They say springtime is the season of renewal, but here at the orphanage, it’s autumn that blends the new into the old. School is about to reopen. Kids rustle with anticipation. And fresh little ones who have joined us over the summer begin to find their footing.
Welcome, then, officially, to two-year-old Janaïca, and her three male companions from the coastal city of Aux (Les) Cayes: Rayanson (2), Djoulens (2) and Leandro (3). Their families were victims of the uprooting and violence caused by Haitian gangs. As a result, these four precious children recently traveled to our mission on a small airplane, as the roads remain too dangerous to drive.
Accompanying them on that 40-minute flight, and taking turns holding them on my lap, I tried to imagine what might be going through their little minds. I remembered that Cat Stevens song, “Oh, Very Young,” and the lyrics, “You’re only dancing on their earth for a short while.” It’s true, they have been here so briefly. And they are unlikely to recall the details of their arrival. Who remembers anything from when they were two?
So if one day they get to read this, they should know that they were brave and strong on their life-changing journey. They boarded the plane holding our hands. They didn’t bristle when the engine started. And while it’s true, once Djoulens started crying, then Rayanson started crying, then Janaïca and Leandro quickly got into the act, and for a few minutes, it was a bad opera inside that fuselage — still, within minutes, they had cried themselves into a nodding sleep.
And when we landed, they awoke to smiling staff and waiting vehicles, which brought them to a new home, a place of open space, green lawns, clean beds, drinkable water, three healthy meals a day, a sprawling school, and, most important of all, crowds of other excited Haitian children, ready to welcome them in.
“Let’s say their names together,” we exhorted the kids their first night while sitting together in the gazebo. “Ja-na-ica.”
“JA-NA-ICA!”
“Ju-lens.”
“JU-LENS!”
“Ra-yan-son.”
“RA-YAN-SON!”
“Liandaro.”
“LI-AN-DRO.”
It may not be a chorus of trumpets, but it was a pretty royal welcome.
As a new group arrives for childhood, another leaves for adulthood
Meanwhile, as this quartet of new faces began blending in, a quintet of teenagers was on a different journey. For the first time, our college bound seniors did not go directly to universities in America, but instead, deferred their admission for 12 months, so they could do a year of service elsewhere in their own country.
Thanks to partnerships we have forged with other amazing non-profits and NGO’s, our five recent graduates, Bianka (18), Bidengy (19), Louvennson (19), Appoloste (20) and J.U. (19), are currently spending their days helping those less fortunate.
In other words, before they go to America to improve their own opportunities, they must improve life for their fellow Haitians. We recently implemented this as policy. I think it is a good one. Only one percent of Haitians ever go to college. It’s critical for our kids to know the needs of the 99 percent who do not.
So Appoloste and J.U. are now volunteering at Haiti Health Foundation in Jérémie, about a 10 hour car ride from our orphanage. So far they’ve done everything from help repair generators to run day camps to deliver medicine to remote villages. They cook their own food, wash their own clothes, learn to live life on their own, and, most importantly, see firsthand the daily struggles of Haitians who don’t have an organization supporting them.
“The other day I saw a man in the street where water was coming out of a sewer,” J.U. told me. “He was gathering the water in a plastic bottle to have something to drink.
“It made me so appreciate just the simple things I have.”
Bianka, Bidengy and Louvennson are working with Haiti Ocean Project, a marine life preservation and education charity located in Nip (Nippes) in southern Haiti. They’ve done everything from tag sea turtles to teach English to local children. They, too, must fend for themselves, even carrying water to their apartment from a nearby well. And they, too, are getting firsthand empathy for the lives of their countrymen.
“Every day I come to work, I see a woman who is wearing the same clothes, every day, the same thing,” Bianka said. “I never thought I had a lot of clothes. But it made me realize how much I do have.”
A group of words that I should never have to write
These are good reports. They show growth. Development. I hope such positive news helps counter some of the shameful negativity currently being heaped upon Haitians in America.
The recent false accusations against Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, has, sadly, already had ramifications on our kids in college in the U.S. They get asked if it’s true that Haitians eat housepets. One was asked if they eat humans, too.
This blatant disrespect for the humanity of others has no place amongst decent people. It also casts a shadow on our nation for those living in Haiti.
Understand that America is a magical place in the minds of many people here. A place that sends angels to distribute medicine, dig wells, build houses, teach children. Yes, some in Haiti resent the presence of outsiders, but for the most part, U.S citizens are appreciated, and our country hailed as a place that is blessedly devoid of many problems that plague everyday Haitians.
We should not — and cannot — destroy that by jumping on a bandwagon of false accusations against immigrants. I trust those of you who read these dispatches know the truth about the Haitians who come to our country, whether for study, for safety, or for the chance at a better life.
They are not coming to eat pets.
How sad that I even have to write that.
The truth is, “a better life” is all that motivates us here at the orphanage. I watch the fresh faces of our newest arrivals, how their airplane tears have been replaced with wild laughter, how their early fears have melted into joyous days and restful nights.
And I listen to the new maturity of our teenage graduates, who speak now of the good they are doing. It warms my heart.
Autumn is here. The school bell rings. We start anew in so many ways, but with an old philosophy — that children are the future and the future deserves our loving attention. Thank you for all you’ve done to make better lives possible for so many.
Thank you Mitch and Staff for being the hands and feet of Jesus. I am so proud to donate to this worthy organization and plan on giving more.
Your doing wonderful work.
Such a beautiful story. I always enjoy reading and all of his books. I am from the states who would love to get involved in Haiti. Please reach out to me?
This is beautiful, spiritual work you are doing. It makes all the difference for children to have physical needs met with at least one consistent, caring adult, in a safe space. Thank you for your service to what is good in the world.
I would like to visit and volunteer sometime.
My heart goes out for these little ones. How my family would love to provide a home for them. The prejudice in America is ridiculous. Having recently been a teacher in South Florida, I had many Haitian students (many of whom read Tuesdays with Morrie and found it life changing) who were dedicated, intelligent, loving learners. I am so disappointed in the way these rumors are running rampant. I am praying for these children, the college students, and all of you sacrificing so much for the future of these wonderful children of God.
Thank you Mitch and your team for your work. The faces of the children arriving, those waiting to welcome them, and the young adults embarking on their year of service speak volumes. I am one of your many Tuesday people, and know that Morrie is with you.
Your reports always bring tears to my eyes! You are doing such good work!
Mitch, any time a newsletter arrives from you I read it several times, pass it on to my husband and share it with as many friends as possible. I feel awful that your college students are subjected to any “wisecracks” from fellow students about the ludicrous statements made by our politicians (all proven to be falsely promoted by a single individual}. Praise to God and to all those who make the school work so well.
I love keeping aware about the events and accomplishments that are happening at the Have Faith Orphanage. Welcome to the new arrivals and congrats to the crew of volunteers. I am a huge fan of a gap year of volunteerism before moving on to University and/or future careers. I would like to see it in practice everywhere!
…A special shout out to Bianka!
Mitch,
You and the Team at the orphanage do amazing work! God Bless you all! With this negative misinformation you alluded to, perhaps you could invite the Trump campaign to read this newsletter about the terrific work being done to help those in need.
I am so sorry to hear how the effects of untrue words have impacted many others from the same country and culture. Thank you for all you and your team do for the children. Sad times, all we can do is educate the public and show the realities that exist. Dog and cat eating is not one of them.
Thank you for your newsletter. It is so wonderful to read about the children under the care of your organization. You give hope and inspiration in this world.
I am always so glad to see a post from Have Faith Haiti in my inbox! I have been following current events in Haiti and pray for all of you and the citizens of Haiti. It’s wonderful to read that you are able to keep the children safe and well amid the chaos outside your gates.
Springfield, Ohio, is my hometown, and I am both horrified and embarrassed to have the whole world think of us as a bunch of ignorant bigots who would deny our Haitian immigrants their dignity and humanity by perpetuating such offensive nonsense. Please know we are not all this way.
Thank you Mitch and all who work with you. I’ve loved your books. My brother recently passed with ALS. Your “Tuesdays with Morrie” was a blessing to us siblings. I also have been to Haiti with a church group and fell in love with the people. (A total of about 4 years with average 4 months at a time.) I’m glad you mentioned the ugliness about the false narrative hurting the Haitian population in Springfield, OH. I’m sharing your post.
These people have been through so much, if they wanted to eat a dog, I’d let em! Yes, folks, some foreigners do eat dogs, very few but some. But if they’re not eating your dog, as Governor Walz says, “Mind your own damn business!” It’s just a dog. It’s not a person. Like it’s just a cow or a fish or a goat. Many, many people in this world don’t have the luxury of pretending some dumb animal is “part of the family.” We should have a little more empathy there and be less self-absorbed.
As the mother of 3 adopted children, I am moved beyond words. I previously requested info on how I can donate monthly without auto draws on my bank account. So much fraud in these times, I cannot risk giving out my bank info.
I would send a check from my bank through Billpay each month. I seriously want to help! Please respond!
p.s. I have read every book you’ve written and await more inspiring words from you, Mitch. God bless you always!
I’m so proud and grateful for the wonderful work you’ve done for these precious, young children in Haiti! We are the proud grandparents of Nicole Dunteman and will continue to support your work through her and Hope College!
God Bless the children and all who are disadvantaged. God Bless those like Mitch Albom and his volunteers who do God’s work!!
Thank you, Mitch and your team! What a beautiful work you are all doing in the lives of these precious children! I love your books and know they are an inspiration! Holding you all in our prayers and for peace and restoration for all of Haiti. God bless you and your team as you help these wonderful children!