From October 18, 2021 Yesterday, I woke up to the breaking news that 16 American missionaries from Ohio (and one Canadian) had been kidnapped. As I write this, it is early Sunday morning and there are no details on their condition or any possible ransom negotiations, outside of the fact that the group, which included three children (one of whom…
From October 17, 2021 Last night, I was giving Moïse his baby bottle with water. He didn’t want it. So, I pretended I was drinking it. He took the bottle from me and tried to put it my mouth. He continues to spend much of his day rearranging my office.
From October 16, 2021 Elana lived with us for about three years. She came with her younger sister, who was so muchtrouble we decided she could no longer live at Santa Chiara. Their mother worked for us. Somereaders may recall the mother had an infection that was so bad she nearly died. Her lower jawbecame the size of football thanks…
From October 15, 2021 In March 1976, I read a little book that had a huge influence on me. Even during my atheist days,I never tossed the book into the garbage. Forty-five years later, that little book is still with me inHaiti. I dip into the book every few weeks. Something about it stills has a hold on me.
From October 14, 2021 On Tuesday night, Baby cooked some tilapia for us. While we were eating, she said, “Dad, you must be careful in PV (Petionville) there is shooting there now.” I asked her to explain. She told me that when she left school, she walked to the main street to wait for a motorcycle taxi. Suddenly there was…
From October 13, 2021 I would like to resurrect the Compassion Fund within Santa Chiara. Now whenever I encountera someone in deep need, I must balance my response with the care of the children. For most ofour nearly seven years of operation, SCCC has operated on a month-to-month basis. In the earlyyears, we ended each year carrying a deficit. Even…
From October 12, 2021 On Sunday, Baby and I visited the landlady the apartment we rented for “Lilly.” I owed her $300for the balance of the year’s rent. We were given the keys. The apartment was painted very nicely.I asked about electricity. If a tenant paid 5,000 gourdes ($50), she turns on the electricity for theapartment. Yesterday, “Lilly” came to…
From October 11, 2021 Yesterday when I came home from the market, Peter and Clare were hugging me when I had the flash of inspiration to bring them upstairs and play with their little brother, Moïse.
From October 10, 2021 I’m home. Outside of the frustrating 40-minute delay in boarding the plane, the trip wasuneventful. When I entered my second-floor residence, I did not see anyone. As I unlocked thedoor to my office, I heard Moïse. The door to his room was closed. I was so eager to see him, I didnot open my door. Instead,…
From October 9, 2021 Today I’m sharing a series of black and white photographs from August 2018.