2014 & 2015 Visitor Stories and Comments

Excellent food. Great rooms at St. Joseph’s Home. Thank you for such magnanimous hospitality. - Visitor from IL

 
Truly appreciated getting to know your family. Being a part of the Mass at St. Joseph’s Home was priceless. New building at St. 
 Joseph’s Home is an amazing facility, so thankful to have stayed. Thanks for the experience and time. - Visitor from IL


Wonderful service and a wonderful place to spend spring break. - Visitor from IL 


I liked the food! I loved Bill’s story also. It made my stay so much more meaningful. I learned a lot that night. I think it is very hard to get foreigners to understand a very different culture and a very different from (the foreigner’s) normal/usual life story. Yet, Bill did a great job! - Visitor from IL


I would like to come here again! Either on my own or with a group. Please let me know if this is possible. The food was amazing. The music and people from both houses were great. I loved how accessible everything was. Thank you for everything! - Visitor from IL


The stay at both houses were amazing. Great hospitality. The boys at St. Joseph’s were very welcoming, fun, accepting. - Visitor from IL


Wonderful homes! Everyone is so lovely. The staff is great. So nice and happy and fun to live with! I had a great time and was so happy to have met everyone. - Visitor from IL


The people are so welcoming and it was such an amazing stay! - Visitor from IL


I had a wonderful time this week! Keep up all of the incredible work!! - Visitor from IL


It was my second time at Wings and first time staying at St. Joseph’s! I absolutely loved it! I’ve never felt so welcomed into a place as I did at St. Joseph’s and really felt like I was returning home to Wings. Thank you so much for having us! - Visitor from TX

Everyone was so incredibly nice. It made my stay here very welcoming. I hope to come back very soon! - Visitor from IL


We had a wonderful stay in Haiti. Thank you so much for all your hospitality and everything you are doing in Haiti! You’re awesome! - Visitor from VA


We had such a wonderful time. Thanks for your generous hospitality, but also for your donation to making Haiti a better place. Also, the food was delicious! - Visitor from VA


Many thanks for warmly welcoming us into your country and sharing such moving smiles and joy! - Visitor from VA


God is truly with this community. Providing love, financial support, and time to SJF and Wings is a life long commitment for me. Thank you for what you do and for being a blessing to the world. - Visitor from NC


I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to St. Joseph’s and Wings of Hope. I appreciate the hospitality and familial atmosphere at both houses. Thank you for being such phenomenal hosts. - Visitor from VA


Thank you so much for your incredible hospitality! This was an amazing trip and made so much more meaningful through my experience here and hearing your stories. - Visitor from VA


Very meaningful stay. We appreciate the vision and faith of all involved in St. Joseph’s and Wings. Hope to become more involved in the future.—    - Visitor from VA


The St. Joseph Family is fantastic! So welcoming and fun and hospitable. I have so enjoyed my stay and I am so thankful I met all of the wonderful people. Thank you all so much for what you do! - Visitor from AZ 


Thanks for taking care of our group! - Visitor from AZ


I loved my stay at all of the locations, and especially enjoyed being able to interact with the children everywhere. I’ve never had the opportunity to participate in many of the activities that we did this week, and this is the first time I’ve been to an underdeveloped country, so it was a very eye-opening experience. If at all possible, I would like to be able to stay in touch with the St. Joseph Family, and possibly visit again and serve in the future. - Visitor from MT


Fell in love with the hospitality and work done at all the locations. Inspired by faith and relying on the power of God. Personally want to return for extended stays at Wings of Hope and want to donate more time to the house. Thank you for the good works you’ve done here. God Bless. - Visitor from AZ


I enjoyed my time at all houses very much. I appreciate the opportunities presented to the family members of the homes. What is done for the boys at St. Joseph’s is amazing, and they have such a respect for others as well as each other. The children at Wings of Hope are AMAZING! They are so sweet and caring. I can’t wait for the day when I can come back. Thank you for everything. - Visitor from AZ 


From the cup of cold water onward, our group was welcomed and immersed in the SJ Family. Worship/prayer was powerful, and the effects of attentiveness, care, faith, skill and love by the staff and boys and girls is evident in the lives of all. God bless you all. - Visitor from AZ 


I enjoyed my stays at Wings and St. Joseph’s Home for Boys very much. At Wings the most precious moment for me was hearing the kids sing and praise God in their own special way. Their joy filled the room and my heart. Thanks to Renee and all the family there at Wings for opening your hearts and home and sharing God’s love with me. At St. Joseph’s Home I was truly blessed with expressing we see Christ in others and liked how Michael shared about how we are to lead our lives and backed it up with scripture. I felt a very positive and uplifting spirit in all the young men that live here. I know God will prosper them all. Michael, thank you for sharing your home and heart and family with me. - Visitor from MO


It was a great pleasure to stay at Wings. What an amazing group/family. I was most impressed with the staff. They show so much love and compassion for one another. It is special to watch how each individual has something to give and the affection is amazing. I look forward to my next stay in Jacmel. I will be praying for your family and your new beginning. Thank you, with much love. - Visitor from MO


Michael, thank you so much for your hospitality! You have done an amazing job for all of these young boys. No words can explain my gratitude to you for listening to your calling from Jesus! I am very sad to leave but look forward to my return, soon. Our group amazed me in every step they took out of their “comfort zone”. Also thank you for your teaching on Mother Teresa. Thank you again and until next time, peace. - Visitor from MO 


Had an amazing and wonderful experience! The staff and accommodations were great! The kids were great and had a fun time interacting with them. - Visitor from MO


The accommodations were great! Everyone was so welcoming and friendly. I know I learned a lot this trip. The boys were very friendly and amazing. This place has a very amazing and strong spiritual feeling. I had a wonderful time. - Visitor from MO


Thank you so much for the great experience. The things you and your staff do for the residents and the things they do for each other is simply incredible. I have full intentions to return with friends and family. Thanks again! - Visitor from MO


I had an incredible time here at St. Joseph’s. The boys were so welcoming and friendly and I thoroughly enjoyed my time with each one of them. The work that Michael and his staff do is amazing, and I hope to return many times in the future. - Visitor from MO


I really enjoyed staying here with all the kids and the food was amazing. I will really miss everyone, especially Steve, when I get back home. - Visitor from MO


I loved staying here and the amazing food. Everyone was very kind and welcoming. The rooms were also very nice. I definitely want to come back. - Visitor from MO


I loved my stay here with all the kids. The love and care runs deep in this house. - Visitor from MO 


The stay here was great! I loved getting to know all of the guys. This family is a true blessing. - Visitor from MO


I really loved staying at Wings of Hope. I was truly moved by the positive behaviors of the children, and I especially noticed that all of the children are so willing to help the other children. The staff were very loving and excited for us to be here. - Visitor from MO


I loved staying here at St. Joseph’s. It was great being able to relate with the boys because we are the same age. I loved prayer time, meals, and fun time. Our room was very clean and a great place to stay. Thank you so much!! - Visitor from MO


This place (Wings) is incredible. I have greatly enjoyed meeting the residents and staff. They have shown me God in a new way, new faces. Thank you for the incredible hospitality and the wonderful experiences here. I cannot wait to share these stories. - Visitor from MO


(St. Joseph’s) is incredible. The boys are excellent, the staff wonderful, and Michael very hospitable. I came here open to new experiences and new ways of finding God. What I found here surpassed my expectation. I found happiness and joy — signs of God’s presence. Thank you for enlivening my spirit through the work that you do. Haiti is forever changed by St. Joseph’s Home. I am, too. God bless you and your family. - Visitor from MO


Thoroughly enjoyed my time. You all are truly a blessing to the people of Haiti. - Visitor from MO


Thank you for welcoming us into your home. I thoroughly enjoyed the evening prayers and the time of fellowship with the boys playing basketball and cards on the roof. This is a wonderful, faith-filled place and my soul has been refreshed by being here. - Visitor from MO


I really enjoyed my stay here. It was great hanging out with these kids and this is an awesome place and organization. I hope to help out with this again in the future. Thank you for letting us come here. - Visitor from MO


I had an overall good experience and Wings of Hope is great for guests. - Visitor from MO


Wings was great. I loved the staff and felt very safe. I loved how we were able to be involved in all the kids’ activities. Food was great, great hospitality and comfortable home-like setting. Thank you for giving our group this incredible view through our beautiful Haitian brothers and sisters and the amazing young people who live at Wings. I will always remember their smiles. - Visitor from MO

VISITOR COMMENTS

Enjoyed my stay here. The food was delicious and the people were very nice. The experience with the children was wonderful. Really enjoyed Jacky's and Renee's stories. — Visitor from NC

My third time here, and every time I fall more in love than the last time. Thank you for your blessing! — Visitor from NC

It has been a wonderful experience thus far, and God is doing a wonderful job tugging at my heart. I want to take all the children home! — Visitor from NC

Enjoyed working with children and staff! — Visitor from NC

As usual this visit was very moving, eye opening and spiritually rewarding. Everyone should come at least once to see how great God's will works through average, dedicated people. — Visitor from NC

The Holy Spirit always permeates the St. Joseph Family and we always experience the spirit with our "family" in the most profound ways. Our two days at Wings has been so moving and such a growth experience for our team. W love you all! — Visitor from NC

Very humbling and eye opening experience. It changed my life in many ways. — Visitor from NC

The children of St. Joseph's Home have taught me more about the love and kindness of God than any other experience I have ever had. — Visitor from NC

Staff very nice and welcoming. The food was amazing and the experience in Haiti has changed my life for the better. — Visitor from NC

Everything was lovely, so friendly and welcoming. Thank you all (especially Michael) for daily advice and answers to our many questions. And the breakfasts and dinners were FABULOUS! Also thanks Walnes for tour of classroom and art studio!!! — Visitor from MN

It was good to be back here again. St. Joseph's is my house in Port-au-Prince. Michael helps everyone plan their days. Breakfast and dinner are delicious! And the new guest rooms are so comfortable, modern and beautiful. — Visitor from MN

As always, wonderful hospitality! — Visitor from IA

Renee greeted us with a fully prepared meal, warm and welcoming hospitality and inviting peaceful spiritual place for fellowship. Thank you for sharing Haiti with us. — Visitor from IA

The service you provide here is beyond words. This is truly a place where God's work shine. The kids here are beautiful and the great care they receive is definitely evident. Everyone here is led by God and are truly special people. I'm touched by the love here and the devotion to the kids. Thank you so much (and it doesn't seem enough) for the work here. I will keep you in my prayers. — Visitor from WV

So much fun! Great hospitality. — Visitor from WV

My stay here, with my team, and your family was indescribable. Words wouldn't do it justice, at least not mine. The people and the kids are beautiful and obviously loved and part of something bigger. God fills this place. Thank you for allowing me to briefly be a part of it. And the food was phenomenal! — Visitor from WV

We had an excellent stay at Wings, as usual. It was good to see the kids. The eye clinic went smoothly and we appreciate the assistance of translators. And the hospitality was great! I wish that we could have stayed longer. —   Visitor from WV

Fourth trip to St. Joseph Family, second trip as leader. Great experience every time. Proud to be a part of 'the family'. — Jim, NC

This is a wonderful facility. Everyone was so warm and welcoming. The food was very delicious. — Michael, OH

I always appreciate your home and hospitality. This was my fourth stay and I'm seriously sad to leave. Guest rooms were clean and serviceable. And it is wonderful to have a flushing toilet and running water for the shower and sink. My favorite part (aside from the excellent food and fellowship) is the rooftop sunrises and sunsets. The St. Joseph Family is regularly in my prayers and that of my family and congregation. — Nathan, FL

I truly appreciate the hospitality and the food! Thank you Bill for sharing your call story and the history of St. Joseph's. — Terry, FL

Very humbling experience. Look forward to coming back again in the future to see the progress. — Travis, NE

A wonderful mission with wonderful people! Thank you for the amazing care and for being Jesus to me! May God bless you and keep you in his peace always!
— Kenny, FL

Had a very pleasant visit. Thank you for all the wonderful food. — Todd, OH

Thank you so much for your wonderful hospitality once again. Your generosity, welcome and love are much appreciated each year. We look forward to bringing another group of young people to visit you, our family, next year! God bless you in your continued work. — David, Canada

It was great being here! I loved all the kids and I think it is great what is going on here! I will be praying for all of you. Take care! — Jeffrey, NC

You are absolutely beautiful. Thank you for sharing life with me this week — opening your arms, doors and hearts. I look forward to returning many times in the future. I always feel at home when I am here. Mesi pou tout baggy! — Kelly, NC

Beautiful children. Beautiful week. Mesi!!! — Savannah, NC

I appreciate everything you do. I'll be thinking of everyone. — PJ, NC

Incredible week. Thank you so much! — Michael, NC

You guys rock! Great stay! Awesome week! Gratitude! Thank you so much! — Group comments, NC

We had a wonderful time! — Carol, MA

Loved our stay! Thank you for welcoming us so well, and for treating us like family. - visitor from SC

Awesome job with the boys. My first time. I will be back.

- visitor from NC

First time visiting Haiti and I had a great time. I will be spreading your message and concerns. I will be coming back.

- visitor from NC

Thank you for making us feel so welcome and for letting us be a part of your family. - visitor from NC

Thank you for your genuine hospitality! I felt like we were part of the St. Joseph Family - especially when i was washing the sheets and towels. Michael's devotions were spirit-inspired! They have inspired multiple new sermons. I will keep you all in my prayers. - visitor from NC

The most complacency shattering experience I have ever had.You took a forgotten country and it's young people, and gave them a means to ahve hope for the future. Thanks so much for the blessing of your commitment and that of your staff. - visitor from FL

Amazing time at St Joseph's Home for Boys!

- visitor from OH

Thanks for the hospitality!

visitor from TX

Thank you for all you do to help the children of Haiti. Haiti is truly blessed for people like you.

Visitor from TX

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Fourth trip to St. Joseph Family, second trip as leader. Great experience every time. Proud to be a part of 'the family'. — Jim, NC

This is a wonderful facility. Everyone was so warm and welcoming. The food was very delicious. — Michael, OH

I always appreciate your home and hospitality. This was my fourth stay and I'm seriously sad to leave. Guest rooms were clean and serviceable. And it is wonderful to have a flushing toilet and running water for the shower and sink. My favorite part (aside from the excellent food and fellowship) is the rooftop sunrises and sunsets. The St. Joseph Family is regularly in my prayers and that of my family and congregation. — Nathan, FL

I truly appreciate the hospitality and the food! Thank you Bill for sharing your call story and the history of St. Joseph's .— Terry, FL

Very humbling experience. Look forward to coming back again in the future to see the progress. — Travis, NE

A wonderful mission with wonderful people! Thank you for the amazing care and for being Jesus to me! May God bless you and keep you in his peace always! — Kenny, FL

Had a very pleasant visit. Thank you for all the wonderful food. — Todd, OH

Thank you so much for your wonderful hospitality once again. Your generosity, welcome and love are much appreciated each year. We look forward to bringing another group of young people to visit you, our family, next year! God bless you in your continued work. — David, Canada

It was great being here! I loved all the kids and I think it is great what is going on here! I will be praying for all of you. Take care! — Jeffrey, NC

You are absolutely beautiful. Thank you for sharing life with me this week — opening your arms, doors and hearts. I look forward to returning many times in the future. I always feel at home when I am here. Mesi pou tout baggy! — Kelly, NC

Beautiful children. Beautiful week. Mesi!!! — Savannah, NC

I appreciate everything you do. I'll be thinking of everyone. — PJ, NC

Incredible week. Thank you so much! — Michael, NC

You guys rock! Great stay! Awesome week! Gratitude! Thank you so much! — Group comments, NC

We had a wonderful time! — Carol, MA

'St. Joseph's Home for Boys is a wonderful place to visit and to stay at. There is a feeling of peace, calm and love here. The boys who live here are treated with respect and are given trust and responsibility. They are given love, time and attention. Their response to this is overwhelming; they made us feel welcome and wanted! We visited 'Wings of Hope' yesterday and we were deeply moved by what we saw. The dedication of the St. Joseph’s graduates is a testimony to all that being at St Joseph’s has achieved for them. The commitment of the 3 American Missionaries made us feel very humbled. The whole experience moved us to tears. Thank you so much for all you've given us and, by the way, the food was great!’ - SJF visitor from the UK

‘As someone who has worked with individuals with disabilities for almost eleven years I was truly impressed by the quality of care and education each individual receives. I was particularly impressed with the fact the children are taken out into the community on the regular basis. There are residential facilities in the US that hardly ever take their residents into the community. I also loved the equine therapy. I found it inspiring to see all of the kids interact with one another.’ - SJF visitor from IL

‘I've never been on a service trip where I've interacted with so many children, especially those with handicaps but it was such an amazing experience and I loved it so much. I've learned so much from all the children, what they can do continues to amaze me. Thank you so much for having us! I'm so glad to have had such a life changing experience like this where I learned so much where I didn’t necessarily think I would.’ - SJF visitor from TX

‘Thank you Renee for the wonderful stay, it has been an amazing experience! I fell in love with the kids and Haiti, I'll definitely be back again to visit. I wish everyone the best of luck building the new Wings in Jacmel and will be asking friends and family to make donations to Hearts with Haiti and informing them of your incredible mission!’ - SJF visitor from MA

‘We stayed overnight at Wings. The accommodations were wonderful as always. Thank you for another great experience.’
- SJF visitor from MA

‘Loved staying here the boys are wonderful, well-behaved and very loving. Michael you are such a joy and made me feel so welcome. Guichard and Walnes are wonderful role models for the boys. Eres was such a great driver and very calm. Love the work that you are doing and continue to do good work and stay blessed.’ - SJF visitor from MD

‘This has been a joy. The love, support and discipline displayed by the boys and the staff touched my heart. The hospitality and lodging met our needs and left a lasting impression that I hope to experience again. Thank you!’ - SJF visitor of VA

‘My stay here has been enlightening, rewarding and pleasant. I will share the experience with others who I know will be anxious to contribute to the work being done here. I intend to return and support the work of St. Joseph family. Thank you Michael for all that you do and have done. P.S. the food has been great!’ - SJF visitor from VA

‘See you next year. This St. Joseph Family is MY family.’ - SJF visitor from VA

‘As always we had a wonderful and blessed stay here at St. Joseph’s. The hospitality, the food, the fellow travelers were all great! Our room #7 was very comfortable and had a beautiful view. Thank you again for your hospitality and your ministry.
- SJF visitors from VA and AB

‘It was good to see Michael and the boys again. I have not been to St. Joseph's since before the earthquake. Everything has changed and nothing has changed. I have always enjoyed the hospitality. The food is always great. The boys are always courteous and quick to give a hug and a greeting. I always look forward to coming. Thanks!’ - SJF visitor from NC

‘What a wonderful place to stay. The staff was excellent and the kids were amazing!! This is truly a special place. All the kids seem very happy. The roof top is personally my favorite place. All the art and plants bring lots of life and color. Thank you for a great visit.’ - SJF visitor from NC

‘Facility is beautiful and clean! When I think of St. Joseph’s I'll picture a safe haven filled with art, color, and beauty in the midst of Haiti. The boys are well-behaved and happy! I loved watching them complete their chores, giving them ownership in their home. Food was outstanding!!!’ - SJF visitor from NC

‘Brief but great stay. Good food, friendly people. Would stay again.’ - SJF visitor from MA

‘Oasis in the middle of Haiti. Thanks a lot!’ - SJF visitor from Turkey

‘St. Joseph's accommodations were wonderful. The roof garden was a highlight and the food was great. Wings was a well-received respite from the village.’
- SJF visitor from IA

‘Wonderful, friendly people. Great meals! What very dedicated and giving people, always willing to help with great smiles.’ - SJF visitor from IA

‘It is always a wonderful stay at both S.J. and Wings. We are so very well taken care of and all of our "unplanned" problems are made easier by Renee.’ - SJF visitor from IA

‘This is a great place! I loved seeing what is here. You have a great staff and the children are wonderful!’ - SJF visitor from VA

‘We had a wonderful stay. SJF was extremely accommodating and helpful during our stay in Port-au-Prince.’ - SJF visitor from NY

‘What your organization has done for these kids is so inspirational. I hope to one day have the opportunity to give back like you guys are doing now. I want to do all I can to make a difference in this world. Whether it's saving one life or one thousand it's all a huge impact. Thanks for all that you do and all my prayers and blessings go out to your future plans.’ - SJF visitor from MA

‘This program has truly made me feel like there is a great opportunity here for all these kids. They already have the great leaders here and the smiles they had when we arrived made me feel like I was doing a great thing. I will really miss this place and the kids have really made my time here wonderful. Josephine, Steve, Lulu and all the other kids here will always have a great place in my heart and I will always remember them.’ - SJF visitor from NC

‘Thank you, Jacky, for sharing your story with us and thank you all for being Christ's love incarnate. For loving these Wings of Hope kids as children of God and not "disposables" or "demons". God bless.’ - SJF visitor from NJ