From snowy Maine

Doctor Cynthia, our angel of mercy in wintry and cold Maine writes-
Elson thinks the snow is interesting, but very cold!!! He will have his final check up with his doctor tomorrow, and if all is well will be heading home next week. He has had amazing experiences and though he is anxious to see family and friends, he will miss the friends he has made here and hopes to return when possible. He thanks everyone who has helped him to regain his health!

Math professor, Camille Piard, teaching our first year Secondary School students geometry. 

Joanes and Samuel created this Advent wreath which we will use this morning at liturgy. The elegant altar cloth was a gift from one of our friends. As we start a new liturgical year we pray for you and your loved ones -- that God bless you with His mercy and peace.  

Here's our peanut field. Move over, Jimmy Carter. They are doing really well and we anticipate making a profit after filling our little bellies. 

Ain't she a beauty? This is Boss Denord's little girl. Photo by Johnny. 

Emmanuel and Lovins Macenat are our most recent arrivals. Their mom (her photo is below) passed away last week and was buried this past Monday. They are orphans and happy to be going to Castel-Pere where their older brother, Pierre-Rinot, lives. 

Here are two photos of Evans. On the left he had just arrived in April. The one on the right was taken this week. Notice any differences? 

Here's Angelo looking a heap better than the last time. Recall that photo? He was tearful after getting kicked off the swing. If you look closely you'll see that his hair color is back to normal and his scalp is healed. The symptoms of malnutrition are fading... thank God.

Fritzner, one of the teens at Castel-Pere, taking care of Rico who can be very, very demanding. 

We were visited by the senior class of the local nursing school yesterday afternoon. Here's a shot of the children singing a welcome song.

Myself, Tanis, Jerome, Agro. Brice, Berthony and AVSI representative Lorenzo Ossoli at the signing of the contract. See following paragraph. 

Fruit Trees

We signed a contract with AVSI (Italian Association of Volunteers for Development) yesterday. We will be working together to help reforest parts of southern Haiti. The boys will get training and participate in the education of people from different parts of this area. We'll be starting a nursery for various fruit trees on our land and make these available to the population at a very low price. It's one thing to talk about ecology and respecting Mother Nature; it's an entirely different thing to be doing something about it. This is exciting and the boys can't wait to get started. Will be providing updates as we go and, of course, the requisite photos.

This is a photo of Pierre Rinot Macenat's mother taken a few months ago. She passed away at 10:30 AM yesterday. Please keep Pierre Rinot and his family in your prayers. 

This photo of Johnny Fantale (Fontange) is for Gayle. He says, "Mesi, mesi ampil! Mwen mande Bondye pou beny ou." 

Konny's Korner

Please check out Connie Basso's blog at http://konnyskorner.blogspot.com ( click on the link in the right hand column) and see some of the metalwork Arts and Crafts the boys are making. These are available for sale and the money will support the Arts & Crafts program here. Thanks very much.

This little guy lives at Petit-Riviere near Castel-Pere. Nick took this photo. No shoes, no toys, little clothing, one meal a day, too many siblings, unemployed single-mom...no money for school or medicine... without your help his future is bleak! 

This is Junior Macenat obliging Nick by standing still for a few seconds-- a noteworthy accomplishment. 

Elie enjoying a break with his buddies. 

Pascal Vendredi about to score a goal. 

Five puppies being held by Fao, Emmanuel, Janvier, Amos and Nixon. Behind them is the little hooch they built for the pups. 

Can you guess what the favorite activity is for the boys at Castel-Pere? 

This is a photo of Ralph hugging his house-parent, Anita. Ralph is epileptic but doing remarkedly well these days. 

Little Widmy is singing for our guest of honor, Connie Basso. This was a little over two weeks ago. Connie is back home now. The children put on a pretty decent show for our visitors... just ask Connie.  

Meet Makenson, one of the Arts and Crafts gang. Makenson does braiding and beadwork. He is wearing one of his creations. 

Someone certainly has their attention!  

This is Taillens Jolicoeur, Tanis' little boy. He is growing up fast.  

We are back !

Nick and I went to California for our fundraiser and the blog was set aside for a little while. We are back and the updates will be forthcoming. The following three photos were taken by JahRoro, one of my older boys. He and Johnny Fantale (Fontange) are taking courses in Computer Science. Taking digital photos is part of their program and I will be posting their work on occasion.

The boys waiting for Mass to start. JahRoro took these photos.