Haiti Orphan Foundation

Bringing Hope and Provision to Children in Haiti through the Gospel of Jesus Christ

Update

“God will provide…”

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Tripp and I just arrived in Port-au-Prince. The people, the chaos, and dust renders a familiarity unique to Haiti. It is always great to be welcomed so warmly by our friends and brothers, Pastor Lesly and Vixamar. As I pile in the back of a grate covered pickup with Pastor Lesly, I was able to spend some time catching up as we maneuvered our way through a sea of Haitians impacted by the current fuel shortage. He shared stories and updates as we headed to see the boys. Due to the current political and social climate, we were forced to acquire transportation with security through our partners in ministry at GOP.

The opportunity to see the boys was exciting. It had been too long. We were forced to postpone our last two trips due to the demonstrations in Port-au-Prince over government corruption and the rising cost of living. It’s a sober reminder of the challenges that are the norm in Haiti. We are extremely thankful that most of the violence resides largely in the capital and not in Croix-des-Bouquets. The situation here is reaching new heights according to Pastor Lesly. Cost for fuel and food beckons memories of the painful times surrounding the earthquake that first brought us to Haiti. Demonstrations pop up sporadically and spill into the streets creating a new norm in Haiti. Haiti needs your prayers.

I have always found the people here friendly and welcoming. Thankfully this remains, but you can see the tireless struggle weighing on them. Our hearts break. The struggle is palpable, as we see mobs of people surrounding the fuel stations. Too often tempers flare. “But God will provide” Pastor Lesly affirms. The streets remain busy but the added congestion surrounding the streets is evident.

Pastor Lesly shares in the public’s frustration and strife. He appears agitated with the things he sees and reports on, but remains hopeful. Because of his faith and others like him, I know there will be light again at the end of this dark season. Help us pray for Haiti and all of the people who call it home.

Dr. Bruce

Looking Good

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A group of five board members and sponsors enjoyed an amazing visit with the boys of Grace Children’s Home in early December. At this time, we have fifteen boys at the Home, ranging in age from 8 to 15. The boys looked great and all are very healthy. We enjoyed playing soccer with them and spent time demonstrating the toys and games we brought them as Christmas gifts. Thanks to all of you who contributed to the gifts. 

Your continuing support is truly making a difference in the lives of these children.

It was exciting to see how much the boys have grown and matured since our last visit. Their manners, respectfulness and contributions to household chores were impressive. They played well together and really seem to enjoy one another. Your continuing support is truly making a difference in the lives of these children.

What’s ahead?

As some might remember, we have two of the older boys progressing on to secondary school.   In Haiti, this school is equivalent to middle and high school.  This is a great opportunity we are able to offer the boys at the Grace Home.  Each day Faby and Enockson catch a ride to their new school just a few miles from the orphanage.   We are excited to report both boys are doing wonderfully.  They are enjoying the new surroundings and the challenging work.  Pastor Lesly has shared with us that this is one of the best schools in Croix Des Bouquet.   Excellence does come at a price.  The additional cost to send the boys to this private school is $42 a month per child.  Please continue to pray for us as we commit to meet this need.

“What is next?” has been the thought we have pondered most recently.  Our boys are getting older, and we will need to make big and meaningful decisions in the coming years.  We continue to explore options for further education and vocational opportunities.  We realize, much like our own children, that our boys are individuals with different talents and interests.  Not all are suited for higher education. Some of our boys may be best suited for becoming a tradesman.  We are currently looking at how best to give them opportunities.  We continue to have thoughtful discussions with Pastor Lesly and our friends at the Global Orphan Project.  We were blown away after touring GOP’s flagship vocational school.  They are doing remarkable work.  They offer a two year training program in sewing, farming, diesel mechanics, and most recently, construction.  Please continue to pray for wisdom as we seek more avenues to allow our boys to flourish.

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A big value of HOF is making a difference in the community through the local church.  Most of our trips include free medical clinics through Grace Assembly Church & School.  Such clinics provide care, education, and a strengthened relationship with the community. 

HOF Spring 2017 Ministry Update

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An American author once wrote, “It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.” Like all kids, our boys are changing.  It’s fun to watch how their personalities, strengths and passions continue to evolve.  Much like our own children, we are not sure exactly what God has planned, but we remain excited and optimistic for their future.   It is a future that is only possible through your gracious love and support.  On behalf of the Haiti Orphan Foundation, we thank you for making a difference in all those at the Grace Children’s Home.

We just returned from visiting and I wanted to share how pleased we were.  All the children looked great.  They were all healthy, thriving and happy. Our smiles were only topped by their warm embrace and genuine excitement to see us.   It was a strong reminder of how God continues to bless much more than we give.

Peterson helping Dr. Bruce with the checkups.

Fortunately, there was minimal damage to the orphanage from Hurricane Matthew.  We only lost razor wire that customarily surrounds the property that will need to be replaced.  No further structural damage was done, but most importantly no one was injured.  Fortunately, our location helps shield us from storms because of the surrounding mountains.

Probably the most notable change since our last visit is the newly found leadership roles some of the boys now possess.  Pastor Lesly has allowed the older boys to run errands in the neighborhood and take on more responsibility in the home.   Additionally, we were encouraged to see more boys visiting and hanging out from the neighborhood.  They like to play soccer and other games.  It was good to see them become more integrated in the community.

The boys were so excited to get their Christmas gifts.

School is going well for all the boys.  We recently added another after-school helper to help maintain the positivity.  We will have some decisions to make next year as two of the boys, Enockson and Faby, will be finishing primary school.   We plan to send them to what is known in Haiti as secondary school (comparable to middle and High school in the US–grades 7-13).

We are weighing options to send them to either public or private.  The additional cost will be $1-1.50 / day for transportation for each.  Public school is free in Haiti; however, they often miss large gaps of time due to teachers not receiving a salary.  We are currently looking into the additional cost for better, more consistent private school.  We welcome your prayers and support as we prepare for this exciting new chapter.

Our mission remains unwavering-to help raise strong Christian children to effect positive change for a darkened Haiti.  Education is the cornerstone in this pursuit.  We ask for your help.

We welcome your prayers and support as we prepare for this exciting new chapter!

With growth come challenges, and we have opportunity for more people to become involved through sponsoring one of our two new boys.  Please pray for our boys and the continued impact HOF might make for all those in Haiti.  God bless you as you continue help us bring hope and provision to the children of Haiti through the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

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