Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Fewer people returned for the second day of sewing instruction. The second day goal was to have each student sew a small quilt. Here Sophie and Janet are displaying Amonia's quilt. (You can read Sophie's blog at: nhhaitiquilt.blogspot.com)

This is a typical house although many are better constructed with concrete blocks. By practicing their sewing skills, these village people will have another source of income - quilts - to improve their quality of life.

John and Deb Currelly hosted the entire team and made their home available for instruction. It was Deb's suggestion that "someone" teach the Bois d'Avril women how to quilt. Clyde, the Great Dane, Bonnie, and Squeaky are part of the Currelly family.

Before the Currellys purchased their land, there was not a road to Bois d'Avril. As you can see, the hand constructed road is one track with a significant drop on one side.

Yesterday afternoon, I came down the mountains to the heat of Port-au-Prince. Then, I met with Rev. Marco Depestre, the Secretary of the Haitian Methodist Church. He said that the roof construction will begin after the VIM team departs. There is difficulty purchasing materials. (Last September instead of constructing the roof, the Haitians asked to use the money to reinforce the church foundation and pour the concrete floor with rebar rods to make the church structure even more earthquake resistant. Reinforcing the foundation seemed to be prudent.)

Stevenson Theodore, the former music teacher at the French School (it was destroyed), joined me for dinner. He will lead our VIM team choir again this year, and he and his wife will provide special music for the church service Sunday. And, Stevenson will help us with Vacation Bible School each morning next week.

About three months ago, Stevenson organized about 50 teachers to go into a tent city to teach the children music, dancing, and theatre. Collectively, the group works with more than 1000 - that's right - 1000 children daily. The feedback from the parents has been most positive. The parents say that their childrens' bad dreams of the earthquake are less frequent, and that the children are better behaved.

Remember, most Haitians are unemployed. Stevenson and his band of teachers are also unemployed. They do not have a sponsor for their tent city project, but do occassionally receive donations from foreign aid workers. They split this money to buy food and otherwise support their families. A very meager existence. And, another very worthy cause.

Again, please share this with others who may have an interest in Haiti.