November 19, 2008 Evening
I’ve just finished praying after I got back from our final meal and evening here in Haiti. I was just thinking about a conversation a few nights ago, when Tom Johnson asked Brother Pete if he thought he was successful after 45 years of work here in Haiti. Br. Pete responded by saying, “No, I don’t think so.” I can understand why he would have said this. The needs here are great, the resources few. There is no doubt that at least in the Mission at Kobonal, a ray of hope certainly has been sparked, and there have been improvements in the lives of those that the mission touches. But at times, it may seem that what is done in this country may seem like a bucket full of water dropped into a vast ocean. It seems so overwhelming. I am overwhelmed. How to make sense of it all?
And then in prayer tonight I read from the Book of Revelation: “Worthy are you O Lord...with your Blood you purchased for God those of every tribe and tongue, people and nation. You made of them a kingdom of priests for God.”
In other words every human being has been purchased by Christ’s Blood. Everyone is loved and worthy of Redemption by Jesus Christ. And maybe that’s what this is all ultimately about: making sure that each person here knows their great worth and dignity. That despite outward appearances, each one here has innate human dignity and is precious in God’s eyes. Maybe that’s the success we must aspire to, the Missionary Sister of Charity, Bro. Peter, Fr. Glenn and his Mission, and yes even we who’ve been here a short while. And if one man, woman or child realizes that dignity or worth because of some act of kindness that one of us has done, then we’ve all been successful.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Reflections from Haiti – Fr. Tony Wroblewski Part 3
November 19, 2008
Last night, we had a joy-filled time, with the visit of Brother Pete, who is a Missionhurst brother who has been working here for 45 years – as long as I have been alive. He actually was a delightful man. He mainly has worked repairing all kinds of engines, and showing Haitians how to do so since his arrival. As a hobby, he does wood-working. I don’t think I could call him an optimist. He certainly wouldn’t be considered a conservative by any standards, politically or theologically. He doesn’t feel much has improved here – and after 45 years has no clue how things can turn around here.
This country, where
Today, we visited Br. Pete at his shop. What a kind, interesting man. His place is near the airstrip. UN troops were guarding the strip today. Apparently they were expecting some arrival that needed extra security.
So tomorrow we return back home. The mix of emotions I have experienced is still churning inside me. I imagine that it will be that way for some time. Those who work here are so very dedicated to being the hands and feet and voices of Christ. I am so very edified by Fr. Glenn. I can’t imagine being able to do what he does. And yet I am somehow drawn to this place. I certainly felt before coming here that once would be enough! Now I am not so sure. Despite what I would see as overwhelming challenges here, there is joy to be found. Somehow, many here live with hope. They carry on – they accept the inherent difficulties of life here. I am left to believe that it is because somehow they sense the presence of Christ close to them. I wonder if, left with few possessions and little else to give them security, they know that the only hope we all really have is in God.
When we were at the Missionaries of Charity, Sister Theola, the superior there, said that Mother Teresa always told them that no matter what they did, they did with joy, because the people they would encounter every day would have little joy in their lives. Brother Pete said of them that “they have chosen a very difficult path to heaven.” I’m not sure about that. Certainly anyone here, whether native to this land or not, has a difficult life. It is hard work to make your way even a little bit. Yet it seems that if it’s done with love, and in joy, then it’s all worth the effort. Tonight we have our final meal together here for this mission trip.
Reflections from Haiti – Fr. Tony Wroblewski Part 2
November 18, 2008
Today we distributed food to those who are the poorest in the area (near the village of Kobonal where the mission is located. Of course, when you say “poverty” here it is a relative term. We simply don’t know this level of poverty in the US. Today the people who came here received enough food to feed their families for a month. Corn, beans, oil, a small package of bouillon cubes and some lye soap. Those without any adequate shoes received simple sandals. We distributed to about 400 families. That represented about 2000 people. Some came with donkeys to help carry the load. Many were elderly, who have no means of support.
It was interesting to see many carry sticks, wood, for fires which the mission will use to cook food for the children. Even in their poverty they want to help. Leaving, those without any “transportation,” which is most, carried the loads balanced on their heads. They were so very grateful – and so very gentle. One of our group mentioned the fact that it seemed that what the 10 of us ate last night at supper, in one meal, would last a whole family a week, or perhaps a month. And then I thought of the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday – how much food we’ll eat in one day – the sheer amount of food readily available to us. And then there are many people who don’t have any access to a place like this mission, so they resort to eating cakes literally made out of mud. They simply want to fill their bellies. Of course for them, malnutrition will come quickly. Again today, when I thought I had seen it all, I realize I hadn’t.
Today we distributed food to those who are the poorest in the area (near the village of Kobonal where the mission is located. Of course, when you say “poverty” here it is a relative term. We simply don’t know this level of poverty in the US. Today the people who came here received enough food to feed their families for a month. Corn, beans, oil, a small package of bouillon cubes and some lye soap. Those without any adequate shoes received simple sandals. We distributed to about 400 families. That represented about 2000 people. Some came with donkeys to help carry the load. Many were elderly, who have no means of support.
It was interesting to see many carry sticks, wood, for fires which the mission will use to cook food for the children. Even in their poverty they want to help. Leaving, those without any “transportation,” which is most, carried the loads balanced on their heads. They were so very grateful – and so very gentle. One of our group mentioned the fact that it seemed that what the 10 of us ate last night at supper, in one meal, would last a whole family a week, or perhaps a month. And then I thought of the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday – how much food we’ll eat in one day – the sheer amount of food readily available to us. And then there are many people who don’t have any access to a place like this mission, so they resort to eating cakes literally made out of mud. They simply want to fill their bellies. Of course for them, malnutrition will come quickly. Again today, when I thought I had seen it all, I realize I hadn’t.
Reflections from Haiti – Fr. Tony Wroblewski Part 1
I’ve just returned from the house of the Missionaries of Charity (Mother Teresa’s sisters) in the city of
As I said, the range of emotions I have felt is wide. Landing in Port Au Prince I was guarded. Flying to Hinche, and then landing in that tiny dirt path they called a runway, I must admit was frightening. The next few days, I felt a building sense of joy. The people here are so warm and inviting, despite their utter poverty, what most of us in the
But today I am overwhelmed. I wonder – where is the light at the end of the tunnel? How do they find hope in the midst of all this? And why was I, and not them, so blessed? These questions gnaw at my soul. I have no answers.
Time to pray…
I’ve just opened my prayer book. The first line read: “…the Lord looks tenderly on those who are poor.” I sure hope so. And later on: “…endure joyfully whatever may come.”
We ate supper tonight, and then enjoyed each other’s company with a game of cards. In speaking with Lyle, a doctor with us, he indicated that most of those people we saw today, especially the children, wouldn’t be in such dire circumstances in the
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Helen Johnson's Testimony Finale
We Went, We Worked, We Received and Were Blessed
We supervised the cutting up of a pig! We painted the exterior of a recently completed home (and the color scheme, well, let’s just say that it fits Haiti). We hung a new door for the storage room in the Bakery. We did some very extensive cleaning up in the Guest House and the Convent/Chapel. We helped on the day for distribution of food for the destitute; we helped on the day for distribution of uniforms. We visited the hospital and Missionaries of Charity.
Anybody can go to the mission and paint, or clean-up, or perform the many odd jobs that need to be done. But, I believe we are primarily called on mission to reveal and be the Jesus in each of us: the Jesus that listens, the Jesus that loves unconditionally, the Jesus that embraces and defends the marginalized of society; the Jesus that forgives, turns the other cheek, goes the extra mile, and gives from the heart.
Certainly, one reason for going on mission is to serve others. But, it is also an opportunity to be still and listen for the Lord to speak. During this mission, the Lord spoke to me on several occasions, one being through the Gospel of Sat. Sept 20th, where Jesus speaks about the seed that fell in different areas/types of soil. In speaking about the “seed that fell among thorns and was choked”, I feel like I have one foot in the “thorns”, where I do get choked by the anxieties, riches and pleasures of life, and fail to bear “mature fruit”; and I feel my other foot is in “rich soil”, where the Lord says I will “bear fruit through perseverance”. I am hopeful that through patience and perseverance, the Lord will provide the opportunity for me to bear mature fruit by planting both feet in rich soil – the question is where.
The Lord also spoke to me through the Gospel of Sunday, Sept. 21st, which told of laborers being sent to work in the vineyard at different times of the day. The last ones are asked “Why do you stand here idle all day?”, and they answer “Because no one has hired us”. This speaks to me that, even at my “late” age, Jesus still seeks me out and asks me why I am not working for Him. And I believe that His response to me is the same as the owner’s response was in the Gospel, “You, too, go into my vineyard”.
A little message in the Gospel of Monday, Sept. 22nd, was to “take care then how you hear”, where the Lord is asking me to listen carefully. He will speak to me about where He wants me and what He wants me doing, I just need to “take care how I hear”. The following day, the Gospel has Jesus saying “My mother and brothers are those who hear the word and act on it”. In taking both Monday and Tuesday’s Gospels, I believe I need to listen carefully and then act on it.
When considering whether to do missionary work, here or abroad, it’s important to remember Matthew 25: 35-36:
For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.
The SOLT Mission in Haiti provides the opportunity to serve the Lord in many ways. While a personal trip may not be feasible for all, we can certainly contribute the financial resources needed to continue these good works, and always pray for the Mission and all who serve and are served in it.
We supervised the cutting up of a pig! We painted the exterior of a recently completed home (and the color scheme, well, let’s just say that it fits Haiti). We hung a new door for the storage room in the Bakery. We did some very extensive cleaning up in the Guest House and the Convent/Chapel. We helped on the day for distribution of food for the destitute; we helped on the day for distribution of uniforms. We visited the hospital and Missionaries of Charity.
Anybody can go to the mission and paint, or clean-up, or perform the many odd jobs that need to be done. But, I believe we are primarily called on mission to reveal and be the Jesus in each of us: the Jesus that listens, the Jesus that loves unconditionally, the Jesus that embraces and defends the marginalized of society; the Jesus that forgives, turns the other cheek, goes the extra mile, and gives from the heart.
Certainly, one reason for going on mission is to serve others. But, it is also an opportunity to be still and listen for the Lord to speak. During this mission, the Lord spoke to me on several occasions, one being through the Gospel of Sat. Sept 20th, where Jesus speaks about the seed that fell in different areas/types of soil. In speaking about the “seed that fell among thorns and was choked”, I feel like I have one foot in the “thorns”, where I do get choked by the anxieties, riches and pleasures of life, and fail to bear “mature fruit”; and I feel my other foot is in “rich soil”, where the Lord says I will “bear fruit through perseverance”. I am hopeful that through patience and perseverance, the Lord will provide the opportunity for me to bear mature fruit by planting both feet in rich soil – the question is where.
The Lord also spoke to me through the Gospel of Sunday, Sept. 21st, which told of laborers being sent to work in the vineyard at different times of the day. The last ones are asked “Why do you stand here idle all day?”, and they answer “Because no one has hired us”. This speaks to me that, even at my “late” age, Jesus still seeks me out and asks me why I am not working for Him. And I believe that His response to me is the same as the owner’s response was in the Gospel, “You, too, go into my vineyard”.
A little message in the Gospel of Monday, Sept. 22nd, was to “take care then how you hear”, where the Lord is asking me to listen carefully. He will speak to me about where He wants me and what He wants me doing, I just need to “take care how I hear”. The following day, the Gospel has Jesus saying “My mother and brothers are those who hear the word and act on it”. In taking both Monday and Tuesday’s Gospels, I believe I need to listen carefully and then act on it.
When considering whether to do missionary work, here or abroad, it’s important to remember Matthew 25: 35-36:
For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.
The SOLT Mission in Haiti provides the opportunity to serve the Lord in many ways. While a personal trip may not be feasible for all, we can certainly contribute the financial resources needed to continue these good works, and always pray for the Mission and all who serve and are served in it.
Helen Johnson's Testimony Part 4
School Uniforms
One day we also distributed school uniforms, which had all been sewn at the mission’s Sewing Center. Once again, the people waited outside the gates of the mission. The staff members would call a child’s name (and we heard names like “Smith” and “Johnson”) and they would come forward, with one adult chaperone, and enter the grounds, where they would be seated and later called up in small groups.
We knew we wouldn’t have enough of all the sizes for all the children, but wanted to distribute as many as we could since school had been delayed throughout the country because of the hurricanes. It was really heartbreaking for us when a child would come forward for his/her uniform, and we had run out of their size. They, on the other hand, would just accept it, shrug their shoulders, and move on, as they knew more uniforms would be made and, in due time, every child would be getting their own.
We had brought a lot of candy with us, and we gave each child two pieces while they waited. After they received their uniform, the mission fed the children a bowl of corn mush and beans. We then sent them on their way with a piece of bread (baked at the mission), an orange (from the citrus orchard), and one more piece of candy since we had enough left over!
Sunday Mass
As with all functions at the Mission, the people gathered outside the gates for Sunday morning Mass. When they were allowed in, they walked in quietly, in single file and sat in the “pews”. The music is lively, but respectful, and the cantor has a great voice and, like most Cajuns, loves to use her hands! We also had a special treat that day, a Baptism. The little girl was just beautiful in her special white dress. When receiving Communion, the Haitians generally cross their arms, as they will not touch the Eucharist out of their deep respect and humility.
All in a Day’s Work
Life for the Haitian people, and the workday’s cycle, revolve around the rising and setting of the sun as they don’t have electricity in their homes. There is an underlying current at the mission; one of respect and love for one another, an atmosphere of mutual cooperation – team work. People know what their responsibilities are and fulfill them. Not that there aren’t disagreements or problems, but the people have been taught how to resolve conflicts when they arise. Fr. Glenn has a terrific group of Haitian men in charge, and he lets them run the show for the most part. He provides instruction and gives his opinion(s) to the men, not with an air of domination or superiority, but with an attitude of fatherly guidance, experience, and wisdom.
One day we also distributed school uniforms, which had all been sewn at the mission’s Sewing Center. Once again, the people waited outside the gates of the mission. The staff members would call a child’s name (and we heard names like “Smith” and “Johnson”) and they would come forward, with one adult chaperone, and enter the grounds, where they would be seated and later called up in small groups.
We knew we wouldn’t have enough of all the sizes for all the children, but wanted to distribute as many as we could since school had been delayed throughout the country because of the hurricanes. It was really heartbreaking for us when a child would come forward for his/her uniform, and we had run out of their size. They, on the other hand, would just accept it, shrug their shoulders, and move on, as they knew more uniforms would be made and, in due time, every child would be getting their own.
We had brought a lot of candy with us, and we gave each child two pieces while they waited. After they received their uniform, the mission fed the children a bowl of corn mush and beans. We then sent them on their way with a piece of bread (baked at the mission), an orange (from the citrus orchard), and one more piece of candy since we had enough left over!
Sunday Mass
As with all functions at the Mission, the people gathered outside the gates for Sunday morning Mass. When they were allowed in, they walked in quietly, in single file and sat in the “pews”. The music is lively, but respectful, and the cantor has a great voice and, like most Cajuns, loves to use her hands! We also had a special treat that day, a Baptism. The little girl was just beautiful in her special white dress. When receiving Communion, the Haitians generally cross their arms, as they will not touch the Eucharist out of their deep respect and humility.
All in a Day’s Work
Life for the Haitian people, and the workday’s cycle, revolve around the rising and setting of the sun as they don’t have electricity in their homes. There is an underlying current at the mission; one of respect and love for one another, an atmosphere of mutual cooperation – team work. People know what their responsibilities are and fulfill them. Not that there aren’t disagreements or problems, but the people have been taught how to resolve conflicts when they arise. Fr. Glenn has a terrific group of Haitian men in charge, and he lets them run the show for the most part. He provides instruction and gives his opinion(s) to the men, not with an air of domination or superiority, but with an attitude of fatherly guidance, experience, and wisdom.
Helen Johnson's Testimony Part 3
Our Daily Schedule
Our days would begin with Mass, and we were always joined by 3 or 4 of the mission leaders. We would then have a cup of coffee – usually our local Louisiana brand, Community Coffee – and maybe a granola bar. Then, it was off to do whatever the day held in store for us.
One day we went into town (Hinche) and visited the local hospital; no private rooms or air conditioning here. It’s your typical, third world country hospital: your family or friends are responsible for feeding you, cleaning you, getting your medication, etc…..no room service or button to press to call the nurse. One man we visited was there just for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. He had been shot in both legs – by a policeman – he said they were after the man he was with…..
We also visited the local Missionaries of Charity compound in Hinche. They take care of orphaned children, the elderly, dying, and abandoned; all ages of people were there. One child in particular stole my heart: she was maybe 18 months old and just sitting in her crib (there must have been 30 cribs in that room); her little face swollen and bruised, no doubt from being abused. Her face is etched in my memory. Not surprisingly, many of the children would just stand up in their crib and look at you, hoping to be held – maybe even just touched. All of us made the rounds, holding a few of them, but touching or stroking each of them as we would go by.
Back at the Mission, the school provides free education for the children, including uniforms, school supplies/books, and the most precious gift of a solid meal. They’re given a very generous portion of corn mush and beans in a stainless steel bowl – and they eat it all. It’s probably the only meal they will eat that day. The bakery, one of the most recently completed projects at the mission, provides bread for the children, usually twice a week.
Feeding the Hungry
The “kitchen”, and I use that term loosely, is a simple, tin-roof covered area, where the meals for the school children are cooked over open fires in big black kettles. If you’re imagining a big wooden paddle for stirring – you’re right on! But, it’s not just a flat paddle, the end is like a big scoop or spoon – and it is definitely hand carved. Near the cooking shed is a huge stack of wood for fuel; the children are required to bring one stick a day when they come to school. Can’t help but think about them with their piece of wood, and Jesus with His piece of wood (the cross). And, there is no commercial dishwasher around either, all of the kettles and stainless steel bowls and spoons are washed by hand! No union or labor laws or Department of Health to worry about here!
Once a month, the mission has food distribution for the destitute. Imagine that, the poor giving to the even poorer. The organization of the day is quite impressive. People from surrounding villages gather outside the gates, and are let into the mission, usually by village, and directed to sit in certain areas. Those who have come with their burro go and tie it up in the “burro parking lot”! Some of these people come from miles away, and having/sharing a beast of burden to carry the commodities back is a luxury; but, most carry their goods back home the old fashioned way – on their heads.
They come with sacks for the grain and beans they receive. They are also given about a pint of cooking oil (they bring their own container), a bag of chicken bouillon cubes, and a huge slab of soap. There is no shoving, yelling or disruptive behavior. They are quiet, respectful, and most grateful, as they always reply – in Creole French – “Thanks be to the Great Master”. To say that helping in this distribution was a humbling experience is a great understatement.
The Housing Project
The mission is also involved in building good, quality homes, which are on a concrete slab with a tin roof (both major improvements to what they are currently living in). The new homes have four rooms; there’s no electricity (it’s not available), and no plumbing (no water lines either). The home is usually painted when construction is completed.
The building crews and volunteers have constructed about 50 homes so far, and hope to build as many as 500, one or two at a time as money and supplies become available. One of the most impressive things is to “hear” the people building/working on the home. Some of the men will play bongo drums or tin cans or five gallon buckets to establish a rhythm/cadence as they do their work. This not only brings a “teamwork” kind of philosophy to the project, it establishes a joyful atmosphere. Everyone in the surrounding area can hear the music, and they know something is going on, so before you know it, the construction site is surrounded by onlookers! They also do the same thing when they’re out working in the fields, hoeing or digging to the rhythm of the beat! It’s uplifting!
Our days would begin with Mass, and we were always joined by 3 or 4 of the mission leaders. We would then have a cup of coffee – usually our local Louisiana brand, Community Coffee – and maybe a granola bar. Then, it was off to do whatever the day held in store for us.
One day we went into town (Hinche) and visited the local hospital; no private rooms or air conditioning here. It’s your typical, third world country hospital: your family or friends are responsible for feeding you, cleaning you, getting your medication, etc…..no room service or button to press to call the nurse. One man we visited was there just for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. He had been shot in both legs – by a policeman – he said they were after the man he was with…..
We also visited the local Missionaries of Charity compound in Hinche. They take care of orphaned children, the elderly, dying, and abandoned; all ages of people were there. One child in particular stole my heart: she was maybe 18 months old and just sitting in her crib (there must have been 30 cribs in that room); her little face swollen and bruised, no doubt from being abused. Her face is etched in my memory. Not surprisingly, many of the children would just stand up in their crib and look at you, hoping to be held – maybe even just touched. All of us made the rounds, holding a few of them, but touching or stroking each of them as we would go by.
Back at the Mission, the school provides free education for the children, including uniforms, school supplies/books, and the most precious gift of a solid meal. They’re given a very generous portion of corn mush and beans in a stainless steel bowl – and they eat it all. It’s probably the only meal they will eat that day. The bakery, one of the most recently completed projects at the mission, provides bread for the children, usually twice a week.
Feeding the Hungry
The “kitchen”, and I use that term loosely, is a simple, tin-roof covered area, where the meals for the school children are cooked over open fires in big black kettles. If you’re imagining a big wooden paddle for stirring – you’re right on! But, it’s not just a flat paddle, the end is like a big scoop or spoon – and it is definitely hand carved. Near the cooking shed is a huge stack of wood for fuel; the children are required to bring one stick a day when they come to school. Can’t help but think about them with their piece of wood, and Jesus with His piece of wood (the cross). And, there is no commercial dishwasher around either, all of the kettles and stainless steel bowls and spoons are washed by hand! No union or labor laws or Department of Health to worry about here!
Once a month, the mission has food distribution for the destitute. Imagine that, the poor giving to the even poorer. The organization of the day is quite impressive. People from surrounding villages gather outside the gates, and are let into the mission, usually by village, and directed to sit in certain areas. Those who have come with their burro go and tie it up in the “burro parking lot”! Some of these people come from miles away, and having/sharing a beast of burden to carry the commodities back is a luxury; but, most carry their goods back home the old fashioned way – on their heads.
They come with sacks for the grain and beans they receive. They are also given about a pint of cooking oil (they bring their own container), a bag of chicken bouillon cubes, and a huge slab of soap. There is no shoving, yelling or disruptive behavior. They are quiet, respectful, and most grateful, as they always reply – in Creole French – “Thanks be to the Great Master”. To say that helping in this distribution was a humbling experience is a great understatement.
The Housing Project
The mission is also involved in building good, quality homes, which are on a concrete slab with a tin roof (both major improvements to what they are currently living in). The new homes have four rooms; there’s no electricity (it’s not available), and no plumbing (no water lines either). The home is usually painted when construction is completed.
The building crews and volunteers have constructed about 50 homes so far, and hope to build as many as 500, one or two at a time as money and supplies become available. One of the most impressive things is to “hear” the people building/working on the home. Some of the men will play bongo drums or tin cans or five gallon buckets to establish a rhythm/cadence as they do their work. This not only brings a “teamwork” kind of philosophy to the project, it establishes a joyful atmosphere. Everyone in the surrounding area can hear the music, and they know something is going on, so before you know it, the construction site is surrounded by onlookers! They also do the same thing when they’re out working in the fields, hoeing or digging to the rhythm of the beat! It’s uplifting!
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