Author Archives: Felician Mission: Haiti

We never know what to expect here in Haiti. For example, we never know how many people will be with us for our morning Mass. Sometimes we are by ourselves and, other times, the chapel is full without our having invited anyone.    

 One morning, about two weeks ago, two young teenage girls came to our door before Mass and said they wanted to have formation. This was a new a request from the usual, “I’m hungry; I need new shoes or sandals; I need help with school; I need medication.” After Mass, we sat with the girls and listened to their request to learn more about our lives. So we invited them to come to Mass everyday and to pray with us. This is not easy for them since they live on the other side of Jacmel and have to walk to our house, which is about 45 minutes away. We also invited the girls to be involved with our work with the kids who need extra help in school. Everyday, Monday through Friday, they are here with us.   

On Tuesday, July 14,  the Mother Angela Clinic team left for a four-day journey to the mountains of Haiti to bring medical aid to the poor. It takes four crueling hours to climb the very steep rocky mountain. The people from the area come down to meet the team and to help carry up all the medications and other medical items. The team will provide two full days of clinic for the people of St. Etienne’s, which is located on the top of a mountain. People there do not have access to medical care and medication. 

  
Please keep our clinic team in your prayers. 🙏  We could not go with them this time because of other activities here in the mission, but we know Mother Mary Angela’s spirit is with them.

Tonight we went to see Francois in her new house. Synder and Michlen took us by the hand and led us to their home. It was about a 15-minute walk from our house. They all seem very happy and delighted with their new surroundings.

It is a one-room house with two beds and a few chairs. There is another small room for the kitchen. They have an outside space to bathe, but there is no water. They also have electricity when the city provides it for a few hours.

Today, July 8, our neighbor, Francios and her three little boys–Snyder, Michlen and Jolandez–moved into their own little house. They have lived in a garden across the street from us this past year. They lived in a one-room shack with no water, no electricity, and no bathroom facilities. This shack was given to them by the father of two of the kids. But every week he would come and cause problems, beating Francois and terrifying the children. The Lord brought them to us when they were in need. When the children were malnourished, needing medical care, clothing, shoes, and the opportunity to attend school, we were there to provide help and assistance. They came to our house everyday. Because they lived so close to us, every visitor/volunteer we had got a chance to visit them and experience the conditions in which some people live here in Haiti. Due to the violence that was being dispalyed every week, it was time to help Francios find a small place similiar to what they have but in a safer area away from this man. God in his love and mercy provided for them once again, and we are grateful.

It is a day of mixed emotions and feelings. It is a day of freedom for Francios and her children, a day of new beginnings. It is a little sad for us as our little friends find new friends and a new area for their lives to grow. This is a part of our poverty, as we let go of our little neighbors who are moving on to something a little better than what they had and are having a new home of their own.

Here, poor people live so close together that when someone gets a virus it spreads very quickly. 

Now, among our kids we have the mumps being shared. Today we had to take care of two of our kids who have the mumps. A few months ago we had the chicken pox, now we have the mumps. There is never a dull moment here in Jacmel!

On Thursday, July 3, “Water with Blessing” women met again to continue their formation as “Water Women.” This time it was to work with their children, teaching them the importance of using clean water. Their were 22 children present with their mothers.

As always, we began our formation time together with prayer and the sharing of the Word of God. The children shared beautifully what they heard from the story of the healing of the paralyzed man.

After the presentation and reading of the booklet, mothers and children colored the pages together. There was also an opportunity to win a prize if they answered the questions correctly.

Both mothers and children liked the meeting and asked when we would have the next one.

On Tuesday, June 30, we celebrated Sr. Marilyn’s birthday and feastday, as well as the end of the school year with our kids. 

In the morning, we had Mass with a special blessing for Sr. Marilyn, after which we shared her favorite carrot cake with those who came for Mass.

At 3 p.m., the party began. We began with a prayer and a blessing over Sr. Marilyn. We then acknowledged the two students for being the highest in their class–a boy and a girl. They received a special prize.

Then we introduced the party goers to BINGO! This game brought them alot of joy because we made sure everyone received a prize! They love BINGO! It looks like we may be playing this game every so often at future parties, so we now need to search for more prizes.

    
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On Sunday, June 28, we received a nice surprise from our friend and teacher, Madam Omanie. She sent us a delicious Haitian dinner. It was a real blessing and gift from God!

   
    
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Now that it is summer vacation time and the kids are finished with school, we asked a few of our older boys if they wanted some work. We taught them how to put the tape around doors and corners, as well as how to keep everything clean. We also waned to be sure they cleaned up after themselves each day. They did a great job painting, which in turn is now helping them pay for school next year.