We’re Back!

One month down in 2024

This has been a truly special, magical trip! I didn’t think anything could top the opening of our premier school in September or the establishment of our artisan workshop. But, to see all of the pieces in action and thriving has been incredibly rewarding. In this newsletter, I want to share as much of that with you as I can so you can see the ripple effect your support has had on this island nation!

SCHOOL IN ACTION

This trip was the first time we were able to witness the school in action! I was waiting eagerly at the school gate 7 AM every morning to start welcoming in our adorable little ones and made sure I was there saying goodbye as they got picked up at the end of the day. Watching them learn and soak up everything so quickly made me feel like a proud parent. And seeing them eat twice a day in school knowing they won’t go home hungry just made my heart swell. (In our upcoming newsletter, I’ll share in detail about a day in the life of our school!) After seeing the school in action, I am incredibly proud and pleased with our teachers! They’ve worked hard to set the tone for our school and lay the foundation for its growth. I’m confident that it will continue to prosper with their diligence and guidance. 

FIRST CHRISTMAS AT SCHOOL

We also hosted our very first Christmas party at the school! The event began with special performances from all three classes and the teachers. Each class put so much time and effort into each performance! I could not have asked for a better Christmas gift! We had a very special gift in return for the whole school: their very own soccer goal! The students broke into three groups where they could hear the Christmas story, munch on candy canes while coloring, and have a soccer kickoff with their brand-new goal. We kept the fun going with a big pizza party and homemade cookies. I’m pretty sure none of the kids knew what pizza was beforehand, but I think it’s safe to say they loved it! And what Christmas party would be complete without gifts? With your help, we made this a Christmas that they will always remember! [Catch recap videos on our Instagram or Facebook Page!]

SURPRISING OUR TEACHERS

While that would be plenty of celebrating for most people, we took it a step further and had a special Christmas party just for our teachers! After the kids went home, we gathered the teachers and staff for a time of encouragement, showering them with gifts and sharing a meal together. Despite this being the first time we met in person, it felt more like a big family reunion. I want to give a special thanks to our donors for supporting our teachers and helping us surprise them with their own portions of rice + beans + oil. It was a wonderful blessing for them knowing they could continue to feed their families at home. 

FEEDING THE HUNGRY

Of course, no trip would be complete without taking time to feed the needy families in our village. Your donations helped us give rice + beans to the hungry. There can be as many as 5 to 15 members in any family, so every bit of help is greatly appreciated and needed! Because of your support, the holidays were a bit brighter for many in our village.

GRATITUDE

As I’ve reflected on all that’s happened in the last 4 months, I’ve been overwhelmed with gratitude for donors like you. Because of your support, people in Haiti are eating in the midst of a famine; the school is running and raising the future leaders of Haiti; and hard-working artisans are able to support their families despite job scarcity. All the dreams we’ve had of a better Haiti are now becoming a reality that is impacting the community for the better! It is with a deeply grateful heart that I say to you, thank you, thank you, thank you!