Author Archives: Felician Mission: Haiti

This was our first experience in taking one of our kids to the dentist. For a long time, Mona has suffered with her teeth, which had been hurting. It was a very interesting experience. She has 12 cavities and infections in some of her teeth. To get the fillings done, we needed to go to the pharmacy around the corner in order to get the materials needed for the dentist. Tomorrow at 8 a.m., Mona will begin her dental work.

Mona is being raised by her aunt, and she would never be able to afford to have her teeth done.

How appropriate it was that today, January 12, on the anniversary of the devastating earthquake, we began the formation of “Water Women” with 11 women. It was a very good meeting. The women want to learn how to use the filter and to share the pure water willingly. Tomorrow the formation process will continue with the second part.

Today, January 12, all of Haiti remembered the 5th anniversary of the earthquake that nearly destroyed their country. Many lives were lost; and people were crippled physically, psychologically, and socially.

We began the day with Mass and prayers for those who died and for those who survived and are still trying to rebuild their lives. In the evening, we invited our kids and teens who wanted to pray and to share what they had experienced on January 12, 2010, telling about where they were and what they felt.

The most moving story was from Deborah, whose story was shared by her mother. Deborah’s best friend was in her house at about 4:45 p.m. When the earthquake struck, her house fell on top of her, and she was buried alive. For two days, she was yelling for her mother and father. They could hear her cries, but they could not get her out. After two days, she died under the rubble.

The evening was a beautiful experience of songs, prayers, and sharing of stories. The kids asked us to share where we were that day. We assured them we were in solidarity with them, and that is why we are with them today. At the end of the service, one of our teenage boys thanked us for giving them the opportunity to share their stories and for wanting to listen to them. He thanked God for sending us to be with them. They all wanted us to thank the Felician Sisters for sending us here to Jacmel.

On Saturday, January 10, as we celebrated the vigil Mass for Sunday, the feast of the Baptism of the Lord, we had our house blessing.

A few weeks ago, Franswa asked us about having her three children baptized. We asked Fr. Elicien what is the procedure, and he said that first they need their birth certificates. This is not an easy document to get when you are poor; the older the child is, the more expensive the document gets. Another woman, Natalie, also came to us seeking Baptism for her child. She, too, needed her daughter’s birth certificate. It is difficult for the poor to receive the sacraments in the church because, if you do not have the money, you cannot receive the sacraments.

Today these women came to our chapel for Mass on the feast of the Baptism of Jesus in order to begin their preparation and to model their faith to their children. We hope to be the church for the poor.

In our chapel, we will have the four children baptized in February. Now the mothers are receiving catechesis with Father. The four children are Snyder, Michelet, Jolandes, and Natlissa. They are 6, 4, 2, and 3 years old. Please remember them in your prayers as we welcome them into our Church.

On Thursday, January 8, we took Wilnor to the clinic to get his cast off. It was interesting to watch them saw and pry off the cast. Wilnor very calmly watched.

During our last visit to the States, we attended a Mission Conference in Alexandria, Virginia. We met Sr. Larraine who introduced us to “Water with Blessing.” This is a program that gives pure drinking water to people who don’t have access to clean water. The program is especially for women with children. The women are invited to enter the program and learn what it means to be a “Water Woman” for their neighborhood. The bucket and filter provide families with clean drinking water. It is all about sharing the filtered water with others. This program is spiritual, educational, and life-giving for all those who participate. This water cannot be sold; it is to be shared.

We have begun with our women in the Kizin Manman Angela, sharing with them the formation and purpose of being a “Water Woman.” We now share clean drinking water with all our kids in the Kizin Manman Angela.

More pictures from our visitors from Madonna University:

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This morning we welcomed the New Year by taking our kids to Sacred Heart Church and to see a new manger for baby Jesus. January 1 is a very special day for all Haitians. We celebrate the feast of the Mother of God and Independence Day. We also pray for peace in our country and in the world.

All of Haiti celebrates their Independence on January 1; it is the day they received their freedom from slavery for which they fought and won. Haitians are very proud of their freedom and celebrate by eating soup Jamou, pumpkin soup, all day. This tradition is meaningful for Haitians because, while in slavery, they were not allowed to eat the pumpkin soup that the French slaveholders could eat. When Haiti won their independence, they all ate pumpkin soup.

Today we served pumpkin soup in the Mother Angela Kitchen. All the kids were happy to join in the celebration.

On Christmas Day, our two little friends, Cassandra and Maria, could not come for the feast because they were sick. They joined us today and received their Christmas gifts with much happiness and joy.

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Preparation for our Christmas festivities started months ago when we began collecting various toys, clothing, shoes, and little trinkets. As you well know, some things could not be done until the day before, such as preparing 200 pieces of chicken and the spices needed. We also had to bake 100 cupcakes.

Starting at 6 a.m., the ladies and some of our kids were busy preparing the Christmas dinner. Our celebration would be starting at 1 p.m. with the Celebration of the Eucharist. The altar needed to be decorated; with the help of Sr. Francis and a few of our teens, it was beautiful.

The doors opened for every child that wanted to come and participate. There were many new faces that we had never seen before. “O come let us adore, Christ the Lord” filled the air.

After the beautiful Mass, dinner was served to over 100 people. After dinner, the children gathered in groups to come to our chapel to adore the newborn King, Jesus Christ the Lord! The children gave the gift of themselves to Baby Jesus, and then Jesus had His gifts for them. There was much joy on our grounds and in our home the whole day!

We were able to sit for our dinner that we received from Manman Angela Kizin at 7 p.m. It was a true joy of Christmas!