Find the Beauty

There were many items on my to-do list for today.  So easily my day off gets filled with the practical tasks such as cleaning my room, responding to emails, and just trying to catch up on life.  I pulled myself away from my tasks for a short time this afternoon to take a few pictures.  None of the pictures I took are especially great, but I needed a moment to look for and find the beauty.  That is the great thing about creation, there is always something beautiful we just need to open our eyes to see it.

(I was planning to post more photos but the internet is not cooperating.)

As I look at the on-line news and my facebook feed I feel sad and my heart aches for the people being denied entry to the United States especially refugees fleeing horrible situations who had been cleared to enter.  I wonder who are we (as Americans and human beings) if we can not welcome the refugee?  At the same time, I have been inspired by the number of people speaking out in various ways.  I am so glad that many of my friends are protesting this injustice.  If I were there, I would be standing with you.  Thank you, everyone who is speaking up, your actions are encouraging.

Have a good week. Take care.

HOPE

“The cross, our only hope.” 

Those are the words of Fr. Moreau, the founder of the Holy Cross congregations.  Friday, January 20^th was his feast day.  Here in Cap-Haitian, the Family of Holy Cross celebrated the feast day together on Saturday night at Leocaide Convent where I live.  The celebration began with a prayer service, which seemed to have been well prepared; I wished I had understood more of it (it was mostly in French.)  The prayer was followed by a game of Holy Cross Bingo.  Trivial questions regarding the history of the Holy Cross Congregations were asked and the answers were written on Bingo cards.  I enjoyed observing the excitement of people as they called out correct answers to the questions and especially their enthusiasm when they won.  That evening, our dining room was filled with laughter and conversation as we enjoyed a wonderful meal.  As we began to eat our desserts some local communities entertained everyone with singing and dancing. One of the priests told a joke in Creole (I could not understand much of the prayer service or the French Bingo questions, but at least I got the joke!)  It was truly an enjoyable gathering.  For those of us who live here, the celebration was followed by washing dishes.  

Two years ago at the end of my first Fr. Moreau's Feast Day Fèt in Haiti, the sisters at the high school convent who had hosted that year announced that the Holy Cross men of a particular house would host the following year. Last year at that party one of the priests announced that Leocaide Convent would host this year.  When the party was over, I realized that we had not continued that tradition and wondered where next year’s party will be held. 

Regardless of where the party is held, what I am really wondering is whether or not I will be in Haiti next year.  The original agreement between the Marianites of Holy Cross (my congregation) and the Sister of Holy Cross regarding my ministry here was for three years, which if not renewed will end in September, or actually since the orphanage operates on a school schedule more likely it would end in June.  My preference at the moment is to stay in Haiti, but know that I am called to be open to respond to whatever the Spirit may seemingly ask of me. 

   

There are so many unknowns right now.  I wonder where I will be next year and what my future holds. In preparation for meetings we will have this summer I find myself pondering possibilities regarding the future of my congregation.  When I consider the current political situation in the United States, fears arise within me that potential policy changes will have severe detrimental effects on those who are most vulnerable and at least for four years move us further from the possibility of creating a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world.  Today, I sat down to pray,  tempted to try too hard to sort out all of the unknowns.   I share with you the words that came.

    

Unknowns abound

but so do the certainties

of seasons

and Paschal patterns,

For even if what seems the worst of all possibilities

one day arrives as reality,

Then from under the abandoned ashes

seeds will surely sprout

and rise from death’s decay

to flower and offer fruit,

proudly proclaiming the certitude

that hope cannot be killed.  

Many blessings!  

The flowers will return

Manman yo (the mothers)

On Monday mornings, for 30 minutes when the children have school (and when nothing else that is  seen as more important arises,) I meet with and provide some training for the manmans, the women who do most of the direct care of the children.  Some of these mothers have children of their own who live with relatives.  It is not that these women want to leave their own children, it is the reality that there are few employment possibilities in Haiti, so in order to provide at least minimally for their own children financially, they accept work away from their families caring for children whose own families can not.  During my brief formation on Monday, I told the mothers, "travay nou pa fasil", (your work is not easy.)  They clapped because apparently most of the time they do not generally feel that this is acknowledged.  I told them they should clap for themselves and for each other; for some reason just because I spoke what I thought was an obvious truth they said they were clapping for me (I usually work with small groups of children at one time and I go to a convent that is not at the orphanage every night and sleep in my own bedroom; they sleep at the orphanage in the children's rooms.  Imagine sleeping most nights in a room with as many as 17 children between the ages of 3 and 11.)  Really, everybody should be clapping for them all of the time, every day.  So often it is the people with the most difficult jobs, who do the direct caring of those who are most vulnerable who are least respected and at least in most places that I am aware very poorly compensated (financially and otherwise.)  This is not just true in Haiti, think of nurses aides, teaching assistants, and day care workers in the US.

First Full Week

For me the first full work week back after vacation went well.  I made a few adjustments to the Sunday therapy schedule to give the oldest children a choice regarding what kind of group or program they would like to attend.  This improved attendance among the adolescents.  Attendance is not usually a problem with the younger children, in fact, some of the littlest kids actually often ask to come.

My English class resumed and seemed to go well.  I hope my students enjoy it as much as I do.

Earthquake Anniversary

Thursday marked the 7th anniversary of the earthquake that did so much damage to this country.  This year the children had school.  There were prayers during mass.   Certainly, it seemed that there was a deep awareness of the anniversary, but it was not considered a holiday this year; things went on pretty much as they would any other ordinary Thursday, although nobody has forgotten.  

Buds

After a particularly long day at the orphanage, while walking towards the house I looked up and saw a bud on my favorite tree, the tree whose beautiful flowers fascinated me last year.  The flowers have been gone for months now.  The leaves recently began to fall from the tree; for whatever reason, this tree needs to let go of the leaves before the flowers bloom.  The tree looks a bit awkward at the moment; I suppose this is normal in the midst of any transition, growth, or major transformation.  It has also been significantly pruned since last year, too.  The visible buds remind me that the flowers will return.  Yes, the flowers will return.  There is hope.  I can trust the paschal mystery.

Have a good week.     Remember, you can let go of the leaves you are clinging to because the flowers will come. And, I challenge you to be sure to tell someone who is doing the underappreciated and most important work of caring for people who are vulnerable that you know their work is difficult and that they are appreciated.  Many blessings!  Thanks for taking the time to read my ramblings.  

Retounen

Other than the five-hour delay in the airport in Paris, my return to Cap-Haitian was smooth.  The bus from Port-au-Prince to Okap, actually left pretty much on time, which since the bus going in the other direction three weeks earlier and every flight on the entire journey was delayed this was a welcomed and much-appreciated surprise.  Traveling was a great experience and it is also great to be back!  

When I made the travel arrangements last summer I did not yet know the dates when the children would leave for their family visits or when they would return to the orphanage.  I might have planned a bit differently since as it turned out I left and returned before them.  Actually, it was good to have a day to rest and two days to get organized before the children arrived on Sunday.  I enjoyed being present to welcome them back.  I had missed them.  Most of them seemed to have had a good visit with their relatives. School resumed for the children yesterday, as did my therapy sessions.  

While I was away screens in the windows and a screen door were installed in the playroom as well as in the other rooms in the same building.  This project is thanks to generous donations that we have received recently. I am very appreciative!  I had wanted this for a while believing that it will greatly reduce the number of mosquitoes present during play therapy sessions, and hopefully make it more difficult for rats and tarantulas to enter too.  They also made the step into the playroom higher which should prevent water from entering again if we have heavy rains like we did a couple of months ago.  

I decided to include some pictures from inside the play therapy room too.      

When I returned I was glad to see that the mud had turned to dust and the large puddles that I had to cross to travel from the convent to the orphanage had dried up while I was away.  Then on Sunday night into Monday it rained and was very windy.  It also rained at times during the day yesterday and this morning as well.  I am glad the rain was not heavy. There is mud once again but, nothing like the flooding we experienced in November. Fortunately, it is possible to walk around the puddles as opposed to needing to wade through them.  Yesterday, I went on-line to check out the weather in Cap-Haitian and it looks like we can expect light rain at least at some point every day for nearly a week. Oh well, at least it is not dusty!

Have a great week!  Take care.    

    

The Beauty of Burkina

Since I am currently living in Haiti and was visiting Burkina Faso I am tempted to make comparisons.  There are striking similarities and drastic differences in the cultures, the people, the poverty, and the beauty.

There are images of Burkina that I will always carry with me.  I want to share some pictures I took of Burkina.  None of the pictures really capture the experience.  I am still needing to reflect.  It may be a while before I understand what this journey has meant for me; somehow it seems to have expanded my perspectives.  I know that I am grateful for every minute of time I spent in Africa.  It was a wonderful experience of being in community, and getting to know the sisters there a little better.

(Out of respect for people's privacy I generally don't share identifiable photos of people, so hope you enjoy the plants, animals, and landscapes.)

There were many gifts of the past week.  They included interactions with various people, a visit to the Sisters of Holy Cross at their convent in the capital, a new year's eve luncheon for priests and sisters of the diocese hosted by the local bishop, celebrating the parish feast day, being with the Marianites who serve in Burkina, and just enjoying and attempting to learn from Africa.  
  
I am on way back to Haiti.  There is simply no direct route between Yalgo and Cap-Haitian.  Because of flight schedules, I am spending a night at a hotel in France and will continue my journey tomorrow.  The internet at the hotel is very fast!   They also have a very nice shower with hot running water.  I had thought maybe I would try to see a little of Paris, but my plane getting in was delayed, getting to the hotel was a little more complicated than I thought, and it was snowing when I landed, the snow turned to rain, (my winter coat is in Rhode Island.)  Thanks to modern transportation one can be in a very dry warm climate one evening and find oneself in a cold wet place the next morning.  Amazing!  

Happy New Year!  Many blessings!    

Dancing and Drumming

Written on Monday, December 26, 2016)

The Christmas eve liturgy in the parish was a joyful celebration. The church that was overflowing with people.  Many were dressed in clothing made from special printed cloth with pictures of the Holy Family, prayers and Christmas greetings on them.  The parish covers a large geographic area and some people traveled a distance to come to mass.  Since the mass ends at midnight, long after dark, and there is also a morning liturgy, many people sleep in the church on Christmas eve.  As soon as the mass was finished people started drumming and dancing together to the rhythm of the drums just outside the church.  There was a wonderful sense of joy and celebration.
Following the liturgy, we had a party at the convent.  We ate and drank, danced and laughed, and danced some more.  People really than seemed to enjoy one another’s company.   Dancing around the table to music of various cultures seemed to bring us all together.  One of the priests who had gone to a small chapel in a smaller village this one, which is still in the parish, came after he had finished mass there.  It was about 3:30 in the morning when our Christmas party ended.  Still, we got up for 9:00 mass the following morning.  I was sitting next to a woman who was holding a small baby.  When I returned from communion she placed the child in my arms, so that she would not have to carry the baby to communion.  Smiling, I looked down at the sleeping infant in my arms; that brief moment was itself a true Christmas gift.

On Christmas eve and Christmas day we had many visitors who came bearing gifts for the sisters.  A woman came with her new baby who was very healthy; the sisters had cared for her first child through the nutrition program; her new baby does not need to be in such a program because now she knows what a baby needs to thrive.  She brought us a live chicken as a gift.  We gave her some homemade cookies and something to drink.  Several people brought us beer that they had brewed themselves.  Others brought food that they had cooked.  On Christmas evening the parish youth group came to visit.  They brought with them two drums that are essentially wooden boxes with what I assumed to be an animal skin on one side.  The youth playing the drums sat on them while making music.  The others sang and danced in a circle.  We joined the dancing and gave them some refreshments.  People share their gifts, their food, their talents, their time, their presence.

I will be lucky if I can get a strong and stable enough internet connection to post this within the next couple of days, so I will not even attempt to upload pictures while I am here, although I do have some I would like to share.

May you experience many blessings and graces during the New Year.  Peace!  

Journey and Reflection on Christmas

This was written on Wednesday, December 21, 2016.  It has been edited a bit since then while I wait for an internet connection that is stable long enough for me to paste this into the blog and post it.  

The flight from Port-au-Prince to Paris left Port-au-Prince approximately three hours later than scheduled.  There was one stop in Santa Domingo, in the nearby Dominican Republic.  I had assumed that this meant that more people would board the plane.  It had not even occurred to me that everyone on the plane would need to exit the plane with all of our belongings, go through security and then wait an hour in the airport before boarding again.   Before leaving Haiti I expressed to an airline employee my concern that I could miss my flight to Africa, because in addition to switching airplanes, and air lines, I had to take the bus from one major airport in Paris to the other.  She assured me that she would talk with her supervisor and I would be given a paper stating that the plane was late and that costs would be covered if I missed my second flight.  When I did not receive this paper, I asked again before boarding and was sure I would receive it once I boarded the plane.  The airline hostesses on the plane knew nothing of such a paper but said they were switching crews in the DR and the next set of airline employees would help me.  The next set of airlines employees suggested that an employee on the ground in Paris might be able to help me.  When I found an employee in the airport, she suggested I go to the office.  I quickly decided that if I took the time to locate the airline office I would increase my chances of missing the second flight, and by this time I was beginning to realize that there was probably no such paper.   The plan was for me to meet a sister from my congregation in the second airport; she was returning to Burkina Faso after a few months of vacation in the US.   Although I had tried to contact a sister who I hoped would get the message to her saying my first flight had been delayed I had no way of knowing if she had gotten the message.  A very kind woman allowed me to go ahead of her in the passport line at the first airport in Paris.  Next with a little help I located the bus which transports people directly from one Parisian airport to the other and waited about 20 minutes.  When I arrived at the second Paris airport, I felt it was not necessary to ask to cut in line again though there was a long line for the passport check.  Before I could get in the next line to go through the security check I was told by airline staff that my carry on size suitcase was too heavy; I needed to back track and check my carry-on bag.  Then I had to resume waiting in the security line.  It was already after the time that the plane was supposed to start boarding when my bag was rolling through the security check.  When I finished in security I had only a few minutes until the scheduled take off, and was past the recommended time to arrive at the gate, so I did not even put my sneakers back on my feet.   I walked very quickly towards the gate, where I was so elated to see the sister who was waiting for me.  I was also very relieved to learn that there would be a slight delay; I actually had time to use the bathroom and fill my water bottle before the next flight; thanks be to God!     

Two Marianites came to meet us at the airport in Ouagadogou, the capital of Burkina Faso.  We spent the night at a Catholic hospitality house near the aiport.  In the morning the two sisters who had come to meet us ran errands while the sister who was returning from her vacation and I slept late.  Early the next afternoon, we started the final step of the journey to Yalgo.  A very quick glance out the window of the pick-up truck while still in the capital, seeing various activities including numerous people selling things along the side of the roads, and billboards and road signs in French, it seemed like despite my long journey I might still be in Haiti.  Looking more carefully, there were many differences in the details.  One of the sisters pointed out that there are a lot of motoes in Burkina Faso; I had not noticed the number of motoes (there are many motoes in Haiti too) but I was surprised that there were only one or two people on each of them (as opposed to three or four or sometimes more in Haiti,) and that there were so many women driving motoes.  The drive from the capital to Yalgo, the village where the sisters live and work, normally takes about four hours, if you don’t run any errands or stop to eat along the way, which we did.  I was impressed by the quality of the national roads, had I come directly from the US, I would not have been.  We arrived at the convent in the village of Yalgo Thursday evening.   

There are four Marianite sisters who live and work here, one is a native of Burkina Faso, one a Canadian, and two Americans.  There is a young parish here, and as part of the parish and diocesan ministries there is a developing medical center with a pharmacy, program for babies who are malnourished, maternity program, a doctor and some other basic medical services.  Although our sisters are not directly responsible for them there is also a primary school and a new program for preschool aged children.  I have visited all of these programs during the past several days.  This new parish is really striving to meet the needs of the people of the area.  Our sisters’ presence seems very much appreciated by the people.  Although communication is challenging, the people seem so gracious and welcoming. 

On Sunday I accompanied the local priest and a sister to a joyful ordination liturgy at the cathedral in the local dioceses of Kaya.  The priests literally danced around the altar during the song of Thanksgiving towards the end of the liturgy.  The mass was mostly in Morey, a language spoken by many (but not all) people in Burkina Faso; some of the mass parts were also in French, the official language, which is spoken by those who have been educated.  Ironically, of the many languages typically spoken in Burkina Faso, the one I most understand is the very language I least understand in Haiti. 

On one hand it does not seem like Christmas time.  I am so far from all of the places I have called home.  There are very few decorations around, no Santas, or sleigh bells, no well-lit pine trees.  I reflected on this and I opened my eyes and looked around.  In the gospel Christmas story there was never any mention of any those things.  The first Christmas did not happen in an American shopping mall, or a comfortable living room.  Mary and Joseph were far from home in a place that probably looked a lot like Yalgo.  Here many people travel by donkey.  On market day, some people come into town on the backs of camels.  Since there is so little light pollution, the stars are very bright on a clear night.  I look at the place here on the grounds of the convent where the animals are kept; certainly it could serve as a simple shelter for desperate travelers.  This is exactly the kind of place where Jesus was born.   Of course, it true that Jesus is present and Christmas happens everywhere and yet in the Gospel stories and when I reflect upon my own life, Jesus is frequently found in a special way at the margins.  This year, here in this quiet little village (far from the places I call home, and the people I have usually celebrated with) on the edge of a desert in a country most Americans have never even heard of I cannot think of a better place to celebrate the birth of Jesus.  May I recognize him in the people I meet each day, while I am here and everywhere I may travel during the New Year.  I wish you peace and joy during these holy days.  Merry Christmas! 

Dear family, close friends, and community members, 
Even if I do not get a chance to greet you personally or you don’t receive a card from me (which you won’t because I have not sent any out this year) please be assured of my love and prayers.  Although I do believe that I am where I am supposed to be this Christmas, I do miss you.  Many blessings!  Love, Kathleen          

Vwayaj

The voyage has begun!  The very first step of my long journey to Africa is complete; the bus ride from Cap-Haitian to Port-au-Prince.  The 9:00 bus did not leave the bus station until nearly 11:30 making for a very long day.  I met some interesting and kind people along the way.  I was happily surprised to be greeted at the bus station by the sister who works at the school in Pilat; I did not know she was also visiting Porta-u-Prince.   

Although there are several other things I could write about, as it was an eventful week, this will be a very short entry  because I need to prepare for the next step on my journey to Africa.  

 I will try to keep in touch.  Many blessings!  

 

Second Week of Advent Update

Advent Decorations at the school in Pilat

The rest of my time in Pilat went well.  It is a pleasure to interact with the children there.  I was fortunate to be able to leave on Saturday as planned, although slightly later than initially expected.  With the conditions of the roads and rainy nights, one can not take plans for granted, especially when traveling to and from Pilat.  The night before I left a driver slept in the vehicle he was driving because the road was blocked by other vehicles which were stuck in the mud.  The quality of the road has negative repercussions.  Vendors have not been able to enter Pilate to sell their produce.  This has caused prices to rise sharply and quickly, making it even harder for people to purchase food and other basic necessities.  

On Sunday I resumed my work at the orphanage.  Time is going so quickly.  This is the last week that I will do groups with the children during this calendar year.  This week we have had less rain and things are finally starting to dry up.  For the first time in over a month, I bicycled to the orphanage today (I stopped taking the bicycle when the heavy rains started.)  There were only two places where I had to get off and walk it through mud and large puddles,

Next week I am heading to Africa to visit Marianties who are missioned in Burkina Faso.  I am looking forward to seeing them, experiencing their mission and learning more about the country and culture.  Whether or not I update this blog during my travels will depend on the internet connection.  I have heard the internet there is not reliable. If by chance it is very good, perhaps I will update more often to update about my travels.  If it is poor, maybe I won't blog at all.    During the first week of January, I will return to Haiti.

May you experience many blessings during this Advent season.  And, just in case, I am not able to update between now and Christmas, may you experience many graces during the Christmas season as well.  Be assure of my gratitude and prayers.  Many blessings!          

Advent Adventures

Thanksgiving

Last Thursday, thanks to Agape Airlines who provided us, as they do all interested American missionary families who use their mail service, with a turkey and all of the fixings for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner.  This year I was thankful that another American sister was able to cook with me.  We cooked and ate at the orphanage convent; that oven is slightly more reliable than the one at the convent where we live.  Because of her assistance, I was still able to teach English class that morning, and hold my groups with the children (although I started a little late) that afternoon.  I am grateful that we were able to celebrate Thanksgiving.  I have so much to be thankful for.  On the top of my list are the many people that I am fortunate to have in my life. 

Route to Pilat

On Saturday evening the sister who is the director of the school in Pilat called to say that the driver should be there before noon on Sunday.  Grateful that we had mass at the orphanage on Saturday afternoon, I spent Sunday morning getting ready.  Before noon, she called to say that driver was unable to come because another vehicle was stuck in the mud blocking the road that leads to and from Pilat.  Then she said that the hospital machine was also on its way to Cap-Haitian and if I could get to one of the other convents closer to downtown, they would be able to give me a ride.  There is only one sister in our convent with a Haitian driver’s license; she was home so I asked her for a ride to the convent.  When we were in the city, I received an additional phone call saying that the hospital vehicle had not been able to leave Pilat due to the road block, so we headed back to the convent.  When we were almost home, she called again to say that the hospital vehicle was no longer stuck and was on its way after all. The driver had agreed kindly agreed to come to the convent where I live to get me.  He arrived at about 4:15.  He had several errands to run, and needed to pick up people who were also going to Pilat.  It was raining and many of the streets in downtown Cap-Haitian were full of water, others had mud and rocks left by the flowing waters.  It was an hour after he picked me up before we actually left the city limits.  The paved national road, the closest thing to a highway here had many large puddles and water filled potholes.  The driver was appropriately cautious especially when the rain was heavy.  At times he even turned off the radio so he could concentrate on driving.  Most of the time the radio was on because everyone was expecting the results of the presidential primary election to be announced that evening. 

We were fortunate that the rain ceased just before we turned off of the national road onto the road that leads to Pilat.  I have described this unpaved hilly road with seven bridgeless rivers in previous posts. On Sunday night the road was also wet and very muddy.  At one point the driver stopped the car and chatted with a police officer, who seemed to uncertain if we should continue on route because of the mud.  It was decided that everyone except for the driver should get out of the car.  Less weight would decrease the chances of the hospital vehicle’s tires sinking into the mud.  There were about nine of us, mostly women, one was holding a toddler who had slept most of the ride but awoke for the walk down the muddy hill.  At times we held hands or locked arms.  After sitting so long in the crowded vehicle, my legs were grateful to move.  My inexpensive Haitian cell phone has a built in flashlight, which I used to carefully chose my steps.  The mud was slippery, it reminded me of slush and ice, but it was not cold out; in fact it was a perfect temperature for an evening stroll.  The car passed us; when the driver assessed that the chances of getting stuck in the mud were minimal he stopped and waited for us.  Eventually, we all entered the car. Prior to our down-hill trek through the mud in the dark the passengers had been fairly quiet, but suddenly there was a lot of laughter and chatter.  Then my inexpensive Haitian cellphone rang; my parents called me as they typically do on Sunday night.  Hearing the laughter in the background my curious mother cheerfully asked, “Are you at a party?”  Looking through the windshield at the rocky muddy road illuminated by the car’s headlights, I laughed out loud.  I told my mother that I was not at a party.   Perhaps, I should have said that I was, after all we were celebrating that we were nearing our destination and that nobody had fallen in the mud, and the car had not gotten stuck.  Certainly, that is as good a reason to celebrate as any!

    

School Work  

This week I am assisting in the preschool in Pilat.  I am helping the teachers to encourage the children to play.  With a grant that my congregation gave in celebration of 175 years since the founding of the Marianites of Holy Cross, we were able to purchase some age appropriate toys and books (written in their native language) for the children.  The children are enjoying playing, and being read to.  I am enjoying the children.   I was also asked to prepare a ten minute prayer in Creole for the preschool and primary school children for each morning this week.  This takes place in the school yard before classes start.  It has encouraged me to reflect upon the Advent themes and try to fully enter into this special liturgical season.  It also means that all of the children in the primary grades of the school know me by name.  Now when I go for a short walk in the afternoon, little girls greet me by name every few miniutes.      

Other Updates

The Haitian election results were announced late Monday night. 

We are still receiving frequent rain. 

The poinsettia plants are blooming; the only visible reminder for me that Christmas in coming.  (I had every intention of including a picture of one of the plants but would need at least half an hour to upload a single photo; the next paragraph will explain why.)    

The internet connection here in Pilat has been poor and unstable. I am hoping to get on line long enough to post this.  I will catch up on responding to emails and things when I return to Okap, which will hopefully happen on Saturday assuming the road will be passable.  

   

Thank you everyone who donated to the Marianites of Holy Cross through the Giving Tuesday program.  Thank you Marianites for passing that money on to Mary Gate of Heaven Orphanage.  Mèsi anpil!   

May you experience many graces during this season of Advent.