Neighborhood wall

I failed to mention yesterday that funding for the neighborhood wall is provided by a generous grant from Tom and Carol Cracchiolo in loving memory of their sister-in-law, Connie Cracchiolo, of Grosse Pointe, MI.

Neighborhood showers

Showers and laundry areas are finished. Notice the small blue sign in the foreground. This is Paige's idea-- signs are put up all over the place that have the names of the buildings in both Creole and English. Paige will be heading the English Program for our children and has already started to creatively challenge the children. Pretty cool, eh?

Earthbag House

Cement stucco is being applied to the exterior of the earthbag house now that the interior has been done. Still have the roof to finish but that will go up in a snap.

Neighborhood Wall

The order is reversed but you can see the fantastic progress being made in the construction of the neighborhood wall. The completion of this wall will serve to enhance the security of our children and allow us better control of their schedules and activities. We'll be able to move the youngest children into the neighborhood which will free up the Sixto dorm so that we can use it as an extension of the secondary school and computer lab.

Arts and Crafts

Sammy with his newly designed and executed angel candelholder.

Here's Raymond with his latest, colorful hammock.
The boys continue to work hard even though the heat and humidity make things a real challenge. Being away at this time, I find myself feeling very proud of the boys and grateful that Paige is with them to guide, inspire and organize their efforts.

Absence explained

Regular visitors have noticed a lack of updates and postings. There's a good reason: I am in southern California and have been for two weeks. Will be heading to Arizona tomorrow for ten days and then will be home in Haiti after that. Enjoy the following posts. I am grateful to Portia who has been keeping me informed as to what's happening.
My time here has been profitable. Was able to raise some very necessary funds and expand our support network.

Sandals

Handmade sandals in rubber and leather or all rubber or all leather. The small ones (not shown here) are really "cute" (can't believe I used that word).