Calendars... Thank you!!!

I just wanted to say THANK YOU - again - to all

As well - I've received a few PM and more e-mails about if the calendars can still be ordered..

You bet..!!!!! Just pop to here: http://rennwish.org (Yes - it is a 501c3)

As well, I know the Holiday Seasons are upon us - and money is tight right now for many, but, simply know how appreciated your support is to so many kids....

While I know that the budget for building the school in Bomachant is but a distant dream - it's still a dream, and as yet - a long term goal, I guess. The funds from this years support drive will go for what we've always done - the orphanage, our school in Charpentier, tuition for University degrees in Les Cayes, the foster Mothers, the street boys, clothes, food, medical supplies, etc...

I guess that's a lot even with the school in Bomachant??

As for the funds so far - we are tracking quickly to over $5,000 in donations!!...

The calendars???

The picture at the top of this post are just one set of the mailings that recently was sent out...

Thank you!!!

Do Miracles "Just Happen"?

Miracles Just Happen – and So Do People and a University in Idaho

This is a story about three miracles. The Miracle of Giving. The Miracle of Young People.  The Miracle of the Unexpected.

To make a long story short, yesterday (Nov. 4, 2011), Fedex stopped by and dropped off five cartons. Each weighed about 25 pounds – and each was packed with love, care and giving from Brigham Young University - Idaho (BYU).

The contents were “unremarkable” in many ways, as we in the USA are used to technology, computers – and as I write this on a computer and as I post to the Internet. Rather, we are used to the “community” that the Internet offers each person, every day.

But, not so much in Haiti.

A computer in Haiti is “gold”. An Internet connection precious. Their “simple way of life” doesn’t allow the pretentious luxuries all of us have come to expect. So, enter my cousin Wendy Dunkle and Brigham Young University – and a young woman’s drive coupled with the power of a University that “cares”.

So, today, earmarked for several schools in Haiti that we have built and supported with Project Rennwish – hundreds of Haitian school children will have access to computers, the Internet – and an opportunity to socialize internationally because a few Miracles just happened in three forms.

The first Miracle is my cousin, Wendy Dunkle, who is an undergraduate student at BYU. She visited Haiti last year with me and her sister, and made the commitment to see what she might be able to do – in her own way – to involve Brigham Young University with assisting with a “couple of computers” for the schools. Rather, she didn’t help in a small way, but rather  – she was a catalyst for making her own Miracle happen to so many kids in Haiti.

The second Miracle is Brigham Young University in Idaho. You see, many educational institutions show false commitments, or pretend that they care about the needs of others worldwide. Usually, and typically in my experience, certainly  with my own alma-maters – it’s a façade to simply raise more money for the school itself, and has nothing at all to do with a greater good.

That, however, certainly couldn’t be further from the truth with Brigham Young University. BYU is different.  In short, they “care”. When the computers arrived, each was packed and packaged ready to be installed in some third world country – just for some kids who would never have been able to touch a computer unless BYU had stepped up – had faith and belief in all we do. And, the folks at BYU did just that.

So today, I’m prepping fifteen laptop computers to go down with me to Haiti. Several will be installed in our school with Pastor Vilnor in Les Charpentier, Haiti. The next few will be installed in a school we are hoping to build in Bomachant Haiti – and the challenges are great there, as that school has yet to be constructed and the village without any electricity. But…

I believe in Miracles, so I think somehow, someway – we will be able to build that school in Bomachant. You see – I just witnessed two miracles in Wendy Dunkle and Brigham Young University, and things happen in “threes”, or that’s what I believe.

So, where is that third Miracle?

The third miracle is just the miracle of things that happen when you least expect them. The “Unexpected Miracle”.

Those Miracles “just happen”.

John

To my Cousin, Wendy – You are an inspiration to all who know you. And to those who do not? You are the role model for good.

To the BYU Donation Committee and the Surplus Center – I am eternally indebted and in awe of your caring, your commitment and your incredible gift of giving. That other educational institutions may take a page from your book, is my hope and prayer. Thank you, more than you may know - but, I suspect you do know…

 Photo Credit -   BYU-Idaho:  http://beta.byui.edu/image-gallery-index/campus-scenery

Thank you for Caring Enough to Make Miracles....

Aftermath of Tomas in Cayes

Today in southern Haiti (Les Cayes) the day broke crystal clear and nearly cloudless. What a huge change a day makes! A few of the rivers are still swollen, but are receding quickly. The picture above shows one of the major rivers throwing silt from the mountains and river banks into the ocean.


And the sunset over Cayes was equally as impressive.

Tomas Video of Cayes, Haiti

The link below should take you to a short QuickTime video of Les Cayes Haiti taken early morning on November 5, 2010 as the hurricane Tomas was winding down over the southern tip of Haiti.

http://gallery.me.com/iphone/johndunkle/100013

Early Morning of Storm Tomas

Along the coast this morning in Haiti. Tomas was still winding down, but the wind and rain was tolerable. Obviously, the water had breached some of the sand dunes, but didn't break any sea wall in the area.




Some of the coastal roads and passes had minor flooding.




A few of the roads had more severe flooding but were and are still passible. This is the road to the school were a small river always crests its banks during major rainstorms.



Passing through town from the foster family homes, of course, we ran into a couple of the street kids. A few minutes later, we had five in toe. So, we fed them a substantial meal and gave them bottled water. All the couple of dozen street boys are just fine from the evening storm. They told me a couple had weathered the storm in abandoned cars and others under the overhangs of buildings in Cayes like UniBank.

Update on Tropical Storm Tomas and Rennwish

First, the orphanage, school, street boys, foster homes all came through just fine! While there is minor flooding in Cayes and fresh potable water problematic, given that bottled water is expensive - it should be far worse. As well. The height of the storm was last evening between 2AM & 5AM. After, both the wind and rain tapered and as I write this, have dwindled. I'll post pictures in a bit, as communication is fine in the region, just been a tad busy ;)

As important- my sincerest thanks to many of you for your wonderful prayers, e-mails, posts and thoughts. All were shared with the children and each other.

- John

Tropical Storm in Haiti

It's been an interesting evening. Hard rains and strong winds in Cayes most of the afternoon. Then, about 7:30 PM, things became almost ghostly silent - the streets being empty and the rain and winds stopped. As I post this, the rain has started up again and someone plugged in the "wind machine"? Guess we are starting "round 2"? Long day today. The orphanage, all the kids and school are fairing well. -John

Les Cayes Haiti - Street Boys

Getting supplies for the orphanage, five of our street boys spied our truck and hopped in the back - much to Andrea's surprise ;)



We gave them ponchos for the rain and warm food for their empty bellies. We'll check up on them later in the day and pull them into the school if needed.

Gathering Storm

Taken looking out towards the ocean. Some strong downpours but nothing much. Off to get gas, candles and small items for the orphanage and school.

Feeding the street boys and Foster Mothers/Children...

Sometimes, just sometimes -we step "outside the box" and try to do things a bit differently.  Recently, I wanted to thank the Mothers who assist us in our foster family programs - and well - take care of our "street boys".  So - well, we got them together and fed them all (again), letting everyone meet, share stories and generally give each other some much needed support.  As the afternoon wore on, we actually ended up feeding dozens of folks - because it was the "right thing to do"...

The picture below is one of the street boys who just wanted to say this to all of you......

"What is this strange looking thing?"

"Hey, TJ? What is this thing?  It's too big to be a mirror - but I can see myself?"

Well, it's official - we finally got another small thing done - Pastor Andre's orphanage has a stove! It's taken way too long, but finally - after years of cooking over an open fire, Wilna can actually cook using a modern appliance: her own gas stove and oven! I can almost smell the fresh bread baked in the oven now....  Bon Appétit!

Kelly's Kids...

Some of the postcards to be sent to Kelly....

First of all - a wonderful, happy and safe 4th of July to all..!!!

As well - as some of you may remember, we kicked off "Kelly's Kids"  for Project Rennwish recently, and I noted that all donations received for Rennwish would be donated in Kelly's name to her foster children she wanted to "adopt" and support in Haiti..

As well, many of you may remember that Kelly recently lost her own Dad - which is a huge loss to many of us...

You can read about some of the background in these links:

About Kelly, "Kelly's Kids" and a little about what her Dad - Steve and his wife are all about...

And what some of the children/foster children wrote back to Kelly about her loss...

As June has ended, I am thrilled that $559.95 has been raised for Kelly's Kids..!!

Over the next weeks/months - Kelly will be receiving "thank you notes" - each has a unique picture and a nominal amount listed in the "Thank You message"..  Frankly - I printed the first batch, and did NOT like the print quality at all - so I have redesigned them and it takes four passes through the printer to make just one - but - I think you will agree - they are well worth the effort...

Each week, Kelly will receive some cards - and in total - will have about 50 to 60 in the month of July....

I want to thank each and every one of you who have participated in this program...  You are amazing...

Here is the first stack to be prepared..  They will be going out in various shades of envelopes - and as I mentioned - each card has a unique photograph and a unique amount..  The text reads:  "Dear Kelly, A special friend has donated( (amount) In your name to your friends, brothers and sisters in Haiti. Kelly, from all in Haiti…"Mesi anpil!" ("Thank you so much!")

From "Kelly's Kids" to Kelly.....

Late in February, we wrote about Kelly and "Kelly's Kids" and since then, it saddens me to write that Kelly recently lost her own Dad - a very special man, husband and father.  Steve (Kelly's Dad) took a huge degree of pride in the fact that his daughter went out of her way to assist other children less fortunate than herself, in a place called "Haiti"..  He and his wife have every right to be proud, as young Kelly is an exceptional little girl.

For that, "Kelly's Kids" (those who she has "adopted" in Haiti), today wrote to Kelly though Adrien and myself.  I will try my best to translate their note, sent earlier today - an open note, but written to Kelly.

 

Two of "Kelly's Kids" -

"Dear Kelly,

We thank you because of the opportunity you offered us to have a relationship with you and we know your father who was very good just passed away. We are very sad for that and we want to ask you to read our words from us because we are all with you in this time of loss and sorrow.

Ahisha (Shasha) and my brother and sisters."

Shasha goes on to write her own note to Kelly with the help of Pastor Vilnor and Adrien: 

"Hi Kelly

How are you feeling?

By our side in Haiti we are very surprise and very sad when we heard the news about the death of your very dear father.

We are by your side and we are all share the pain with you send our condolence to you and your whole family. We can only believe in God’s promise about our next life by his side in the heaven. And we know now  your father is only no longer with us in body, but the memories of his good heart and love for others will be with many as we each move toward the point of light in the distance that is our door to the next life.

We will miss him very much, but carry on with loving memories as we await our appointed time to join him at the feet of our Lord Jesus.

We thank you for everything you do for us and we want to let you know that we love you very very much.

God gives and he takes as a believer in him we can only say in anycase may his name be blessed.

Deep regret,

Your Sisters and brother in Les Charpentier Haiti, 

Ahisha, Blandy, Kervens and Sara."

Kelly at 8 years old - simply a wonderful young person

 Ahisha (Shasha) at about eight years old - Kelly's age today...

How to finish a school in Haiti...

It is done!

What does it take to build a school in Haiti?  I can tell you..  It takes a Pastor committed to the project. It takes a village to "build their school".  It takes some time, management - and oh - some belief in others.  For that, I am thrilled to announce the completion of Pastor Vilnors school.  In the final stage, the roof is complete, the stairway and banister, wall for the second floor is complete, we have electricity on the second floor, the Computer Lab is complete (well, except for the computers, but, well - the lab is finished ;) ), the flooring is in..  And - ready for this?  WE HAVE WATER IN THE TOILETS AND THE BATHROOM!! That alone is an amazing accomplishment...

As well, next year, we are looking at sponsoring another 100 children to this school.  Kids who wouldn't be able to attend school otherwise.  Street kids, many without any family.

Here are some pictures of this project...

 

Laying the foundation..  The village elder carrying that 40 pound block called this "her school".  Indeed, it is..

 

Getting closer to completion - before this final phase...

 

 Pastor Vilnor on the right with a group of children from California in the Administrative office.

 

The second floor - water tank on the roof and the computer lab as it gets wired for electricity.

The Garden...

As a quick update  - the Garden at the orphanage (donated by Thurston Middle School) that was planted in late February (How does your Garden Grow..) is coming along nicely!  Junior and the older boys at pastor Andre's orphanage continue to do an outstanding job...  Recently, we received another $200 from Thurston Middle school and Junior is acquiring:
- A pressure sprayer for insecticide and fertilizer;
- More seed (lettuce and others);
- Additional fencing (seems the larger goats are stepping over the current fence to "lunch on the sprouts"?
- Nails
- Etc...

All the children would like to say a huge "THANK YOU" to Dani, Karyn, Dr. Culverhouse and all the students and staff at Thurston Middle School in California!