We held this tiny paycheck ( that was really so huge ), and with tears running down our faces we gave thanks.

This piece of paper represented something so big and beautiful and brave…it represented a week of work, honest work, honorable work. Work done with dignity and knowledge of bringing goodnesss to the world.

Today a young lady received her first real paycheck in 15 years. She is 30 years old. Today she sent in a money order for the first time for her court mandated child support. Today we witnesssed further transformation of a beautiful woman….taking steps in freedom .

This young lady has “worked” the sex traffic industry in our country for years, enslaved to crack cocaine and the people that quickly abuse that addiction. She never before filled out W-2, she never before had enough Peace and Courage to begin to send money to the state where her childern are being raised lovingly by relatives.

Today she is living with people in a safe and nurturing environment….Today she meets regularly with her mentor. Today she has a paying job in a safe place. Today she also fills her days doing volunteer work . Today she takes classes in relapse prevention and is part of a recovery community. She creates beautiful artwork with clay . She cares for others, is sympathetic, humble, grateful and kind.

Today is a good day and i am so so honored to get to watch.

By Jennifer Kovac, on March 22nd, 2010

Vidlan 

On the flight home from Haiti I borrowed a pen from Christine and jotted the following down on the back of our itinerary…just to get it all out of my head:

1.  Having much doesn’t mean what most of us think.

2. When all you have is your life – and you are so thankful for it that it makes you sing out – is there anything at all that I can actually share with you?  More likely, you have something to share with me.

3. It’s about getting the next small thing right. (Kathy Brooks)

4. An hour away is so close.  And so far.

5. 100 chickens in Emory’s house makes me smile.  OK, they were probably in the yard.  But it’s more fun to think of them in the house.

6. Dogs and chickens in Haiti are night owls.

7. When feeling unsure of your path, a 10 minute conversation with Kathy is a good start.

8. Casey can be counted on to provide you with what you didn’t know you needed.

9. It’s amazing how much people can give when they don’t even know they’re doing it.

10. Mr. Montfort has the kind of face you want to see when you’re having a bad day.

11. Children in Haiti sing when they’re happy.  Sing when they’re sad.  Both will make you cry.

12. In Haiti, the 6 year olds speak more languages than I do.  Children who know 3 languages are living under sheets tied up with sticks.

13.  I took a shower in the rain.  Twice.  Cool.

14. A sweet, persistent young girl who I met in Sept 2009 came asking for me by name.  has she been asking every blanc since September??  I’m certain I’m supposed to connect with her…just haven’t figured out how.

15.  Laura Lynn is all love.  All.  Love.  It’s beautiful to witness and a privelege to share space with.

16. People all over Haiti are doing the impossible every day.

17. While it may sound really cool, you may not want to have lunch with the Bolivian Army.

18. I made kites out of trash and watched Patrick and Vidlan laugh while the wind took them.

19. I flew first class (we got bumped up) with dirty feet in flip flops and ordered a Budwiser in a can.  It seemed like what I should be drinking with dirty feet in flip flops.

20. When tin rooves are installed without a pitch to them, your bed and all of your clothes will get wet when it rains. 

21. Teachers at Sherrie’s school must first learn the curriculum they are teaching themselves.  And they are still passing on so much knowledge that the children are smarter than me.

22. I do not want to be a kindergarten teacher when I grow up.

23. Children you’ve played with all week may not talk to you once they realize you are leaving today.

24. Vidlan just wants to be held.  Don’t we all, really?

25. JT and Mr Montfort might be the most awesome team I’ve ever seen.  I aspire to be half the man they each are.

26. Just because the one year old didn’t get hurt today roaming around alone doesn’t mean it’s not heart breaking.

27. Because JT and Mr Montfort have courage and strength of character, people ate today.

28. I got to rock Gierdeline to sleep.  Peace in my heart.

29. There’s a little boy in Jubilee who will never know what he started.

30. Yup, you’ve gotta go back to Haiti.  You’ll know why when you get there.