Bonjour,

We made it to Cerca La Source! After arriving to Port au Prince, we met our loyal friend & interpreter Junior St Vil at the airport who drove us to Cerca La Source. The warm, sunshine was waiting for us. We got up to 15 mph on pavement which was to Mireblais then we hit the typical Haitian roads, (only an hour into it out journey). We were hoping for paved roads all the way to Hinche. So when you pray for our safe travel include safe travel & smooth roads. The sights along the way actually keep your mind off the bumpy roads. We passed the hydroelectric dam of Lake Peligre, quite an impressive site. The dam was built by the US quite a long time ago. The Lake & terrain was beautiful. Only a few canoeist were on the lake but it was a pristine sight. A US developers dreams! Stick homes on million dollar views. The rivers had people wading, or washing their clothes. We went through the valleys, up the mountains, & encountered rough roads. We took a pit stop in Hinche to stretch our legs, saw the Cathedral for the dioceses. (currently without a bishop) & the local hospital. We perservered on . We traveled through Thomassique & saw the St Josheph clinic from the outside. This project was funded by Richmond Diocese and it looks pretty nice. Finally after seven hours later, we made it to Fr Bertrand’s rectory, safe & sound but tired & weary. A bit hungry too, so we had delicious spicy chicken soup, rice, beans along with san (cooked goat blood)….yum, yum. 

Hank & Larry went to 6am mass. I slept in, dreaming of the church bells & choir voices.  In the morning, we toured the school & was introduced to the new principal Sr. Declama & sister Magdelena, her assisstant. They are from the order sisters of the child Jesus.  All the students sang to us welcome songs. It was delightful hearing them & seeing their smiling faces. The older students were undergoing exams which we interupted. Some of them looked nervous but sister says their are some very smart students. Another highlight was an afternoon snack with Sr Declama, & her home roasted peanuts & local fruit wine.  We distributed school supplies & gifts. Later we had a large meal with beets, potaotes, carrots, rice beans & goat (PJ it was Toby’s cousin! : ) Again quite tasty. I am impressed how heartily Larry & Hank have embraced Haitian Food. It has been nice to introduce them to people of St Francis ,I have met & befriended from my previous trips.

Tomorrow is the Market day. We will share another update them.

There has been progress in Cerca La Source. There are street lights supported by the USAid project in various parts of the village. It is run with Solar panels. Fr B also has solar panels on his roof. The community building is progressing but remains unfinished. Hopefully we can get pictures posted soon. Cathy