First Communion Reception

 Here are a few of our First Communion girls along with Annabelle and her mom, Jane, who helped host the reception.

Long shot of the First Communion Party 2013 held in the Guest House.  Local pastries, cake and soft drinks were served.

Studying

On my way to the Guest House for the party this afternoon I came across two of our guys studying for the state exam to be held Monday thru Thursday of this week.  This is the Rheto Exam and a very big deal.

In the foreground is Lifaite and Julnor is in the background.  I believe the cow is just munching away as always.

Two Sacraments celebrated

Above are five newly baptized young people and sponsors.  The Sacrament took place yesterday in our small chapel located in the Guest house.

All the above (43 of 'em) received their First Communion this morning at Mass.  A happy occasion for them and a proud moment for us.  There will be a little party for them this afternoon.  Your support allows us to teach these children about God and His great love for us all.  Thank you very much.

Congrats

Junior Team

Senior Team

The finals for the Southern Department's Interscholastic Soccer Competition were held last week.  Guess who won in both categories?  Yup!  Espwa's two teams (Junior Division consisting of seventeen year olds and younger and the Seniors consisting of eighteen year olds and older) came home with the trophies.  We celebrated their victories in the Quad with a few speeches and lots of good food.  Congratulations to the boys, the coaches and managers for this terrific and well-earned accomplishment.

Haiti Verte

Yesterday we celebrated Haiti's version of Earth Day.  The government announced the planting of 1,200,000 trees in an effort to reduce the deforestation problem-- a good beginning that has to be sustained if we don't want all the good topsoil of Haiti running down the mountains into the sea.

Here's a shot of our young boys and girls carrying their seedlings which were planted in a nearby field.

This is Rivaldo proudly planting his cherry tree.

We marked the day with several agricultural activities including planting 100 cherry trees on our property.  It was a concerted effort, young and old side by side, digging holes, planting the seedlings, watering...

This is a photo of our tree farm in Demion which is about a half hour from here on a motorcycle.  These trees (mahogany and cedar) are five years old.  Our plan is to harvest a percentage of these trees every year to be used in our carpenters' shop and, of course, replant new trees.  It's a small project in the grand scheme of things here but it is a step in the right direction.  Hope your Earth Day was as much fun!

Birthday

Happy Birthday, Matante

And here she is receiving a token of our love and appreciation as we celebrated her 74th birthday.  Matante is the matriarch of the ESPWA family and has been an inspiration to us all.

May God bless you, Matante, with health and happiness. 

Good News

The abducted boy is back with his relieved and happy mother.  The police called last night at 12:30 and wanted the mother to go pick up her son at the police station.  The boy is fine and was not really aware of the situation.
At least four people have been arrested.  It is a sad and horrific story that ended well.  Your prayers and support were instrumental and we are grateful.
Today is Matante's birthday and she said that God could not have given her a more precious gift than this child's safe return home.