The Unknown: Traveling to Haiti

Joe Parmele

A guest post by Joe Parmele

“Let’s go to Haiti!” my wife suggested. A deer caught in headlights was what I hoped my face didn’t show because that is clearly how my brain reacted.

People have risked all they have to explore and discover the unknown. Abraham answered God’s call to leave his homeland for a place he did not know. On faith he journeyed to his new homeland and was recognized by God for his faith. Christopher Columbus risked falling off the end of the earth to discover what was beyond what the eye could see. From David Livingston to Sir Edmund Hillary to Neil Armstrong, exploring the unknown has been irresistible.

I may not be exploring the vast unknown regions of the universe but there is that uneasy sense of adventure when I plan a trip to a place I have never been. That uneasiness comes from encountering people who speak a different language; whose food may look and taste different than anything encountered before.

Sure, I’ve done all the usual things to alleviate those traveling nerves such as reading travel books and learning all I can about the country and people. But for me I think having a defined mission and goal helps ease my concerns just a little.

I anticipate excitement in the children’s faces as they get school supplies and backpacks. I can vision the look of amazement on parents faces as they understand what a Lifestraw will mean to the health of their families. It will be great to see a small solar system work to provide a small amount of power to help in powerless areas. All this helps relieve anxiety and replaces it with excited anticipation.

Most of all, I am hoping for a change in my life that will enable me to be more grateful for what I have. To be more responsible with my resources, and to be more aware of needs in my own community. God seems to be opening more doors for Children for a New Haiti. I don’t want to be a stumbling block. I want to have the faith of Abraham to pack up, start the journey and see where it takes me.

Joe is the Vice President for the not-for-profit “Children for a New Haiti”.  For more information visit http://www.childrenforanewhaiti.org

Reality in Haiti

Wissel Joseph in Haiti

Guest Post by Wissel Joseph, President of “Children for a New Haiti”

“Children and adults scavenge for recyclables and other usable items around a garbage truck at a dump on the outskirts of Port-au-Prince, Haiti.” That is a label of a picture below an article from NBC News titled “The poorest countries in the world.”

It was with sadness that I read the following statistics: “Poverty rate: 77% – Population: 10,123,787 – GDP: $7.35 billion (66th lowest) – GDP per capita: $726 (2nd lowest).  The World Bank notes that half of Haiti’s population lives on less than $1 a day. 80% lives on less than $2 a day. 40.6% are unemployed based on an estimate in 2010.”

Haiti is among the countries where health and healthy decisions are ignored. The average resident will not live to see 50. Less than half of the eligible children were enrolled in primary education (the equivalent of elementary and middle school).

We, at the “Children for a New Haiti” are trying to bring a  lifetime change especially in the remote area in Haiti. With a good staff, support from people like you and others, we are committed to making a difference where it matters.

This week, I was listening to an online radio station broadcasting from Haiti, two journalists comment how some children will stay inside their houses when school starts on October 1, for they do not want to see their friends next door going to school while they cannot. That broke my heart for I know that is the reality for I have seen it first hand. I have talked to parents of these little children and it is not easy to deal with their disappointment.

While I was growing up in Gonaives, I still remember how my mother would stay up late the night before the first day of school to sew my uniform. She could not get it ready earlier because she did not have the money to buy it. I have seen miracles happen where she would received a gift from people unexpectedly so that she could get us ready for the start of school.

Looking at it now, I feel blessed to be where I am, and I want to thank my mother, and those who helped her.  I am pleased to see my children growing up and especially for them to understand the concept of sharing and giving. I have seen them willingly give up their clothes and shoes for “the children in Haiti”.

Together we can make a difference, do not think too hard, get on board, call a friend or a family.  A little goes farther than you can imagine!

Response to “Serving with Purpose”

Wissel Joseph, President and Founder “Children for a New Haiti”

Guest Post by Wissel Joseph “Children for a New Haiti”

Pat, thank you for a thoughtful article on serving with a purpose.

I think no matter where we are in life, either working on a college degree, dreaming of having a family and or purchasing a new home, we all need to slow down and ponder a bit more about our purpose in life and how little taken from our life will make such a tremendous difference in those living in poverty.

I was born and raised in Haiti and I was blessed with a dedicated mother who has made a lot of sacrifices for me and my siblings to get an education. Now, having a family of my own, I make sure that my children get a good education. But sometimes, as all of us, we get caught up in what surround us and forget the true meaning of life for others less fortunate.

I feel blessed to be a part of “Children for a New Haiti”. This nonprofit organization has allowed me to think through my life and to realize how fortunate and blessed we are to live in a country where things seem easy while other good innocent people and especially children cannot even taste nor comprehend what we take for granted.

Our October trip will be another experience of love and dedication. It is because of all our loving sponsors that have trusted and believe in what we are doing for the children of Haiti that we take seriously our trip to see that our children are in school beginning October 1. We want to make sure that your donations are being well spent.

Thank you so much for your loving caring for the children in Haiti. Your decision to make a life changing difference does indeed bring hope and a better life for those little ones we serve.

Serving with Purpose

Education is like opening a present.. . so much potential resides within and with a little help it can turn into greatness.

They say hindsight is 20/20. And if I know anything now, it’s this: At age 25, I was clueless about life.

Coming straight out of college and into our first job was so exciting. Starting a family soon followed, even though we were but kids ourselves. Our young family all grew up together. Even though Joe and I felt we were living our own lives, we saw how similar our lives were to our parents before us– as was expected by the community we lived in.

Although I would not go back and change anything from those early days with my family, if I were offered the chance, I wonder what choices I would have made with the experience and knowledge I now have. I can think of only one thing; how I could have served others with purpose.

This particular lesson has taken me a lifetime to understand and truly embrace. Of course I gave to charitable causes when asked by the church or school, and there was always a worthy project to work on. But I never really put any energy toward developing a well thought out plan of giving and then working the plan.

As my involvement in the “Children for a New Haiti” project grows, I am amazed at the stories I am reading about our sponsorship families who have developed a vision of not only sponsoring a child to attend the elementary school, but expanded that vision to include helping that child become a doctor, nurse or other needful vocation They are committed to that child and her/his dream, knowing full well that she/he will someday help others achieve their dreams in the Haitian community.

Further, I’ve been impressed with those who earmark their giving dollars at the beginning of the year and then make a commitment to spending those dollars where it will make biggest impact in someone’s life.

Personally, I see “Children for a New Haiti” as giving with purpose. Helping a child through school is wonderful because we all know that knowledge is power. But those who build beyond that beginning, to a further education plan are true visionaries.

All of this leads me here, inspired and excited about the next steps we – as a community of people, friends, and family – are all about to take. With our hearts full with dedication to serving with a purpose I ask myself “what next?” My first step is to feed, clothe and educate – but what then? How can I encourage – no, how can we all encourage growth and education beyond just the immediate needs?

I’m taking a stand right now, here, and encouraging you all to take this next step with me – of supporting my Haitian child – and children everywhere – to be the best at what they can be. The possibilities of serving our next generation and passing along to them a new purpose is worth any price to me. Is it to you?

Please check our website: childrenforanewhaiti.com

Also we would be honored to have you “like” us on facebook so you may have first hand knowledge of the activities of our organization listed on your facebook page.    “……and we do all this in Jesus’ name, Amen!”

Let it Start With “Just One”

What is the first thing you think of as you look at this family from Haiti?  I first wondered if I could live like that.  Could I be grateful for what I have while living in those circumstances?  And then my mind is flooded with even more questions.

What would I be willing to part with to give them a hand up?  Maybe I wouldn’t have to part with anything at all except some donation money. But how much?  How far would the money I carelessly spend for Starbucks Coffee each week go to feed and clothe them?

But most important of all, what is my responsibility to help them?  If I follow Christ’s teaching “….to love thy neighbor as myself”, where do I begin?

Through the years I have been frustrated with the cardboard signs asking for handouts and stung by a homeless person tossing away a cheese sandwich because it didn’t have any ham in it.  What about the homeless person with an iPhone, even I don’t have one of those.   So where do I begin to really make a difference in someone’s life?

There are so many that need my help and so often I have used the excuse, I don’t know where to begin. And then it hits me, you begin by helping just one!  My gift will make a world of difference for that one person.

My first step was to sponsor a child for “Children for a New Haiti”.  What a blessing it has been to know there is a small little boy going to school because I cared.

The people pictured here are a part of the “Children for a New Haiti” family.  We know this family and many like them.  They feel fortunate if they can make $2 a day.  Can you imagine feeding your family on $2 a day wage?  Food is shipped in to the nation of Haiti with prices that rival US prices.  They desperately need your help.

So tell me this, if they stretched out their hand to you, what would you give?  Would you be willing to let them be your “just one”?