Project Rennwish

Calendars... Thank you!!!

2011-12-19T15:00:00.000-05:00

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"?

2011-11-05T19:19:00.000-04:00

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

2010-11-06T19:28:00.000-04:00

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

2010-11-05T17:35:00.002-04:00

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

2010-11-05T16:44:00.000-04:00

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

2010-11-05T15:53:00.000-04:00

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

2010-11-04T23:12:00.000-04:00

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

2010-11-04T17:57:00.000-04:00

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

2010-11-04T17:49:00.000-04:00

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...

2010-07-06T16:20:00.002-04:00

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?"

2010-07-05T11:44:00.002-04:00

"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...

2010-07-04T14:48:00.004-04:00

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.....

2010-06-06T15:06:00.005-04:00

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...

2010-05-01T15:10:00.000-04:00

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...

2010-04-16T11:01:00.000-04:00

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!

Finishing Coat...

2010-03-28T10:18:00.000-04:00

Applying the ceiling coat...

It's messy work putting the finish coat on a ceiling! What happens is that a finer grade of cement is mixed, and this is "thrown" from the trowel to stick to the ceiling - where, if you are lucky (or "practiced" as in "Thom"s case above ;) ), you don't get too much in your hair. As it dries out - two workers will scape it section by section with a longer board, which leaves a wonderfully smooth finish coat. Above, the front hall ceiling of the orphanage gets a smooth ceiling.. As you read this - the outside of the orphanage building is getting its finish coat as well - so pictures of that to follow...

Mixing and carrying the cement to the workers inside...

The garden takes root.....

2010-03-24T15:50:00.006-04:00

Junior is justifibly proud of the garden. He points out where the squash is planted.

I was actually taking a photo of the seedlings in the planter boxes, but - when the camera is turned on, so are some of the "helpers", who arrived "just in time" to be certain they were a part of the picture... ;)

As for the Garden donated by Dani and the Thurston Middle School at the orphanage - WOW! Things are actually GROWING!!! I would have thought with all the rain, the garden would be delayed - not at all!! Junior and the young boys have planted about 15 rows of tomatoes, squash and other vegetables - and the seedling boxes are full! The small fence is even installed to keep the goats and kids (baby goats - not the orphans ;) ) out of the new plantings. Great job Junior and the older children!!!

Some of the new seedlings take root. I think these are the tomatoes..???

Road Hazard

2010-03-22T15:14:00.006-04:00

When traveling along many of the roads in Haiti - you'll notice quite a few hats lying in the middle of many of the highways and byways. At first, you wonder "why would folks throw away perfectly good hats"? But soon enough you realize they aren't "cast off" - rather they are "ripped off" the owners head while traveling down the road in excess of 50 MPH in the back of an open pick-up truck. Don Bailey learned such a lesson last week - as, in the photo above - he was jogging up a hill and back to the truck after retrieving his favorite baseball cap which was ripped from his head.

Unfortunately - about three minutes later - the same hat was again "ripped off", but Don - still winded from his first retrieval - thought it better to leave it in the road for a local citizen who might be better able to keep it on their head - or perhaps they didn't ride in the back of a pickup truck. He kept asking me that evening "I wonder who has my hat?"

Thank you Don, Leslie, Brooke & Herbalife

2010-03-20T13:38:00.003-04:00

I wanted to extend our sincerest thanks to Don & Brooke Bailey - along with Don's wife, Leslie Stanford and the folks at HERBALIFE (http://www.herbalife.com) for helping with the village of Bamachan. Brooke along with her dad, Don (who we were pleased to escort a few days ago) - brought along hundreds of packages of HERBALIFE drink mix (just add water) which is high in nutrition and vitamins for the many children at Bamachan. It is core donations like these that make a real difference to these children in dire need and poverty in Haiti... So to Don, Leslie, Brooke and most certainly the folks at HERBALIFE - thank you on behalf of the village!

"On the Road Again..."

2010-03-11T14:40:00.005-05:00

As some know - it appears that I'll be in Haiti again in the next few days - I feel like "Willy Nelson" singing "On the road again..".. This trip, I hope to meet with and escort some folks from the USA to tour Haiti and a few of our projects for a few days - Pastor Andre's orphanage, Pastor Vilnor's school, meet some of our foster children, and maybe again visit Bamachan. As well, on our agenda is try to square some small issues away with food distribution and check on the supplies for our partner villages/schools/orphanages.

Finally - Adrien and I will spend quite a bit of time making some difficult decisions regarding what new projects we might consider undertaking this year including potentially another orphanage, another school and other projects for the village of Bamachan.

As well - I'd like to thank Porsche Club of America's North Country Region and Metro New York Region for their recent substantial and generous donations! THANK YOU!!! When I return from this trip, I'll post which current or new projects we will undertake with your support!

Just What We Do...

2010-03-07T16:54:00.007-05:00

I have to tell you that I believe we are blessed. I dunno why I say that - really? I mean, we don't have a lot of money - and I'm no priest, preacher, missionary - heck - I'm not a rabbi either. But - if we could do all I hope and dream for - it would turn your world upside-down. Some folks in Haiti brag about all they "will" do. Some folks in Haiti brag about all "they have done". Some folks in Haiti have no idea - even though they are "in country" for a few moments. They have wonderful tee shirts made up. They have great photos posted of them spending a few days in Haiti. But - those folks have it wrong. Rather - I think we have the right idea.. We have been there for years - just for the kids.

Each day and night - we try to feed the kids. Not only "our" kids - but those kids others "kick aside". Yes, we feed them and - after we feed them - we take them to "home" - mostly in areas not many people would ever dare go to. But we go there, just to be sure the kids are "home safe"- if you want to call where they live a "home". Where they "live" is in the cess-pool of the poorest regions of Cayes.

We, at Rennwish - just want to get it done.... No tee shirts. No newspaper articles. No "look at me" posts. We just have done - and will continue to do - what we do.

That's why we feed the kids. The picture below is just feeding the kids and the people. It's sort of what we do.

The "A-B-Cs" of Rennwish Partnerships

2010-03-05T16:39:00.010-05:00

A second grader at our school with Pastor Vilnor practices her "A-B-Cs"...

We frequently get asked how we choose what projects and programs Rennwish undertakes – and frankly, it’s pretty simple. In short, we look for partners in Haiti who have our values and hold the same ethics we do – in other words – “do as we say and say as we do”. It’s a fairly straightforward. In fact, on the Rennwish website it states: “…We demand ethical behavior from our associates, directors, stakeholders and partners - and no less so, from ourselves.…”

What that means is simply, if we commit to build a school or an orphanage then a school or an orphanage will be built, and we expect upon the completion - it will be used as such. In short - we expect our partners to not only adopt our philosophy, but rather, embody and support it.

In Haiti, we have seen failures where what was “paid for” turns into something else altogether. To use an analogy I used during a public presentation recently, it’s kind of like this….

A priest or pastor stands up one Sunday and tells the folks “We need to build a new church rather than meeting here under the shade tree each Sunday.”. The congregation agrees and gives abundantly – and expects that they have paid for the building of their new church… The following week – the priest stands up and AGAIN - says “…“We need to build a new church rather than meeting here under the shade tree each Sunday.”. But – this week, there is a choir dressed in new robes…

Therefore – when I look at our partnerships and partners in Pastor Andre, Pastor Vilnor the mothers of the foster children we support – I know we (and you, if you have supported Rennwish) – have accomplished more through the years than any single person could alone – in a lifetime.

And we did exactly what we said we would do – and so have Pastors' Vilnor and Andre and the mothers in our foster children. The pictures below are from ours and Pastor Vilnor’s school just being – well, the “school that we built” in partnership. As for me?

I'm proud of all we have done. And you should be as well....

Some of the fifth graders get new crayons from CA at our school...

The tenth graders smile as I surprised them by walking into their class without warning...

Bamachan....

2010-03-04T17:07:00.008-05:00

Life is sometimes wonderful. I received word today that someone is stepping forward to rebuild the pump and pay for the well to be re-dug... This is amazing, as it gives Rennwish the ability to discuss with Adrien and Etta (Etta is the person that lives in Bamachan and assisted us with food distribution there) and what we need to do next for that village of about 1,700 children, women and men.... My original post about Bamachan is here... You folks are amazing.... Simply, thank you.....

Junior's Garden

2010-03-02T15:03:00.005-05:00

You remember the BLOG post a while back about the garden Junior is in charge of at the orphanage? It was here: How Does your garden grow... Well, it seems that Junior is still undaunted by all the rain - notice the thumbs-up he's giving..?? Maybe he's now considering planting rice? :)

Rain, Rain - Go Away....

2010-03-01T12:20:00.009-05:00

There has been devastating rain in Les Cayes and the surrounding areas - and here is the havoc it has created. Adrien took these of downtown Cayes,and we are aware of several deaths due to this catastrophe. The pictures say it all.

We have also set up a public refuge for many in need at our school with Pastor Vilnor. (Click here to visit our school)

Kelly’s World

2010-02-28T13:22:00.006-05:00

Sometimes Kelly just has to speak out....

I have to admit, I’ve never met Kelly. You see, Kelly isn’t my child, but rather a youngster who hails from Texas. But, for not knowing her personally, I think I can come up with an accurate description based on the following….

Based on the fact that her Mom and Dad were talking about Rennwish and some of the children in our foster programs and Pastor Andre’s orphanage. Kelly looked at the pictures, heard their stories – and decided to take things into her own hands – to see if she could make a difference.. And she did… So – I’m guessing Kelly has the personality of just “getting it done”… You see…. Kelly decided the best thing to do would be to write these children and say “Hi” from the USA – and adopt them as “pen pals”. Child to child.

So she did just that…. She spent countless hours, effort and time handwriting individual letters to four of the children - and their Mom. Each was painstakingly completed by Kelly, so as well – we are guessing that Kelly is somewhat of a perfectionist, and, in fact -each letter was wonderfully authored, put in a hand-painted decorated envelope and sent on their way to me, as the “postman to Haiti”. It was my honor and privilege to deliver those letters last week to those children.

And a surprising thing happened.. The children in that foster program wrote Kelly back – and again – I was honored to act as that “International Postman”, and upon arriving back in the USA – sent those letters back on to Kelly from the children in Haiti. Since then, I’ve heard that Kelly is hard at work writing replies to her new “brother and sisters” in Haiti. So, if I could guess at another of Kelly’s personality traits – it would be that she is determined to “make a difference” to some children, whom she has never met – to simply enrich their lives as best as a youngster can.

Kelly – simply – thank you.. Thank you from all the children who know you – and from those children’s Mom. You are a very special young woman. I wish there were thousands more like you, as the children in Haiti would know they have friends throughout the world who care and are thinking about them…

And to Kelly’s parents? You two are very special for raising Kelly to acknowledge there are other children around the world who need peers like Kelly.

I tip my hat to you…

Kelly and her Dad, Steve - just "getting it done..."

Special Delivery to Haiti - "Kelly's Kids..."

Dani's Movie...

2010-02-26T16:23:00.003-05:00

As a few know, Adrien & I had the privilege and honor of escorting a group from Southern CA last week through Haiti - touring Port-au-Prince, our projects and programs. One of the young women - "Dani", a middle schooler in Southern CA sent me a video last night of her view of Haiti and all that we do at Project Rennwish... Her video is her perspective of Haiti, the tragedy of Port-au-Prince - contrasted against the wonderment of the children, the orphans, foster families, schools, etc.- within our programs.. Many of the scenes are from those same projects - and the food we distributed at Bamachin is also captured...

Here is her video (Quicktime):

http://rennwish.org/dani.htm

Or Windows Media Player:

http://rennwish.org/dani2.htm

I wish there were thousands of children like Dani in the world...

A Simple Gift...

2010-02-25T14:56:00.009-05:00

As many know - we have a lot of children and quite a few mothers in our foster programs. I'll try write more about them later. But, last week, when we were feeding the orphanage, village of Bamachan, and two other smaller villages - we also took some food to the mothers and children in our foster programs, so they could eat for a week or so without having to worry about their next meal for a short time.

Anyway, a few days after delivering the food to some of the foster families, Adrien told me one of the mothers had a "present" for me, so we returned to that shack and she presented me with the note above. It's a letter that is addressed to me, but it is to all of you who have supported our projects and efforts...

And I'm humbled to accept it on your behalf.

In giving the letter above to me, she was embarrassed that it was written in Creole (Kreyol) - and she had hoped to have it translated into English by a local teacher before I arrived. I told her that her thought and kindness was more important than any translation, and I would share with all of you her letter of simple "Thanks". So, from her, her children and the children she cares for....

Thank you. Her gift is to you, not me. I simply accepted on your behalf with all our gratitude for such a "Simple Gift" - that is, indeed - priceless. One of the children of that Mom is below...

Meet Rosselyn

2010-02-24T19:51:00.004-05:00

The woman above is named Rosselyn and came from Port-au-Prince to Les Cayes after losing her mother, brothers and sisters on January 12th. Her home, along with her life - imploded. After meeting her the first time in Les Cayes during my earlier trip in January - her demeanor and tragic story hung in the back of my mind.

Last week, while I was in Cayes again - she took the "California Clan" (see below) through Port-au-Price, which was a difficult personal endeavor on her part. However....

I am pleased to tell you that Project Rennwish enrolled Rosselyn last week in American University in Les Cayes and we paid for her first semester of classes - English and Accounting. We will keep you updated on her progress.

In my world, it is the small things that we are able to do that make the difference.

No fanfare. No ads. No cameras. Rather -

It's about the kids. It always has been.

And - it always will be.

Fixing What Is Broken - Bamachan

2010-02-24T09:40:00.001-05:00

The broken pump and well as it has stood since 2003

A few days ago, we wrote about the village of Bamachan and many of their problems, and at that time- commited to that village that we would try to assist them given our limited assets. For that, I am pleased to announce that Adrien & I spoke with - and contracted - a well/water specialist to repair and redig that well for Bamachan! It is the same contractor who dug the well and installed the pump at Pastor Andre's orphanage we are completing (see the picture below, which was taken when we were digging that well). This is simply amazing..! The other pictures in this post are pictures of the broken well/pump I took last week...

Another view of the pump/well at Bamachan

The contractor we engaged to repair the well & pump at Bamachan

I took this picture in 2006 as he was digging the well at the orphanage.

"How Does Your Garden Grow?"

2010-02-23T15:39:00.007-05:00

"And where does your garden grow?"

Last week, Danielle, visiting from the Thurston Middle School in CA, along with her Mom and friends, decided that the money her classmates donated ($561) should be used for the construction of a garden at the orphanage. Thank you Dani and all at the Thurston Middle School!

Now, rather than having someone come in and do the initial preparation, planting and construction - we felt it was better to have the children learn how to garden - from the "grassroot" level, as it were ;) So, after appointing "Junior" the "boss" (who has some agriculture training), we set out and purchased: two hoes, rakes, shovels, watering cans, a saw, planting boxes, fertilizer, nails, wire for a fence (to keep the resident goats out) - and some miscellaneous items. Total spent to date is $487 but we still haven't bought seed and some small items yet. We are hopeful that this project actually comes in under budget! Being planted first are: Red peppers, green peppers, tomatoes, cassava, - and maybe potatoes. Other vegetables will be added as well after these go in....

Building a rack to keep the seedling boxes off the ground

Junior inspects some of the new "equipment"

Planting boxes ready for seed. The potting soil has

been mixed with soil, fertilizer and a dash of compost

The Clan from California

2010-02-22T13:33:00.005-05:00

Adrien and I were extremely fortunate last week to have the opportunity to escort the "California Clan" around Haiti and have them work hands-on in many of our projects (orphanage, they met some of our foster children, toured the schools, etc..) and we kept them busy working food distribution in the village of Bamachan and other smaller Rennwish projects. The picture above is one shipment that arrived from friend and the father of many of the children pictured above - Patrick McCall, a private pilot who has made numerous flights on our behalf (see my post on Rennwish earlier today about Patrick). In the contingent are: Karyn Shelly, Dani Tomczak, Brittany (not pictured) & Breanne McCall, and Alannah & Grant Connealy. "Junior", pictured above - is one of the young men who works at the orphanage and is in charge of the garden project...

As well, it was Dani's school (Dani is third from the left above) who raised $561 for the garden project and she attends the Thurston Middle School in Laguna Beach, CA. To all the students there - THANK YOU! When you come to Haiti and see the orphanage and tour your garden, you should have some fresh vegetables to eat!

In short, it is folks like these, who just wanted to "help hands on" that make a tremendous difference... Karyn, Dani, Brittany, Breanne, Alannah and Grant - and especially Patrick McCall - thank you from all the children and people who met you. I know they - and Adrien and I - all miss you...

Bamachan

2010-02-21T17:18:00.011-05:00

The photos in the gallery (or view individual pictures) are from a village in southern Haiti named "Bamachan". You won't find it on any map, or in Google. Rather, this small village is about 10 miles, by road, north of Les Cayes, Haiti. It is tucked into the mountains with much of the road being passable only on foot, 4-wheel drive vehicle or by mule.

Today, Bamachan has about 1,700 residents who exist in abject poverty. There is no school; there is no clinic; no electricity; no water; no outside or indoor bathrooms; no doctors; no work; no money, and no food. The unemployment rate of this village is over 98%, and for those few residents who do work doing odd jobs, their income is less per day than most people make in a few minutes of work in other countries. The children in these photos do not go to school and do menial tasks throughout the day and during our visit, Adrien and I were repeatedly asked to take many of these children to our orphanage - Pastor Andre's "Place of Hope" - for a better life outside their village.

In 2003, the spring-fed well that served this village ran dry, and upon refilling in 2006 - the water has remained putrid and it is not used for any purpose. Rather, the children and women of Bamachan walk about a mile each way to fill their buckets from another well for washing, cooking and drinking. The small market where they purchase or barter for the little food they have is more than an eight-mile walk in each direction, which is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

On Sunday, February 14th 2010 - Project Rennwish acquired and delivered over 1,800 pounds of food, medicine and basic staples to this village, and as it hardly made a dent on the incredible need, returned once again on Thursday, February 18th 2010 to deliver another 1,200 pounds of food and medicine.

All the photographs were taken at that time and as a side note, on the last delivery, we also acquired 50 rolls of toilet paper. The sad truth is that all the children thought the rolls of toilet paper were "toys" to unwrap until they got to the center cardboard core (which they thought was the "present"), as they had never seen a roll of toilet paper. We had to do a little explaining what toilet paper is used for - for in Bamachan, the children have never seen or used a simple roll of toilet paper.

As of today - Project Rennwish will continue to support Bamachan, and in fact, our first project is already underway. We have pledged to re-dig their well and replace their pump. Further, they are included in our meager food distribution program as we attempt, now with the addition of this village - to maintain a basic level of subsistence for thousands of orphans, women, men along with Rennwishs' foster kids in our programs - for whatever food and medical supplies we are able to obtain.