farewell pot-luck at the host home of Jacky, Eddy and Gerald. Jacky provided some cupcakes he had made. Bill and Didi spent part of last night experiencing a pep rally and bon fire for a local high school homecoming celebration. People were constantly searching out Didi to have their picture taken with him. Yesterday we viewed a DVD of our dance performance at the Mount Mercy University Chapel of Mercy. We are going to do a test run in Wisconsin to see how well the DVD sells after performances. Later today Renee and I travel to Chicago. Tomorrow we fly out of Chicago headed home to Haiti. Bill now takes on the responsibility as tour leader for the dance troupe. Please keep Bill and all our dancers and drummers in your prayers. We will continue to send tour updates so keep checking in with us. Michael and RDTH
09.16.11 andre b. - my story;
It gives me great pleasure to share my story from the time I was a kid and living at St. Joe's to now - having been a Director, an english teacher (since my return from United States) and now the gardener - all at St Joe's in Haiti. At a young age, my both biological parents died and some family members took me into their home, but their mistreatment of me compelled a priest to send me to St. Joe's, knowing that I would be much better treated. Michael opened both the door of his heart and that of St. Joe's and introduced me to a world that I never could have imagined would someday be possible. When I thought of the poverty level that I had experienced during the lifetime of my mother, I felt then as I do now, that St. Joe's was the best thing that has ever happened to me. While at St Joe's and through St. Joe's I had the opportunity to go to school in the State of Wisconsin, an experience that has made me all that I am today. I completed my high school education and attended some community colleges in Wisconsin. I lived in Wisconsin for about twenty years and now I am back to Haiti. Upon my return, Michael was there to pick me up at the airport when I had nobody else and he provided me with a place to stay and also employment so I could sustain myself. Through such actions Michael demonstrated to me that the door of his heart and that of St. Joe's are still opened to me.
09.15.11 michael g. - didi's schoolwork;
This is what Didi brought home from school today. It is what he wrote on the computer at school: I like soccer. I am best on my team. My team name is Kraze Brize. I like math and grammar. I like basketball. I like dancing like Michael Jackson. But I don't like baseball. --- Didi.
09.15.11 michael g. - dance tour dispatch #10;
We have been on the road with no internet access but we are now back in Cedar Rapids so time for another update. Monday the 12th we spent the day in Dubuque, Iowa. It was a four performance day --- A Catholic grade school, two communities of retired nuns and a full house at Loras College that evening. By the time we arrived at Loras College for the 7:00 PM presentation the guy's were nearly depleted of energy. Fortunately the enthusiasm of the audience enlivened our guys to put forth what was actually their best performance of the tour. They were feeling and responding to the love and appreciation of the audience who knew this was the 4th performance of the day for our guys. After the show we were on the road for the hour and a half drive to my brother's home where an abundance of popcorn and ice cream awaited our consumption. It was another 4 performance day on the 13th --- three schools and an evening presentation for around 450 people from the area. At the evening performance we had an uplifting experience of God's providence. Since we did not have any morning performances scheduled for the 14th, our guys decided they wanted to make breakfast and lunch on the 14th. The guys were told they could fix whatever they wanted. They chose spaghetti and hotdogs for breakfast. For lunch they wanted rice and black beans with goat. The grocery stores in that town of 6,000 people do not carry goat so we had gotten the guys to accept using beef instead. A lady at the evening performance on the 13th heard the guys were wanting goat. She told us she had 10 pounds of goat meat in her freezer that she would give to them. Our guys were so excited that they went to her house directly after the performance to get the goat meat. TiBoudo and Gerald, along with some assistance from Walnes and Eddy, spent the morning in the kitchen preparing breakfast and then the highly anticipated lunch of goat with black beans and rice. Our special lunch guest was the lady who gave us the goat meat. The lady liked the Creole goat so much that she had Tiboudo and Gerald give her the recipe. After a satisfying lunch we all piled into the van and returned to Cedar Rapids with bulging stomachs and happy hearts. Later that night we had our final Iowa performance. While in Iowa we had a total of 25 performances. Today Didi is having his final day as a 5th grade student at LaSalle. The others are resting up and packing. Tomorrow begins the Wisconsin leg of our "Resurrection from the Rubble" Tour.
09.15.11 irina m. - my bill nathan stories;
BILL NATHAN , St. Joseph Family Goodwill Ambassador, Inspired and Touched Hearts in Vermont... Since my first visit to Haiti in 1996, I have many wonderful stories to share about the ever growing St. Joseph Family. I will, however, share my latest contact which was to welcome and host Bill Nathan in Vermont this past May. I had planned originally to be in Haiti for my birthday which was January 10, two days before the earthquake, so I again could celebrate with St. Joseph Family as I had done on my first trip when I turned 50. If a situation had not arisen at the last minute requiring the postponing of my flight, I would undoubtedly have been resting at St. Joseph's Home when the earthquake struck. That my life was spared when so many perished has brought me to deep exploration about how I will devote the rest of my life. Since then I have wanted to return to Haiti and even booked tickets, but realize that my life at this time is to be here. I need to be with my beloved 91 year old mother and work with elders and children bringing them together in inter-generational projects. At the same time I will continue to support Hearts With Haiti and gladly host others from the St. Joseph Family. When I learned that some of the boys/young men were spending time in Boston, I immediately got in touch with Renee and Michael, and plans were made for Bill to come to Vermont! I first met Bill when he was a young shy, thin little boy and love witnessing how he has blossomed into a confident, strong, talented young man. Bill's survival story can only be called a miracle so it was an especially beautiful sight to see him so full of life getting off the bus. Every minute of Bill's visit was a gift. His wisdom, faith, and love were felt by everyone. Radiating strength and compassion, he touched people of all ages by sharing his story and music. His sensitivity and understanding of people were always evident as, for example, when he crouched down to talk on eye level to a child or a person in a wheelchair. Among Bill's activities while he was in Vermont were visits to schools, Heartbeet Shared Living Community, drumming at a Haitian dance class, and doing a community presentation at my church. Cherished memories that I will always remember from Bill's visit are above all how he affected individuals. At one of the schools was a little girl who had been adopted from Russia who was now facing upheavals in her new family. Bill's stories of hope reminded her that she too was a survivor of abuse and neglect as a young child. Learning of the perseverance of Haitian children gave this girl renewed faith in her own inner strength. After Bill's visit at her school she phoned and asked if we could have dinner with her family. Throughout the meal she asked many questions and listened intently to what Bill had to share. Afterwards Bill bounced around on a trampoline with her and her brother, all three laughing with joy. Another memory was at the Heartbeet Life Sharing Community where young adults with mental and physical challenges live and work in a family setting. Bill and I spent several days there so he could see the farm and meet staff and residents. Bill was greeted warmly and immediately welcomed into the Heartbeet Family. A young man with Down's Syndrome took Bill by the hand and showed him his drum set and the two of them drummed together. Everyone was thrilled to hear them play, but especially when the young man offered his drum set for Bill to play. NEVER has he before been willing to let anyone touch his drums so this was a real honor. Later at the Community Event for Bill, this young man and others from Heartbeet came and again were part of a big drum circle. Other special memories are Bill meeting my family. He joined my son, Eben, to disc jockey at the community radio station where Eben has a weekly show. Bill selected music to play, told his story and drummed. Another day Bill joined my husband and his friend for a fishing trip. As my husband likes to say, "The fishing is always great, even though there is no catching." After this excursion on the lake, Bill joined in celebration for my mother's 91th birthday. She was all smiles and touched when he, who she now considers her Haitian grandchild, sang to her in Kreyol. After Bill left Vermont, I just had to see him one more time. I took a bus to Boston so I could give him a photo album of his trip to Vermont along with photos of the St. Joseph Family I had taken over the years. We had a great time looking at the photos and sharing memories. Besides eating a Haitian meal and giving Bill more hugs, I also got to meet Kay with whom he stays when in Boston. She's such a lovely woman who shares with me a deep love for the St. Joseph Family. We plan to get together again in the USA or Haiti.
09.13.11 sister j - thanks;
I have had the wonderful experience of St. Joseph’s Home, Wings of Hope and Trinity House before and after the earthquake. The initial visits were staying at the Home while going or coming to Pestel, Haiti. The acts of kindness and respect of others was evident from the behavior of all the family members and staff. During prayer, there was always time for each person to verbalize appreciation for some act of kindness that a member received that day. During performance times, there was teamwork and joy in sharing the gifts of self with others. During play or study time, there was humor, joy and always encouragement for those having a hard time. I can remember not being very good at darts and yet the boys in my group tried to teach me and at the same time accepted what I could do. I don’t believe this kind of behavior can be made up; it comes from the heart after having been accepted and supported by others. In all these times, Michael was there with the boys as mentor and spiritual director. Each boy was encouraged to be a leader who knows himself and shares that gift with others. I was able with the help of my religious community, the Sisters of St. Francis and a parish in Toledo, to bring Michael and the Resurrection Dance Troupe to the USA. We came to know each other and share what each of us needed on any of those wonderful days. I experienced the leadership of Michael and the Haitian leaders of the group. There was always tolerance, respect, hard-work, joy and sense of mission. These young men and Michael were givers of self and so shared the Haitian culture and art. The hundreds that experienced them still to this day speak only of the greatness of this encounter. For many in the Toledo area, it was the stepping stone for involvement in Haiti. I am working on bringing some of these individuals to Haiti so they can experience Haiti. Of course in PaP, they will enjoy life with the boys at St. Joseph’s, Wings, and Trinity. I pray that Michael and the family continues to grow and receive as they have given us so much. Thank you, Michael!
09.11.11 michael g. - dance tour dispatch #9;
Today being Sunday we participated with dance, drumming and message giving at several liturgies. Three different Catholic Churches, five Masses. In order to accomplish that the guys split into two groups so they were able to be at two churches simultaneously. This afternoon we had our final performance for Cedar Rapids. It was held at the chapel of Mount Mercy University. A large gathering of affirming and energetic people turned out for us, including three Haitian students from Kirkwood Community College. The night ended with a pizza/chicken party at the home of one of the host families. The lesson we learned experiencing the kindness and generosity of the people of Iowa is: "No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted."--- Michael and RDTH
09.10.11 brittany l. - st joseph's is a family;
I was told the first day I got to St. Joseph's that they were a family. I didn't doubt it. However, by the end of my stay, I knew it, wholeheartedly. I had a wonderful experience staying at St. Joseph's Home for Boys in Port-au-Prince. I was welcomed with love, stories, and delicious food. The accommodations were very comfortable, with many great places to sit and read, chat, dance, or listen to the drums. The staff went above and beyond the call of duty to make us feel welcome and at home in their home. I could not have asked for a better place to stay while in Haiti. And did I mention the delicious food? Thank you for warming my heart and welcoming me into your home.
09.10.11 michael g. - dance tour dispatch #8;
Today was spent at the home of my brother Chuck who was hosting the Geilenfeld family reunion. My brother and his wife Barb live in a log house on 13 acres of land known as Stolen Pines. Our guys thought they were at a resort. There was a swimming pool, yard games, soccer playing space, basketball court, volley ball, restored classic cars on display and the highlight for our guys: three types of 4-wheeler's for them to race around in. On Didi's first solo driving of the miniature 4 wheeler he ran into a pine tree. Roland and TiBoudo took the 4-wheeler razer out for a road test and ended up in a corn field. They came back and had to pull corn stalks out from under the 4-wheeler. Gerald preferred driving the 4-wheeler mule in reverse mode. After hours of 4-wheeler driving our guys are now pros. When not on the 4-wheelers the guys were swimming, playing soccer or eating. My brother and his family are all Iowa Hawkeye football fans so we made sure to arrive wearing Iowa Hawkeye T-shirts. Two widescreen TV's were set up so everyone could watch the excitement of the Iowa Hawkeyes playing against the Iowa State Cyclones. It went into three overtimes and ended with a score of 41 to 44 in favor of the Cyclones. The Hawkeyes may have lost the game but our guys won the day. They had a terrific time celebrating family. Michael and RDTH
09.09.11 michael g. - dance tour dispatch #7;
Our performance tonight was at Wartburg Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa. Wartburg is the Lutheran seminary Ben Larson attended. Ben Larson died at St. Joseph's in the earthquake of January 12, 2010. Our visit to Wartburg Seminary began with a picnic on the campus grounds. It was a gathering of students, faculty and their families. Our dance performance was in the seminary chapel. All seats were taken. Children were seated on the floor in the space up front. People were standing in the aisles. The chapel was packed with love. The affirming audience was like family to us. Their thunderous applause and energizing cheers empowered our dancers and drummers to take their performance to another level. Having our presentation in a chapel reminded us that our dance, drumming and story telling is a prayer, giving praise, honor, glory and thanksgiving to our beloved God from whom all blessings flow. Riding back to Cedar Rapids after the performance, Roland, one of our drummers, received a phone call from Haiti informing him of the death of his father, who is also the grandfather of Didi. Please remember Roland and Didi in your prayers during this difficult time of letting go. Michael and all at RDTH
09.08.11 michael g. - didi's journal entries
One of the school assignments for Didi is to keep a journal of his trip. Here are some of the journal entries from Didi: Aug. 30 --- Today was my first day in Iowa. The plane ride was fun but it was long. When I got to the airport I was amazed at the welcome I received from my friends in Cedar Rapids. They gave me flowers and water. After collecting all my bags I took off with my host family. When I got to their house they gave me a nice room with a big bed. (Sept. 1st) --- I had to get up early for my nine o'clock performance. I performed for more than 400 students. Most of them are in the fifth grade like me. They really enjoyed my show. After the show was over several came and thanked me. --- Didi
09.08.11 michael g. - dance tour dispatch #6
Today we performed at two Catholic middle schools. At each school location three to five other Catholic schools came and joined together to fill each auditorium to the max. The first school of the morning was LaSalle which is the school Didi spent two tour days attending classes with the 5th grade. That class gave Didi a separate standing ovation today. The second collection of schools brought the audience to over 1,000 students. Once again Didi was the star. After the show Didi went out to mingle with his fans and was totally enveloped in an energetic swarm of enthusiastic youth. One teacher gave Didi a school T-shirt with the message of their school written on it. The school is Regis Middle school. The message on the front of the yellow T-Shirt is: "We should treat others as we would treat Jesus, with all our heart, mind and soul" On the back was written a verse from Proverbs 16:3 ---" Commit to the Lord whatever you do and your plans will succeed." While on tour we have had two complimentary lunches from PANERA. The owner of all the PANERA franchises in Iowa is from Cedar Rapids and was a 1981 graduate of LaSalle School where we performed this morning. Renee Dietrich, our beloved SJ family member and the one who set up this Iowa dance tour is a 1987 graduate of LaSalle. Tomorrow Didi will be spending the day as a fifth grade student at LaSalle. Tomorrow everyone except Didi gets to sleep in. Our first performance is not until 7:00 PM. Michael & RDTH
09.07.11 michael g. - dance tour dispatch #5
Today we had our largest audience of this tour. It was the combined student body from Wilson Middle School and Johnson School of the Arts, a little of over 800 students. These are the same students who, after the earthquake, raised $5,000 that they sent to Haiti to help with our rebuilding efforts. The students were thrilled to meet some of the Haitians they helped. Tonight we had an audience of around 250 people. After the performance tonight Didi was surrounded by thirty or more screaming 11 and 12 year old girls trying to get his autograph and hopefully a hug. No question who the star of the show was for them. On this tour we have downsized following the belief that less is more. On our last tour we had 6 dancers and 4 drummers. Now we have 5 dancers and 3 drummers. It is going well. This summer we had drum classes for TiBoudo and Roland, 2 hours a day, five days a week for two months. Those classes are really paying off. Both TiBoudo and Roland have raised their drumming skills to another level. Although we have less drummers we do have more drums. Bill sits in the center of a semi-circle of 4 drums that he masterfully plays as if it was a drum set. Add the awesome drumming of TiBoudo and Roland with their drums, mix in the wild cheering, enthusiastic clapping and screaming of hundreds of middle school girls and you have an explosion of energy that lifts everyone's spirits. It was a great day! Michael and RDTH
09.07.11 robert - my story;
My name is Robert. I was about 13 when a French man by the name of Dennis came by to where I was living on the street from the age 9. Dennis took me to St. Joseph Home for Boys and Michael accepted me. I felt really at home there. At the time, living on the streets wasn't safe as there were some political issues. I was happy to be part of St. Joseph's Family. St. Joseph's gave me a new life for which I am thankful. As an adult I received full time employment at St. Joseph's, providing security, making sure our guests were well taken care of. During my work at St. Joseph's I met a young lady who took a shine to me and whom i took a shine to also. I went to England to be with this young lady. I am now 45 years old and i have a beautiful 20 year old daughter who will be 21 in November. I also have a grandson who just turned 6 months. I make a living doing online marketing. Michael's work is for the good. I am the living proof of it. Robert
09.06.11 michael g. - dance tour dispatch #4;
It is starting to get cold in Iowa. Walnes arrived this morning shivering and his body covered in goose bumps. It was in the upper 40's. As the tour moves into Wisconsin later this month and then into Canada in October, Walnes will hopefully adjust to the increase in cold weather. Once Walnes started dancing he heated up quickly. This was a four performance day. A heads-up to host families in Wisconsin and Canada --- there is a new food that our guys have discovered and become addicted to. CHEX MIX. In the week that we have been in Iowa we have gone through 4 large batches of chex mix. Michael and all at RDTH
09.05.11 michael g - dance tour dispatch #3;
Today being Labor Day we had no performances. It was a day for sleeping in, rest, parties, shopping and tutoring. Today our guys spent the day with their host families. Didi and Roland took some time to check out the Dollar Store. While Roland & Didi were shopping Bill went for a walk. Then it was time for Bill to tutor Didi in reading comprehension and to help Didi with his daily journal entry. Walnes and TiBoudo "chilled" for most of the day. Walnes did make time to stop by the Goodwill store. Gerald, Eddy and Jacky treated their host family by making breakfast for them. Jacky helped make cupcakes for the 18th birthday party of Molly, the daughter of the family he, Gerald and Eddy are staying with. Renee and I enjoyed an afternoon at the cinema watching the movie THE HELP. All are well rested and ready to resume dancing and drumming tomorrow. We will have three school performances and one evening public performance tomorrow. Michael and all at RDTH
09.04.11 michael g. - dance tour dispatch #2;
This morning all of us gathered together for Mass at St. Jude Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids. After Mass most of the RDTH performers returned home with their host families for the day. Bill, Walnes, Renee and I joined Renee Larson, Jon Larson and some of their other family members on a trip to Decorah, Iowa. Renee Larson is the wife of Ben Larson. Jon is Ben's cousin. Ben Larson died at St. Joseph's in the Haiti earthquake of 2010. The pilgrimage to Decorah was to visit the burial site of Ben Larson. Decorah is a two hour drive from Cedar Rapids. Our first Decorah stop was Luther College, Ben's alma mater. We visited Luther College and walked over to see two trees that had been planted on campus in memory of Ben. Then we visited a beautiful waterfall where Ben often went as a student to get inspiration for the many songs he wrote. Our final stop was the cemetery were Ben is buried. I was really moved by the monument that has been set up at Ben's grave. It is a cross cut out of mahogany granite. The edges of the granite cross have been left in the rough and takes on the appearance of earthquake rubble. The face and back of the cross are highly polished mahogany granite. Embedded in the middle of the large cross is a copy of the resurrection sunburst cross that was on the top of our St. Joseph Family Home in Port-au-Prince, Haiti prior to the earthquake. The sunburst is done in gold. Seeing our St. Joseph Family resurrection cross was a powerful reminder that the vibrant spirit of Ben Larson remains connected to St. Joseph's. Ben continues to remind us of our call to radiate the joyful presence of Christ in this world. On the back of the granite cross is a bronze plaque that tells the story and mission of Ben. It highlights his love for the poor and the loving bond Ben had with the poorest ones in Haiti, both in his life and his death. On the plaque are also the words of a song Ben wrote titled RAINDROPS. Renee Larson blessed us by singing the song. Across from the granite cross is a mahogany granite resting bench. On the bench are engraved the words from Romans 14:7-9 --- " None of us lives for oneself, and no one dies for oneself. For if we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord; so then, whether we live or die we are the Lord's. For this is why Christ died and came to life, that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living"
That is the resurrection message our Resurrection Dance Theater of Haiti proclaims: Jesus is the Lord of the dance and our dance on earth will continue on when we enter our renewed Christ --- connected life in heaven. RDTH and our St. Joseph Family is all about radiating Christ wherever we are. It is how Ben lived his life on earth and how Ben is still living his life. Thanks for partnering with us in our resurrection dance. Day by day we strive to keep our focus on Jesus as we rise up from the rubble to better serve our beloved Lord of the Dance. Peace and continued good --- Michael and all at RDTH
09.04.11 kc - transformation of death;
Several months ago, I met a man staying at St. Joseph's who was acquainted with L'arche. He was a college level professor who was intrigued with the concept of "Transformation" and how volunteers go through a transformation in their lives after spending several years with L'arche patients. He runs seminars mainly to teach volunteers how to put a language to their transformation. Many staff/volunteers (and I would say this is true of Wings, as well) become very good at what they do. Their exemplary love and care of the children/clients is unmatched... but if you were to sit them down and ask them about how they have been transformed, they would be unable to because they "just do it", its all action. But it is important to be able to put a language to our transformation, not only to be able to share with others, but to help process our own transformation and grow from it. So, when this man asked about what transformed me, I thought for a minute and said... death.
Death has transformed me. I have told a friend of mine several times that I would write a book called Between Graves (hey, don't steal that title now!) because many of our children are buried between graves rather than in actual burial sites. The stigma of being poor and disabled is carried with them even unto death. This is one of the first things that struck me when I went through a death at Wings for the first time. I was also upset that we hire a man to come and bathe the child, rather than us bathing the child. Sometimes I watch him bathe the child, and I think, I could have done that. But then I realized somewhere along the way that it probably was for the best to help us begin to part with the child, and because yes, even in Haiti, there is a procedure. (Even in the states, we don't prepare our own dead.) I have been around for over 10 deaths since coming to Wings and have been actually present for several of the passing of our children. Pretty much for all of them, I have prayed for healing for the child. But there comes a point in the journey that you realize that they really are going to die and that, you know what, its okay. Of the utmost importance is to remember to be in the present moment with them because it actually is a very holy moment... to be present as a family member transitions from one life to the other is almost like being able to put your hand into "the other side." There are also physical signs you get to know when one is about the transition to the next life. Their breathing changes, the color of the skin changes, their responses change. This is a blessing from the Lord because it is almost in those moments like the presence of the Lord is very tangible in the room drawing the person home. When one of our children dies, because of the condition of the country, the child has been prepared, the casket bought, the memorial service planned and done, and the child buried before the morning is over. It is in these moments, perhaps even during the actual death, we grieve, then sadness departs and turns to joy for the life the person lead. Uncanny isn't it. At my first death, I was upset that one of our employees was laughing on the way to the cemetery even with the casket before her. Now I understand because I have been transformed. I realize and experience the physical presence of God amongst us during death. I realize that the loved one truly has gone on to the Lord. I realize that the sting of death has to do with OUR brokenness, and once we come to grips with that, sorrow is no more. I wouldn't say that death is a fun and wonderful time. I wouldn't say that I like it. I wouldn't choose it for anyone. It was never supposed to happen. Many times our kids have to go through a tremendous amount of suffering before death. In that sense though, dying is a gift. I am happy to be a part of it. (Of course, I have never been married, nor have I born a child from my own womb. Perhaps my attitude might change when that takes place!). In closing, I am reminded of a letter I wrote to a friend in the midst of Carolyn's and Richnyder's death, whom I considered to be my very own, as I do all of our children. I think it is very appropriate for this topic: "The scripture from 2 Cor popped in my mind about God's grace being sufficient. That is kind of where I stand. We spend years studying the scripture to prepare us for what might come, and when it comes you realize OMG, I am experiencing the very thing Paul was talking about. It is no longer an abstract concept, but very real in our lives. It has been hard to reconcile praying for healing and praying in advance God's protection over our children and then having something like this happen. I was struggling with that. But then my sister had a revelation about how we don't have to reconcile it. God is in our very midst and that is all we have to be concerned with. It was such a release and it helped me be able to carry on in the day." So what do you think of that, Mel! Just for you! My affectionate love to all who might read this. God's peace.
09.04.11 michael g. - dance tour dispatch #1;
Yesterday was the 4th day of our Iowa dance tour. Our morning presentation was to have been at an outdoor farmers market in downtown Cedar Rapids but was rained out. In fact it rained most of the day. I've always seen rain as a sign of blessing. The rain motivated me to recall all the positive experiences we have had thus far on our Iowa tour. Didi is currently enrolled in the 5th grade at the American School in Haiti. Being with us on tour is causing Didi to miss three weeks of school. Bill is doing an excellent job as the tutor of Didi while we are on tour. The American School is an English medium school so all of Didi's classes are in English. In addition to Didi being tutored by Bill, Renee was able to arrange for her former grade school to host Didi as a student in their 5th grade on the days when we do not have performances. Didi is loving that experience. He is making lots of new 5th grade friends and has also learned a popular schoolyard game --- kickball. On Friday we celebrated the 31st birthday of our dancer Gerald. The entire Friday night audience sang Happy Birthday to Gerald. Jacky, the director of Wings of Hope, and one of our dancers, baked birthday cupcakes with raspberry frosting which were used for a post performance birthday celebration for Gerald. Gerald likes to change his name on dance tours. On our last tour he wanted to be known as Geraldo. On this tour he has chosen the name Jerry. No matter how he is named, Gerald is an awesome, high energy dancer. Jacky has not just been baking cupcakes. The family Jacky has been staying with while in Iowa taught him how to brew beer yesterday. Jacky, Gerald (Jerry) and Eddy are all staying with the same host family. The highlight for them thus far has been getting car driving classes. Yesterday Daniel Jn Mary, a St. Joseph graduate living in Minneapolis, MN, drove four hours to come and spend the day with us. Daniel has earned an associate degree in business mgmt from a community college in Minneapolis. He is currently getting training in management by working at a Taco Bell in Minneapolis. On Nov. 1st Daniel will be moving back to Haiti and will become the manager of our Nouvo Vi Bakery at Trinity House in Jacmel. Other than our rained out show yesterday, all of our dance performances have gone well. We have been having our presentations at Theater Cedar Rapids. It is a newly renovated downtown theater. On our first two performance days public schools were bussed to the theater. Each performance had a little over 400 high energy students in attendance. We also had two evening public performances at Theater Cedar Rapids. For Labor Day we have two days off. We return to the stage on Tuesday. Peace and continued good --- Michael and all at RDTH09.03.11 amy v. - my friends at sjf;
This past March I took a small group to visit my friends at St. Joseph Family in Haiti. It was the first time I had been to see them since the earthquake of January 2010. The earthquake damaged both St. Joseph's Home for Boys and Guest House and Wings of Hope. The damage was so severe that both buildings were torn down. The residents at Wings of Hope were moved into two homes not too far from the original property. These homes have been fitted to accommodate the needs of the residents as well as could be done, but the truth is that it is a struggle to get the wheel chairs from one floor to another and from one building to another. The rebuilding of Wings of Hope is under way, but was still in the design stage last March, so it will be quite a while before there is a home for the residents that can truly accommodate the wheel chairs and other special needs that they have. I was hoping for the best as I traveled to Wings, but truly expected to encounter a less vibrant educational and experiential situation than I had known in all my previous trips. Was I surprised! I found the leadership, staff and residents to be inspirational as they dealt with the physical issues presented by the buildings they were living and working in. I found the residents to be flexible and accepting of the situation, because their routine was being carried on. Not only was it business as usual with classes and activities, but even special activities were being planned and carried out. It was such a pleasure to see this over the week that my group stayed and worked with the residents, staff and leadership at Wings. While touring Haiti, I saw lots of destruction from the earthquake and lots of "making do" by the citizens of communities, but not a lot of rebuilding or even clearing away for rubble. My friends, the St. Joseph Family, are not only carrying on and continuing to care for and educate children, but they have cleared away the rubble and are rebuilding. They are doing this with faith in the future and a knowledge that together and with God's help, anything is possible. They also know that the responsibility to care for one another is our greatest gift!
09.02.11 amy v. - student elections;
Amen! I was there (for the student elections at the Wings of Hope school), and it was amazing to see the involvement of the kids in this "special" election! As a visitor, I felt included in the election by the kids and by the way they were able to participate. Wings has such wonderful teachers and leaders with super creative ways of involving them in their Haitian culture and society!
09.02.11 willie d. - student elections;
Renee - Thanks for all that you do to keep those of us who love and support the mission connected with your regular photographs. I thought the involvement of the children in the affairs of their country was a great idea, by having them conduct student elections. It demonstrated that you (the Wings staff and volunteers) take the children seriously - just because their bodies might be deformed or some don't seem as bright as others, they can still have a part to play in society. Sometimes it is only by main streaming folks who are limited that we that we all are able to move forward. Kudos to all who had a hand in this fun filled and educational exercise. As a retired social worker and as a former elected official you are to be applauded. Hope to see you all for a tooth brushing exercise!
