Day 4 - Working on a Building

“Like all great travelers, I have seen more than I remember, and remember more than I have seen.” – Benjamin Disraeli

5:06 AM the unofficial start to the day is dogs getting into a ruckus in the trash.
5:48 AM the power comes on and once again the ceiling mounted fan starts a slight breeze through my mosquito net.
6:23 AM the power is back off – and so goes the fan.
6:36 AM my feet hit the floor for a quick shower of bug spray and the start of the day.
6:45 AM the Alarm rings signifying it is time to start the day.  And thus the adventure continues …..

We had a wonderful breakfast of sweet potatoes, spinach with hard-boiled eggs, pineapple, peanut butter and jelly, at 7:00 followed by a Centering Reflection led by Scott where he helped us focus our day with a reading and interpretation of Isaiah 61. We are then introduced to Makenzie who is a civil engineer and will be supervising our work for today on classroom number three of the EcoVillage School.

At the job site

As we begin our work, some of the team is moving rock via wheelbarrow and five gallon buckets while others are clearing the foundation of classroom three in preparation for tied rebar.  The day continues with sifting sand to mix with cement for the mortar joints, unloading and stacking a truckload of cinder blocks, and moving more rock for the foundation.  

Throughout the day I was remembering the story of a cathedral being built in the middle ages, and a man watching the workers went up to a man who was downcast and asked his what he was doing? “Laying brick” was his reply.  A second worker was approached and asked the same question.  “I’m building a wall” was his response.   He approached a third worker who was singing and displayed great Joy in his work.  When asked what he was doing he replied, “I’m building a cathedral to the glory of God!”  It was evident through the work of the day that our team knew we were laying the foundation of an education for generations.

We left the job site to return for showers, lunch, and a brief rest period.  As you may recall from yesterday's post this is when we again met our friend the insomniac goat.  He was tasty.

Goat...it's what's for dinner.

At 2:30 we toured the MPP headquarters building with an opportunity to meet with Augustin Josnel of the Solar Panel Workshop where we learned about their creations.  They provide panels ranging from 3 to 120 watts that are used to power everything from lighting and cell phone chargers in people's home to pumps for wells.  From there we went to the Agronomy station and saw bags and bags and bags and bags of seed.  They were in the process of working with GVC, a group of Italian volunteers to sort and support food security needs in two of the surrounding areas.  

Seeds!

As the tour continued we met many more wonderful folks with a quick introduction to the accountant, the technical team leader, an intern, and staff members working on the brothers of men actions, aids, and the Haitian clinic.  We concluded our tour with the director of Sere Pou Chofe translated as "save it to heat it up later".  This was described to us as a Peasant Co-op Credit Union.  They offer loans on Mortgages, Salary percentages, and Small Sellers loans with interest rates from 1.5% to 3.5% per month.  

As our headquarters tour concluded, we adjourned to a “logistics” meeting at the local watering hole where beverages were enjoyed and the conversation quickly turned to global politics.

As we returned to Sant Lakay, supper was popcorn, peanut butter and jelly, bread and Cassava, and hot chocolate.  A small contingent of the group headed off for a medical meeting with Chavannes and came back with exciting news that we will share with you in a later edition.  Stay tuned for what’s happening next.

- Russ

Day 3 - Goats, Dirt, and Chavannes

After breakfast, as I was walking from the dining hall back to the guesthouse, I was reveling in the clear weather, the blooming hibiscus, the “baaing” goat, the rooster crowing, the gentle breeze – what a joy to return to Sant Lakay, the training center campus of MPP, our Haitian partner.   This is my third visit – first in January of 2013, second in October 2014, and faces and paths are becoming familiar to me.  

This morning was our first workday.  We worked in the garden at MPP, learning how to make “good soil” for planting seedlings.  I have never been much of a gardener, but now I do know the proportions for creating this soil:  3 wheelbarrows of sifted dirt from the ground; 2 wheelbarrows of pounded and sifted cow manure, and 1 wheelbarrow of sifted sand.  I now have experienced “pounding poop” – beating dry cow patties into small pieces, which you shovel and sift into a wheelbarrow!  It was sweaty hard work, but not stinky. It felt good to be physical.

Tree Nursery

Our afternoon was spent in conversations – first with Gislaine St. Fleur, the coordinator of the women of MPP and later with Chavannes Jean Baptiste, the Executive Director of MPP.  A favorite, powerful image from the meeting with Gislaine was listening to her and Magorie  sing an MPP women’s song.  Mayheeda has translated the words for us, and the tune was beautiful, but the lyrics were heartbreaking and uplifting.   I will post a video as soon as possible.

And of course meeting with Chavannes was a highlight for everyone. He is extremely charismatic.   The rainy season officially began when we were meeting in the grass hut behind his house – it poured for the first time since our arrival.  

Meeting with MPP executive director Chavannes Jean-Baptiste in his gazebo during a serious downpour!  We had to gather in close to hear him...

One side note – many of us were kept awake last night by a baaing goat – and several jokes were made about hopes that it might become our dinner.  And then we found out that he was to be for our dinner in another day, but they slaughtered him a day early so our sleep would not be interrupted. 

- Becky

Insomniac goat

Day 2 - Intro to Sant Lakay and MPP

"All you need is a body on this earth, willing to notice where it is, trusting that even something as small as a hazelnut can become an altar in this world."
Barbara Brown Taylor, An Altar in the World

Magorie explaining tire gardens

Magorie St. Fleur, our host and organizer for the Papaye Peasant Movement (MPP) matter-of-factly plunges her hand into a tire-full of almost-compost. Holding the little pile of earth in her hand, she smiles and affirms, "We say, 'yes' to agro-ecology!" (Which happens to be her vocation: She's an agro-ecologist.) In that little pile of soil, which she believes has life in it, Magorie holds the dual intentions of agro-ecology: to produce food and protect the earth. These dual intentions are evident everywhere we look here in Sant Lakay, home of the National Center for Training Peasant Professionals. This "popular university" is a place for peasant farmers and their children to learn sustainable agricultural practices and strategies for organizing in their rural communities. It's also where Adaline, Guerna, and Emmanuel, our guests from GEAD last night, were trained.

(A personal note: As someone who writes about the global food system and local responses to it, it made my heart very very glad that my body is in this place, hearing these stories.  I write about it, but there is nothing like witnessing a community--a movement, even--that is living it. I go to sleep tonight grateful for this work, and for whatever little way we might contribute to it.)

Beautiful and twisty road from Port-At-Prince and Papaye

The tour of the Sant Lakay grounds came at the end of a good bit of travel over some curvy, hilly, and bumpy terrain. I believe this was a bonding experience for our little group. At least that's how I am choosing to frame it. :) We were greeted at the MPP guest house with an abundant meal, yet one more example of the generous hospitality of our Haitian hosts. We are in a place of great beauty, struggle, and resilience.

We are settling in for the night after a great discussion on the front porch of the guest house. Tomorrow morning we'll again place our bodies in this particular place, and I hope we all will continue to seek to notice all the beauty and struggle in even something as small as a hazelnut. 

- Jennifer

Sant Lakay (educational/training center for MPP) gardens and composting operations.

Day 1 - Travel and Arrival!

The group settled in the Palm Inn Hotel for dinner and a "transition night" that included some swimming.  :)  As part of the initial trip meeting, the group met with four leaders from GEAD, who shared how they took what they learned with MPP into an urban environment.  They explained that as part of a pilot project with 60 families, the organizers received training in home gardening (specifically tire gardens).  They worked to create collectives of 10 families each who set up communal vegetable gardens.  Their focus is on building community and fraternity, not just gardens.  Each collective holds weekly meetings, and also works to raise money to fund future projects.

Some comments from the leaders include:

• Common for families to be raised on corn, sorghum, and rice, but not vegetables. 
• They never learned the importance of manuring, composting, irrigation, etc.
• They learned at MPP how to organize meetings.
• Although they have no background in growing food, they are now crazy about gardening and eating healthy food.  
• Remarked that people do not eat many vegetables, not because of the cost, but because of a lack of knowledge about nutrition and health.
• The leaders shared that ultimately they would like to organize an urban farmer’s market with organic produce both for consumers and restaurants.

GEAD Leaders Adaline, Guerna, and Emmanuel

Overall it was a great meeting and a great introduction to the impact of our work.  On to the interior tomorrow!

Group prepares to travel to Haiti

On Saturday, April 11th, five members from the Atlanta Church Group will travel to Haiti for a week to support the people of the EcoVillages and the school we are building with them.  They are:  Stephen Konigsberg and Russ Weekley from Good Shepherd Presbyterian,  Scott Grosse from Emory Presbyterian and Jennifer Ayres and Becky Evans from North Decatur Presbyterian. 

This is an interfaith trip with members of the Unitarian-Universalist church, who are our partners in the school building project.  They will be making vital connection with our Haitian partners at MPP and in the EcoVillages. In the process, they will actually work on building the school itself!   

Follow them this week through their posts and photos here and on our Facebook page Haiti EcoVillage School.  They will bring us stories about the people and our new school.

See the School! Slots are available for Trip to Haiti

The Atlanta Church Group and The Unitarian Universalist Service Committee are co-sponsoring a week-long interfaith visit to the EcoVillage School near Colladere, Haiti. 

Trip dates are April 11-18. 

The trip has two parts:

(1) working - helping build the school and prep its grounds that will foster financial self-sufficiency, and

(2) learning - about the country, its people and the EcoVillage mission that has been a joint project of the PCUSA and UUSC for the past several years. 

There are openings to join the trip.  Register online at www.uucsj.org/haiti. 

Or, if you need to learn more, talk to one of the trip participants: Scott Grosse (Emory Presbyterian) 404-966-4605 or Wendy Flick (UUSC) 617-230-1795.  It can be a life-changing experience.

Taste of the Caribbean Celebration!

February 21, 2015

The Taste of the Caribbean dinner celebrating the opening of the EcoVillage school was attended by 102 people despite threatening weather.  Sponsored by the Atlanta Church Group (ACG), it was the first event to gather people from the supporting churches to meet one another and see photos of the new school, including the premiere of a video about one of the school’s students.  In addition to members of the churches that comprise the ACG -- Emory Presbyterian, Good Shepherd Presbyterian and North Decatur Presbyterian – attendees included members of two Unitarian Universalist congregations as well as Druid Hills Presbyterian.

One of the stated purposes of the ACG is to create community among us here in Atlanta, in addition to our collaboration in building the school in Haiti.  Attendees talked about the joyful spirit in the room, which was undoubtedly enhanced by the festive decorations and exceptional food from Badda Bing.  It was a successful friend-raiser. In addition, another $4600 was donated for the school.  Year-to-date fund raising is at 44% of our goal of $45,000.

2015 Atlanta Church Group Plans and Goals

The School.  Plans call for the completion of a 3rd classroom which will allow for the expansion of grades and teachers in a split-day structure.  They expect an enrollment of 100+ students starting in September.  Plans are under way to engage parents in supporting the school through tuition and volunteering.  The big push this year will be the development of agricultural infrastructure that will in time turn the surrounding land into a profitable farm that both feeds children school lunches and funds the school.

Budget.  A $90,000 budget has been approved by MPP, ACG and UUSC. It will provide for construction of the third classroom and operational funds for the 2015-16 school year.  Significantly, it invests heavily to develop a farm that can provide a long-term funding stream, a top priority for both ACG and UUSC.

Goals.

·      ACG proposes to raise $45,000 in 2015.

·      To accomplish this will require additional partners and contributors – with a goal of engaging 3 more churches and increasing on the 100 individual donors.

·      We plan two mission trips: one April 11-18 jointly with UUs and one in the fall. 

·      We have launched a search for potential grants. 

·      We will use the website for internet-based outreach.

Structure. ACG has organized into committees led by co-chairs:

·      ACG Organizing:          Chris Calia, GSPC and Gordon French, NDPC

·      Partner Outreach:         Brian McWilliams, EPC and Pat Murphy, NDPC

·      Mission Trip Planning:   Paul Ferre, GSPC and Scott Grosse, EPC

·      Fund Raising:                Becky Evans, NDPC and Edward Ramos, GSPC

·      Accounting:                   Linda Curry, NDPC

·      Web design:                  Carolyn French, NDPC

Partnerships.  A key part of our mission is to live the gospel in all that we do by building relationships here and in Haiti.  A gathering in February will allow members of the participant churches to meet one another and to invite others who have an interest to learn about our work.  As we send groups to the EcoVillages, we intend to build relationships with Christians there with whom we might collaborate in teaching, learning and mission work together.

2014 Annual Report for the Atlanta Church Group

The Atlanta Church Group (ACG) began collaborations in Atlanta and in Haiti to build a school in the central plateau of Haiti. Participants from 3 Atlanta churches--North Decatur Presbyterian, Emory Presbyterian and Good Shepherd Presbyterian--organized to lead this effort. 

Partners with the ACG are also deeply invested in this collaboration.

·       The Unitarian Universalist Service Committee, based in Boston, has joined with us to raise funds, sponsor mission trips and coordinate planning with MPP.  UUSC has built 2 EcoVillages.

·       Mouvment Paysan Papaye (MPP) is a Haitian agricultural cooperative that has provided the vision, land and coordination for building six EcoVillages and the school.  UUSC and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Program funded construction of the EcoVillages.

·       Mark Hare is the PCUSA mission worker attached to MPP. He provides communication support and counsel as we partner with MPP.  Through Mark’s effort, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance funds built 4 of the 6 EcoVillages.

2014 Highlights

The Vision.  ACG commissioned MPP to develop a vision and plan for the school.  MPP produced a lengthy document that described a financially self-sufficient school that would serve 400+ students, from pre-school through high school, who live in and around the EcoVillages.  The report explained educational requirements in Haiti and analyzed phased construction and operational costs.  Proposed costs for Phase 1 exceeded the resources available to ACG.

Getting Started.  ACG asked UUSC to collaborate in a smaller scale Phase 1.  We jointly proposed a first year budget of $90,000 -- $45,000 each – to fund building 3 classrooms, a well, toilet and one year’s operations.  After consulting with their engineering firm, MPP accepted the plan and construction began in July.  In response to cost overruns, two members of the ACG group contributed an additional $10,000.

Website.   In August  ACG launched a website  (haitiecovillageschool.org )as a primary communication tool.  It delivers latest information about the school, reflections of visitors, photos, videos and more.  

School Opens. Despite the late start to construction, the school secured a Director and hired 3 certified teachers.  It opened in October for grades 1-3 with 45 students.  Two weeks later a delegation from ACG and UUSC visited the school, investigated the construction, interviewed teachers, parents and students, and discussed 2015 plans with the leadership of MPP. (Reports and reflections from this team can be found on the website.)

Reaching Our Goal. By December ACG reached its goal of $55,000.  There were 102 individual donors, plus funds from church fund-raising initiatives.  

PCUSA Mission Worker Visits EcoVillage School

January 15, 2015

I recently took a group from Alabama to the Central Plateau and we visited the site of the school you are building.  It was an impressive site and the local leader who gave us the guided tour was "bubbling" with pride and shared so much about how meaningful this school is to them.   Congratulations on the wonderful work you are doing.  I wanted you to know you have inspired this group and shown them what is possible when you  are serious about real partnership ministry.

Suzette Goss-Geffrard,

PCUSA Mission Worker in Haiti

Register for April Mission Trip

Register by February 15, 2015 to participate in the next mission trip to Haiti. April 11-18, 2015; open enrollment Interfaith Program led by the UUSC College of Social Justice. For more information, visit http://uucsj.org/journeys/haiti/

Reflections from Joan and Eddie

Our three days in Haiti were short but, for me, powerful. On the first morning we arrived at the school, and I was overwhelmed. The children ran out to greet us, all smiling yet standing back and looking a bit hesitant at greeting these strange people.  Instantly we threw a couple of our balls at them and they took off, laughing, running, happy together, forgetting about those strangers but just being kids with balls.  

Just beyond the kids with the balls was the school.  For so long the school had been in the abstract as we had talked about it, planned for it, budgeted for the school, but now it was real; no longer in just my mind.  

I walked towards the school with the children all around me.  We met the first and second grade teachers; the third grade teacher (who had been swallowed by the earthquake and managed to crawl out,) came to MPP and asked to teach. He was an inspiration. Suddenly I was so humbled to have been able to have had a small part in this miracle.

We were shown around the school as the children returned to class. The first and second graders sat at their gorgeous new wooden desks. The children are so proud of their school furniture and their two classrooms. The teachers began their lessons. What we had so long dreamed of, hoped for, was really taking place. The children were in a school which we had taken part in providing and they were learning.

Later in the day the parents awaited us in one of the classrooms. One of my "old friends" from EcoVillage One came up to me and said "How are your grandchildren?" Then he said, "I teach self some English so I talk to you." I was so overcome that it was hard to respond. As the parents gathered several others spoke to me as they remembered me from our previous visit.

The parents had one consistent message: they too wanted to become literate.  The parents wanted a class, so that they could learn letters and learn to read. The parents very much wanted to learn what their children were learning.  

The parents also wanted to express their appreciation for the school in which they sat at that moment, appreciation for what God had given them through God's people.

The parents and the director also expressed the need for a classroom for the preschoolers--ages three, four and five. We did a count and in that room alone there were parents of 23 preschool children who could not attend school because there was no preschool class.

As I looked around it was so clear that the need was great for our third classroom to be finished and our other three classrooms to be completed. I was humbled to see the miracle in which I had been able to have had a very small part. But more importantly, I felt so strongly that God will empower each of us with the vision and the energy to do our part, so that the four more classrooms, so badly needed, can be completed for God's children placed in our paths for this brief time.

Joan Edgerton, North Decatur Presbyterian

This was my first visit to Haiti and I didn't really know what to expect. I had heard stories of the mass despair and poverty in this country.  However, in our trip to Hinche, I didn't see much of either.  I did see a lack of possessions and a need for infrastructure. But with the people we visited, I saw hope, a willingness to work hard, thankfulness, and a trust in God. The MPP organization is very well-run and the leadership is very impressive.  Chavannes Jean-Baptiste runs a very well-oiled machine and surrounds himself with topnotch personnel. I am very excited with the EcoVillage project and EcoVillage school.  The project is beginning to meet its mandate of self-sufficiency. With the school the people of the EcoVillages envision a place to educate their children and also a central place to educate themselves to better themselves and to help assist in their children’s education. Over all I think both project and school will succeed and prosper. The best way we can help is by making sure that we support the growth of the EcoVillage school and continue our relationships with the people in Papaye.  

Eddie Ramos, Good Shepherd

Reflections from Kathryn, Becky and Pat

This was my first visit to Haiti. We visited the school that is being built for the EcoVillages.  The students have been in school for two weeks. For some of these kids, this was probably the first time they have been to school, and it was clear they are excited to be in school. In the rooms are desks, a teachers' supply cabinet, and a chalkboard. The children use pencils and paper. There is no electricity right now.  The bathroom is a latrine separate from the school. Forty-five children attend the school (grades one, two and three). Grades one and two meet in the morning and the third graders attend in the afternoon. Currently there are only two classrooms. They are clean. There are no additional instructional aides.

We interviewed all three teachers. The third grade teacher came from Port-au-Prince. His home was destroyed and his wife killed during the earthquake. He moved to the EcoVillage to start over. He was very excited to be given the opportunity to teach again.

The students don't receive meals or have uniforms yet.  Usually students in Haiti get two meals and wear uniforms. After meeting the teachers and the director (their term for the principal) and spending some time at the school, I am optimistic for the future of the school and hope we can continue our partnership with MPP.

Kathryn Hornsby, Emory Presbyterian Church

It was wonderful to meet with Chavannes Jean-Baptiste at MPP and with Wendy Flick, the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee Haiti program leader. Wendy and Chavannes have been working together in Haiti for the 14 years and they have a very strong, trusting relationship. We members of the Atlanta Church Group learned much by watching them and learning from their interactions with the local Haitians.

Becky Evans, North Decatur Presbyterian Church

The sights, sounds and smells bring back memories quickly from my last trip in January 2013.  Indeed much has been done, but the mountain of problems still stands.  Chavannes and MPP continue to impress me with their hard work and dedication.  My knowledge of construction and costs assures me that our donations to date were well-spent. Words like Food, Education, Leadership, and Grace keep circling through my mind. The progress is exciting; the road ahead is formidable.

 Pat Murphy, North Decatur Presbyterian Church

Photos from the School

Edward Ramos shares images from the EcoVillages.

The kids are having fun playing with their new futbols!

The students line up to go back into class at their new school.

Meeting with parents. Had a great turnout. Parents are ready to do what they can to help their children.

Group Leader Becky reports on the first day

Thursday, October 9, 2014, 9pm

..am writing from the terrace of our guest house at Sant Lakay - "my home" at the MPP campus. We had a LONG day - waking up at 5am to catch our plane, then the plane was delayed, and then luggage delays at the PAP airport, but thankfully we found our drivers and Joan's green backpack miraculously did appear from the overnight storage--it somehow made it to PAP on the flight we all missed! Anyway, the weather is fine, and our reception at Sant Lakay has been lovely. We had important dialogue with Chavannes and Wendy from the UUs, and met one of the school engineers. Off to visit the school and children tomorrow! And off to bed tonight! 

Meeting with Chavannes Jean-Baptiste upon arriving at MPPs Sant Lakay training center.

Picture below captures excitement after our second meeting with Chavannes during which we discussed sustainability ideas for the Ecovillage and families, the progress and budget of phase one of the school and and possible plans for phase 2.

Left to right:  MPP Engineer;  Myriame Jean Pierre, ACG Translator; Front:  Becky Evans, NDPC;  Wendy Flick, UUSC Haiti Project Leader;  Joan Edgerton, NDPC; Back:  Pat Murphy, NDPC;  Chavannes Jean-Baptiste, Director of MPP;  Maxine Neil, Director of UUSC Institutional Advancement; Kathryn Hornsby, Emory Presbyterian. (Not Pictured:  Eddie Ramos, Good Shepherd Presbyterian.)

Arrived in Port au Prince!

Airport delays meant we stayed overnight in Miami. Because of lost luggage and important health issues, we had to leave our friend Randy in Miami. But we are glad to be moving toward our goal of traveling to the EcoVillage school!

Being a part of this Atlanta Church Group delegation means the opportunity to make new friends!

Futbols and faith

The delegation is carrying 10 futbols for the children in the EcoVillages.

Seeds of Hope Delegation begins journey

In spite of delays at Atlanta airport, the group finally managed to board flights to Miami and on to Port au Prince.

Going to Haiti

by Gordon French

Haiti is a place of contrasts, contradictions.

To survive, people work incredibly hard, long days.  Yet a smile and laughter are easy to find.

Most people who live there want to escape.  Most who live elsewhere miss home.

It is called a Catholic nation, but almost everyone believes in the power of Voodou.

The country cannot feed itself without aid from the rest of the world, but Haitians distrust the foreigners who bring that aid.

Haiti is located in one of the most lush, diverse ecosystems in the world, but it has large swaths of barren land from decades of destructive practices.

Like the land, Haiti has abundant people resources, full of art and music and energy, handicapped by the highest level of illiteracy in the Western Hemisphere.

Contradictions and contrasts, just like us.  

Haiti needs divine love, but we'll have to do for now.  

We have committed to bring education to children who otherwise will be illiterate and isolated. This is an act of love.  Love for people we do not know.  It is an act of faith, for we don't know how to raise all the needed funds nor do we know that the people we entrust to do the educating will do it well.  

And so, our delegates go to Haiti this week to bridge some of the gap between them and us. They will get to know the Haitian people better, and they will return with stories and pictures that help us know them better, too.  They will show our love so that we are known by them, too. They believe that God's love can bind us together to build Kingdom along with the school.  Me too.

Travelers prepare to visit the EcoVillages

A group will be heading to Haiti soon. Watch for updates as they travel.