We are back home in Minnesota. It's crazy that people live here! We had a long day of travel with a big layover in Miami. We had good seats from Miami to Minneapolis. Our arrival at MSP at 12:20 am made us 4 pretty tired compadres. It was an awesome trip and an awesome experience. It's good to be home. We look forward to sharing our stories and continuing to walk the journey to justice with the Haitian people. God Bless. - Paul

Cange

Yesterday (Thursday) we visited the amazing facilities at Zanmi Lasante at Cange. If you have read Mountains Beyond Mountains this is the hospital that Paul Farmer co-founded and has earned him international recognition. We toured this amazing facility that offers virtually free care to everyone in Haiti. The road to Cange is rugged so getting patients to the hospital is now their number one concern. I was struck personally with the 4 new neo-natal incubators, I remember the blessing of the care that our new, premature twin grandbabies received in Des Moines when they were in the NICU for over a month. There were 3 babies in the incubators yesterday. We were told that Senator Dick Durbin recently visited and was given an opportunity to see what is possilbe in Haiti. Hopefully Senator Durbin will pass this along to his good friend, President Obama.
http://www.pih.org/where/Haiti/Haiti.

The U. N. presence in Haiti as witnessed on the way to Cange and our previous travels is oppressive. Their posture is unbelievably aggressive with machine guns and huge armored vehicles. If this is what peacemakers are we are in a bad place as a world. The new US Embassy is easily the largest building in Haiti. We were not welcome to take pictures of "our embassy" and got scolded by the police. I am not sure what message the UN / US is trying to send to the masses in Haiti but the intent seems extremely questionable given our recent and long time history of nefarious actions in Haiti.

Today we leave for the airport at 11:00. I am sad to say goodbye to friends but excited to see the rest of my family. Daniel, our interpreter has been awesome.
- Paul

Tuesday and Wednesday experiences

Yesterday (Tuesday), we went to St. Clare's feeding program. Started by Father Jena-Juste, the program feeds 1200 children a day. Father Jean-Juste is well known leader in Haiti having been a political prisoner who was falsely charged after the last coup (when Aristide was forced to leave). The feeding program is in an extremely poor part of Haiti. In the United States, we are disconnected from this level of poverty. It was overwhelming to see 1200 children standing a gate waiting to get their only real meal of the day.5 yeaar old children stand on line with their two year old siblings to get fed. The five year olds feed the younger children. Still they are children and full of wonderment. Their curiosity about us was great. They wanted to touch our white skin because they were curious about it. For some one who has worked in low income communities in the U.S. most of my adult life, there is nothing to compare to this level of extreme poverty. This is the result of a country with a history of being exploited by the U.S. and other wealthy countries. There are an increasing number of children who are dying of starvation recently because of the increasing food prices.an

Today (Wednesday), we went to visit with Mario Joseph of the Bureau des Avocats Internationaux (International Lawyers Office). I have such respect for his courage in organizing Haitians and challenging horrendous imprisonment of political prisoners in Haiti. He has been successful in getting the release of high profile prisoners within Haiti and challenging Haiti's unfair legal and prison practices in the International Court in the Hague. BAI partners with organizations in the U.S. to get judgements against former Haitian military and political leaders who have been at the center of oppression and torture. In such a volatile political atmosphere, and Mario Joseph shows great courage in leading these challenges.

This afternoon we met with a couple, Ari and Carla. Ari is Haitian and Carla came from the United States. They educate foreigners about the history of Haiti - especially what slavery, racism and oppression has done to the culture and society. The talked with us about voodoo and how it is central to Haitian identity, culture and world view. Missionaries and others who have asserted their power in Haiti used it to suppress voodoo.

Oddly enough we went to lunch at restaurant that was just like a subway sandwich shop. Marcy

Matthew 25

Today I learned the meaning of Matthew 25. We were eating lunch at a gas station with a lunch mart kind of place. Mr. Porfil, our Haitian guide for the day at St. Claire’s and the man who is responsible for the feeding program, was with us along with Daniel, our friend and interpreter and Jocelyn, our driver. As we were eating there was a homeless boy that was looking in the window, begging. Natalie said how hungry he looked. I didn’t know what to do since going out and giving him money could have brought out a whole lot of people expecting to get money, so I told Natalie about that. I have seen that be pretty ugly in Haiti.

Within a short period of time I saw that the young boy was in the restaurant and that Porvil was giving him all of his food. The boy was famished and grateful and began eating the warm beans and rice and fish or something. Natalie and I decided that we should share our food with Porvil since we had plenty, still. We gave him the rest of our beans and rice for him to eat which he promptly added to the heaping plate of food for the homeless boy. Out of our group, Porfil clearly needed the food the most.

The other day I re-read Mathew 25 because I had heard that Visitation House in Haiti where we used to stay had been renamed Mathew 25 House. I wanted to refresh myself on what Mathew 25 says. Of course at the end of Mathew 25 it says, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you’.

Today, Mr. Porfil peeled away a layer of the onion or removed the scales from my eyes. I don’t think we hold back all the time out of greed but do so out of fear of the unknown and not wanting to do the wrong thing. There is a way. It doesn’t come from ones abundance that overflows or trickles down to these the least of these my brothers, it comes from seeing with the eyes of the heart. Porfil simply said, “I like children and I see that you do, too. I was humbled beyond belief and can only hope that someday I can see with the pure eyes of my heart like I saw Mr. Porvil do on this day.
- Paul Miller

Like an Onion

Like an onion with its paper thin layers - each of which can be peeled back to reach its heart.

This morning I wake in the half light before sunrise, I round the corner to the bathroom next door, reach for the light switch and then pause. "Wait a second" I say to myself, I can see easily enough without it. Then I recall, when I first came to Haiti, there was no electricity after nine pm throughout the city..... so there was no choice - no electricity anywhere in the city.

Back in 2000, when I wanted to take a shower, hot water wasn't readily available. "No problem" I thought. I'll improvise by taking a "BWCA shower". A pot of hot water from the kitchen, a second empty pot, mixed with cold water in the second pot and pour over your head.

This morning I bathed as most Haitians do - who simply use a face cloth, towel and cold water. No electricity used, nor wood burned, or worst of all charcoal. One has to let Haiti happen to you if you want to grow.

Coming to Haiti will change your life, but only if you are an onion...... with many layers that are slowly peeled away - so Haiti can reach your heart. - Don Kelly -

With thanks to Natalie Miller:
for a young homeless boy, the hug may be more significant that the food or cash.
(Natalie has a great story to tell)
- Don Kelly

The boys at St. Joseph start their day at 5:00 am with prayres and songs in the open air chapel on the fourth floor. In a circle they start their day as a family, some sleeping others more awake. Sister Marie, a 67 year old nun from Boston who left Haiti in 1967 joins the boys and then watches the sun rise over the mountains. In Boston here day starts at 3:00 am in order to serve communion at the 6:00 am service. Through her eyes you can learn some of Haiti's history and future. She has been building a house in Haiti since 2001. Each day she catches a tap tap to go to the work site, when she leaves, the workers leave. She is a marvel.
At 6:00 the sun comes up and the boys do their chores no matter how young or how old. On Sunday they have the family dart tournament in the kitchen. In their routine is the comfort of a home, a family and the love of God that they share with each other. Every story is a miracle. St. Joe's is building a new art center, the beautiful art on the walls serves as models for the art they can make. Walnes runs the dance troupe and is an amazing artist. He is a graduate of the St. Joe's program. Our friend and interpreter Daniel is coming to the states to go to school this July. He is our guide and protector. He adds so much to what we see.
At 7:00 breakfast is served to the guests and the bell is ringing. God Bless!

More about January 25th and 26th

When we returned from Jacmel on Sunday, we were in the most incredible traffic jam in Port au Prince. It was gridlock, after dark, no streets lights and lots and lots of people on the streets. Though this was in a very developed part of Port au Prince, the highway we were on was not paved, and was flooded. Cars (fortunately we were in an SUV) drove though incredibly rutted streets with deep water. For Haitians, it seemed very routine. Lots of horn honking - but no sign of road rage.

The part of the road where we were on was in front of a huge power plant - but still the road wasn't paved. This is one of three power plants recently donated to Haiti by Hugo Chavez and Venezuela. The power plants are located in CAP Haitien, Gonaives, and Port au Prince.

This afternoon I watched a practice of the St. Joe's residents as they prepared for dance performances that they give. The performances are fantastic, and the dancers and drummers are so talented. They have traveled to the U.S. to give performances. We also got to see paintings done by one of the staff (and former resident) of St. Joe's). They are unique and beautiful. All of the residents are former street kids. The impact of the program on the kids is so far reaching on their lives. They are able to express their talents and who they are. It is such a well developed program that truly empowers these kids.

The trip to SOPUDEP yesterday was incredible as Paul said. The kids were so delightful, and it was wonderful to see them getting an education. The school has had to struggle for its survival because the Mayor of Petionville where it is located wanted the building and property where they were located. The director of the school talked about how important it was to have the support from people in Minnesota who advocated for them so that the U.S. State Department intervened and used its power to prevent the school property from being taken away. - Marcy

Today we started with a meeting with the amazing Anne Hastings at Fonkoze. She has a very busy week so we were fortunate to get an hour of Anne's time to catch up with Fonkoze programs. Their major program is "Chemen La Vie Miyo", A Pathway to a Better Life, where the poorest of the poor are assisted in getting the bare necessities of life. The first people in the program are graduating with a 90% graduation rate. It is the first block in a model of stepping stones to a basic quality of life based on a 5 year program that at the end guarantees that the participants will have access to food, school, will be able to read and write, have basic assets, some form of housing and confidence for the future. We are hoping to go visit some rural participants on Thursday.

From Fonkoze's office we went to SOPUDEP school. When we got there at 10:30 am Paul said, "oh good, the kids are on break, we can hang out with them". When we pulled into the compound all 502 kids were waiting for us with signs saying welcome and had our names on them. It was the most amazing experience. Those of you who have been there can imagine just where they were gathered and how beautiful they all looked in their uniforms. Those that haven't been there need to come and experience it! Natalie's pictures do a great job of showing the joy all around. We will write more - the kids all had big plates of diry ak pwa, rice and beans. IT WAS AWESOME!!

Mr. Patrick, Mr. Joseph and Little Joseph are here. They are the world's greatest vendors. They want to know where Budha is. I (Paul) told them I will not come back to Haiti without the Budha Man. Somebody get the word to Marvelous Marv Tonn that he is due to get back to Haiti. WHERE'S BUDHA.

Tomorrow we are going to St. Clare's Church to observe the feeding program sponsored by the What If? Foundation.

We had a great trip to Jacmel today. We stopped at Trinity House which is the guest house and boys home that St. Joseph's has started in Jacmel. There are 18 boys living there, a Montessori school room and a free school for 51 of the neighborhood children who can't afford school. It is very impressive. We walked about 6 blocks to the ocean front. Later we met Melinda Miles and her children Simbi and Kaya for lunch. Melinda heads up a non-profit organization called Konbit Pou Ayiti. There mission statement is:

"Konbit Pou Ayiti/KONPAY (Working Together for Haiti) strengthens existing organizations, builds national networks, creates relationships between individuals and organizations in the U.S. and Haiti, and and supports collaboration and the sharing of technology and expertise. KONPAY focuses on Haitian solutions to environmental, social and economic problems and provides training and funding to grassroots and community-based projects. KONPAY is supporting Haitian-led efforts to reforest Haiti and protect the environment."

After the hurricanes there has been great devastation to the environment with tremendous impact on the people. The work on the environment with a national focus that Konpay is working on is critical to improving the living conditions of the Haitian people.

We arrived in Haiti at 10:13 am and, oh darn, it's 70 some degrees.  We had a great day.  We visited Wings of Hope, a home for Haitian children with disabilities. The boys that lived at St. Joe's were determined to take all the kids that were being abandoned when the original home was going to be shut down.  There are 39 disabled children being cared for.  This is really an unbelievable place and service for children who previously in Haiti would have been discarded.  They are loved and make great progress.  Natalie loved the kids.  Don's church sponsors Hope, a 12 year old girl.  This evening Madam Rea, the director of SOPUDEP school stopped by to greet us. We gave her the two trunks of school supplies.  She was thrilled.  Don had brought down a laptop that was donate to a gardening / composting program.  Tomorrow we will travel to Jacmel.  Jacmel is coming to life with the arrival of Carnival. We are tired, ready for a good night's rest and a full day tomorrow. Haiti is such an unbelievable place with miracles that come our of the extreme hardships that exist. It is humbling, challenging and beautiful.

Bon Voyage

Our team is ready to launch on the last leg of our trip down to Haiti.  We are in Ft. Lauderdale with an 8:35 flight to Port au Prince.  I hear its minus 13 in Minnesota, ha. It should quite a bit warmer in PAP.  Our flights to Chicago and Ft. Lauderdale went well. God Bless and thanks for the support!

World traveler Natalie leaves DC in an hour and a half with a stop in New York and then back to Minneapolis.  She attended the Obama staff inaugural ball last night in DC.  We anxiously await her report.  Last we heard via a text message was that Joe Biden was speaking at the ball.  It will be very interesting to hear what the Haitian people think of Obama's election.  It will be fresh on everyone's minds, that's for sure.

We leave Minneapolis on Friday afternoon, January 23.  We fly to Chicago and then to Ft. Lauderdale.  We will overnight in Ft. Lauderdale and leave the next morning at 8:30 am for Port au Prince, Haiti!!  Our intent is to stop at St. Joseph's Boys Home, where we are staying and then head up the mountain to Wings of Hope near the Baptist Mission in Fermathe where the air smells sweet and the vendors are plentiful.  Don's church, Pilgrim's Church of Christ, sponsors a child at Wing's, a home for disabled children.  We will be spending several hours with the children at Wing's then returning to St. Joe's for dinner and our first night's stay in Haiti. 

Our group has raised money for the groups that we will be visiting. A $3,000 Justice Fund Grant was provided by St. Joan of Arc Church. Donations of $1,000 were given to SOPUDEP school, to the feeding program at St. Clare's Catholic Church and the Institute for Justice and Democracy in Haiti. We will be visiting with these groups during our time in Haiti. In addition, Natalie through her Service Learning Class has raised $500 to purchase school supplies to bring to SOPUDEP. We look forward to visiting the school and seeing the beautiful children in their classes.  Additional money has been donated to these groups and others in Haiti.  Thanks to all the people who have financially supported our efforts.  In total we have directed over $6,000 to these groups.

Trip set

On Friday, January 23 a delegation of four will travel to Port au Prince Haiti.  The group of 4 Minnesotans will consist of Don Kelly, Marcy Shapiro, Natalie Miller and Paul Miller.  The group will arrive in Port au Prince on Saturday morning and return on Friday, January 30.