Haitians are beautiful, sincere and very spiritual beings. I have enjoyed very much the chance to observe this culture in action... I used to claim that Southeast Asia was my favorite area/culture of the world. However, the reality is that each culture/country is so beautifully unique in its own way. Haiti, I am finding is a country of expression. Through music, dance the arts, these people express themselves deeply.

Access to the computer has been very limited, due both to internet accessability, as well as time. I want so much to share these experiences, observations and feelings with you, I only wish that the words I type could do justice. What I am living out down here, I can touch the tip of and give you a vague idea. But in all reality, coming here to experience this uniquely beautiful country/culture/people is the only way the reality of the all encompassing beauty of the Haitian people and lifestyle could be embraced.

Since being here in Haiti, I've not stopped. There have been unending opportunities and events which have filled every moment of each day I have been here. In short, to make the point quick and clear - I LOVE HAITI!
I have been here one week today. The St. Josephs Home for Boys, where I've been staying/volunteering, just completed a four day intense and exciting celebration of their 25th year anniversary! I arrived one day before the festivities and have been able to praticipate in it all. This was a tremendous timeto meet the board of directors as well as the 'Godparents,' of the boys at the St. Josephs home.

The celebrations over the last 4 days were complete with everything from a fancy poolside party, a formal dinner that the boys of the home prepared and catered to us(dressed in their white iron shirts, black trousers and shoes and even a bow tie too!), an incredible trip up into the mountains to visit a small villiage and learn some phenomenal Haitian history, performances by the Resurrection Dance Theater and Accapella Choir (these two groups are made up of the boys in the home,) a trip to visit the Wings of Hope Orphanage for a day, and last night, the grand finally dance with a real-live Rah Rah band. These are only a few of the many opportunities I recieved to experience an intensive introduction to traditional Haitian culture. It was an eventful week!

The board of directors and God parents flew from the USA and Canada to be here for this annual celebration. The 28 boys who live at the St. Josephs home for Boys, are all actively involved in either the choir of the dance by choice. I was given the opportunty to dance during the dance practice with the team, what an absolute privilage it was to have such personal instruction and what a work out!!

All in all I met and got well acquainted with 19 people who form the foundation of these homes - the board of directors and godparents. This was instrumental for me to gain insight into the quality of the people who make up the foundation of these homes, their vision and sincerity. After having spent nearly a week with all of these very special people, I can now go in peace and continue the work/learning I came down here to do with a confidence that I am a apart of powerfully positive life-changing group of compassionate, dedicated people.

St. Josephs Home for Boys - Petionville, Haiti






Michael and the boys in the beautiful chapel at St. Joseph's.





St. Joseph's Home for Boys was Michael's dream that became a reality in 1985, bringing boys off the streets of Port-au-Prince to provide them with a Christian home and family. Since that time it has grown from four boys in a very small home to more than 20 boys in a wonderful home with guest facilities and a chapel. Visitors become a part of the extended family as they sleep and eat and pray and enjoy presentations by the Resurrection Dance Theater with Michael and the boys at St. Joseph's.




Wings of Hope - Fermathe, Haiti









The family of Wings of Hope gathers in the courtyard





Wings of Hope is the home for severely physically and emotionally disabled children located up high in the mouintains of Haiti. There are 38 boys and girls between the ages of 3 to 28 currently living in the home. 80 percent of them are in wheel chairs due to cerebral palsey or other types of illnesses/diseases. Many of them do not speak. Some have severe Autism amd ADD is common in many of the residents.

When French missionaries announced they were leaving Haiti and needed to find care for the physically and emotionally disabled children under their supervision, Michael took some of the older boys from St. Joseph's to choose a child to bring home and care for. But the boys surprised Michael when they chose to adopt all the children, reminding him that he had taught them that with God, all things are possible. Wings of Hope is now a thriving home for disabled children, recently rebuilt and expanded to include guest facilities, and is run by a graduate of St. Joseph's. Wings of Hope also now includes a wonderful crafts boutique, also run by a graduate of St. Joseph's and a dance troupe, directed by a graduate as well.

I leave Petionville today and head up to Wings of Hope where I will assist in Physical Therapy and do Massage Therapy with the children. It is my hope to help alieviate some of the discomforts these children live in, both on a physical level, as well as a spiritual level. Despite that I do not yet know the Creole language, I believe that God can reveal His love to these children through the power of positive touch, on a level that mere words could not, even if I spoke their Creole language.

I went up to Wings of Hope just for the day on Thursday. We went as a group, the board members and the Godparents. After a tour of the seven story home, we each were assigned a child to take out for the afternoon. Below are photos of a couple of the children I met that day, and whom I will be working with.



Fourna is a 9-year-old girl brought to Wings of Hope in 2000 by her parents because they could not care for her. She has spastic cerebral palsy, and cannot walk. Fourna is very alert and is able to say a few words. She can learn to speak more clearly if she is given the time and resources to develop that skill. She thrives on attention and one-on-one contact. She benefits from daily physical therapy sessions, and needs to wear splints on her hands daily for at least a few hours in order to help the prevent the development of contractures.


Mamoune is a 19-year-old young woman who came to Wings of Hope in 2000. Mamoune has spastic cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair. She sometimes averts her eyes or looks at people out of the corners of her eyes, but when you catch her eye and talk to her, Mamoune’s smile can light up a room. She is doing well in her daily physical therapy sessions and can feed herself. The staff and older boys at Wings of Hope are working with Mamoune to increase her speaking skills.


B. J. is 4-years-old. He was brought to the Wings family by the Haitian Department of Social Service in December of 2002. His name, B.J., stands for Baby Jesus. B.J. was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, and suffered from malnutrition before he came to Wings of Hope. Today the physical therapist works with B.J. every day. B.J. has significant hearing loss, but does seem to be able to hear the drums that are played during dance practice.

I have so much more to share, unfortunatly my time is up and my bus for Fermathe is soon to be leaving. I will continue to write as I can!