Earth Day and First Communion

Earth Day  

Ordinarily, I love to share photos that celebrate the beauty of nature and the wonder of creation.  Today for Earth Day, I decided to do the opposite and share a common sight that I find disturbing. 

There may be less infrastructure to deal with disposables here so the problem is more visible.  I, however, believe that there is much more trash generated by the average person in the US than there is by the typical person in Haiti.  In many ways, people here, in general, seem to be better at reusing and fixing things that would typically be thrown away in the US.  In reality, the overabundance of waste and the condition of the planet is a global problem that is structural and complex and in need of attention. 



First Communion
Today six children who reside at the orphanage and many of their classmates received the sacrament of First Holy Communion.  There was a lovely liturgy held in the auditorium of the school the children attend.  We then had a great celebration at the orphanage this afternoon. 

At the orphanage popcorn a staple at any party!  

Let us all strive to live in communion with one another and all of creation every day that we are on this Earth!  

Happy Earth Day!  Many blessings! 

   

Throw Back Blog Entry

Nearly every week that I have ever been in Haiti I have written an update to share with community members, family, and friends who are interested in my experience here.  Recently I went back and read some of my old updates.  There are some old ones that I think are good stories. The number of people who read this blog has grown gradually, so I am assuming some of you may have missed some of my early entries.   I seem to be having a bit of writer's block today, so, I figured I would offer links inviting you to view a couple of older entries that you might find interesting.     


Click here to read about the real turtle that was given to me as a gift!


Only when I went back and read this one did I realize that these two memories both of which still come to mind from time to time happened around the same time.   
"Gade!" Click here to take a look!



I hope that you are doing well.  Many blessings!

Shamrocks and other surprises

On Tuesday the school schedule resumed (following Easter break) and the third trimester of the school year began.  It was a busy week at Leocadie Convent because many of the Holy Cross priests spent a couple of days here for a meeting. 

  

I try to keep my camera in my bag and pull it out when I find myself waiting for something (like a ride) or just have a few minutes free.  When I take a moment to walk around outside with my camera in hand I am often amazed at what I find.  

This week I discovered that there are shamrocks in Haiti!  

I chased a very active hummingbird, hoping to get an active shot. I did not exactly succeed, but, eventually, even a hyper hummingbird needs to rest. 

One evening when I stayed at the sisters' school in the city, while I was working at my desk, I could hear birds singing.  When I was ready for a little break I took some pictures from the porch.  Even in an urban area, one can find natural beauty.  

I was pleased to see this bird in a schoolyard one afternoon recently.  Today, when I opened the pictures on my laptop I was surprised to realize that it was in the process of dining when I snapped the photos.  

I found myself wondering why these birds were sitting on the fence. 

I think they were just too chicken to get down!   

Now, I am wondering who (of my family, community members and friends) is rolling his/her eyes and who is laughing?  

Have a great week.  Many blessings!  

  

Bon fèt Pak! Happy Easter!

An Easter Haiku 

Life springs forth from death 

Celebrate resurrection

Hope will never die!

Here are a few images of Easter morning all taken in the yard at Leocadie Convent.

The midnight Easter Vigil at our parish last night was truly a joyous celebration.  There is something deeply beautiful about the Easter Vigil ritual of lighting candles; the darkness of the room was transformed by the light of the small candle each one held in his or her hands.  Two young women received the sacrament of baptism and an older gentleman received his first communion.  The spirit of the people gathered was positively energizing.  The mass started a little later than its 10:00pm scheduled time and ended at 1:45 in the morning.  I appreciate that many people here seem to be present in the moment and don't appear to have a nagging desire to hurry things along; I still have a lot to learn in this regard especially during long liturgies.  I am very grateful that I attended.

Here is a (not great quality) picture I took with my phone before the liturgy started last night.  

May you experience much joy this Easter season and always.  Many blessings!