H_A_I_T_I

HEART----we go there in hopes of helping others and leave knowing we’ve been helped. Now I know what an economic crisis really looks like! Part of my heart will remain tied to the people of Haiti with their beautiful dark skin, brilliant smiles and colors! The beautiful sunsets and the dark skies make for awesome star gazing.

ATTITUDE----a positive one goes a long way! Our group of 15 meshed in a way that was amazing, with ages ranging from 17 to 74. Each person brought something unique to the table and for that I am grateful. David, a farmer from Wisconsin, brought hybrid corn developed in Gautemala to plant a field on Neil’s property. For a change of attitude a visit to Pignon is a must! Kaye Visite, the new guest house is a welcoming place(no roof rats or tarantulas), that builds community among the guests.

INTUITION----the language barrier made us more aware of body language and the universal language of the smile. The chicken dance and the hokey pokey got the kids and the “blancs” dancing in the streets. The children at the orphanage enjoyed a game of soccer, hugs, photo ops, and laughter and we left with our hearts fuller. The family and community thanked our group for helping build a house (20’x24’) by singing, “It Is Well With My Soul” in Creole and tears of joy filled our eyes.

TRAGIC----or not? Yes I want each person to have clean water, food, shelter and clothing. The charm of Pignon and the simplicity of life are infectious. The value of community and family are very present; this was demonstrated at church when a little girl was sitting on a woman’s lap and then got up and crossed the aisle to sit on another woman’s lap. The phrase, “It takes a village to raise a child” came to mind. I am not convinced that losing the simplicity will be progress. As a truck load of cellphones were dispersed in a crowd of people, I wondered just how the value of community and family will be upheld.

ISLAND---- of Hispanola. Haiti shares the island with the Dominican Republic. Haiti is one of the poorest countries in the world. Many people there live on less than $300.00 per year! During the revolution, which ended in 1804, Haiti’s infrastructure was totally destroyed; for the past 205 years Haiti has struggled for the basics in life.

HAITI----The only way we can help Haiti become independent is through community involvement which is Haiti Outreach’s(HO) philosophy. Visiting Haiti, on my first trip, I wanted to do something to help and I sponsored a child to go to a private school. I'm now more aware of the difference of helping an individual versus a community. Haiti Outreach helps a community with clean water, latrines, homes, and public education, so they become a sustainable community. We visited a public high school in Pignon built by HO that only costs $8.00/year to attend; whereas the many private schools in Pignon cost $360-$500 or more. Many residents make less than $300/year. The public school makes it possible for most all children to attend.

I am grateful to HO for the progress that has taken place in Pignon in the past two years. The children look healthier and more people are working because of the micro-lending of Fonkoze Bank. I believe that with more clean water, latrines, shelter, education, and entrepreneurs, Pignon and other communities that Haiti Outreach empowers can thrive.

Thanks for the memories! Joan Lompart



Contact Info:
Joan Lompart
Prior Lake Rotary