THANKS PATTI AND LORRAINE!

One of our Directors, Patti Johnson and her mom, Lorraine came at just the "Nick" of time (no pun intended). They showed up with 4 bags full of toys, wrapping paper and games to keep our 43 kids happy! They worked the entire time baking cookies, wrapping presents and just playing with and loving on our great kids! Thanks, you made our celebration of the Lord's Birthday a lot more fun and easier on us! I forgot to mention they flew the "red eye" all the way from Los Angeles to be with us.

EXCITING DAY IN CYVADIER!

New Water System In Cyvadier

We hadn't even noticed that water was not running in Cyvadier. The people were walking a very long way to the base of the mountain to a spring for water. It had been maybe 5 or 6 months with no close-by water. We hadn't noticed because we have a deep well and have water all the time. When we were approached by the committee a couple of weeks ago to help financially with the project we were so touched. I contacted our Board of Directors and they said, "Yes!" This morning the water was running! We also paid for a 3/4 pipe to our property so we won't have to use our precious well water for washing autos, washing clothes, watering plants and etc. We hope that we will be able to show the people of Cyvadier that this is not the only water they need, they need the Water Of Life!

NEW CHILD JOINS HAF PROJECT!

This is Loveda Ashley Pierre-Louis. She is four years old and our newest addition to HAF Project! She was abandoned to the city of Jacmel and given to us yesterday by the Mayor of Jacmel. As most of you know, we are required to take any child from the city and surrounding area when they meet our requirements and we have room. She is an adorable little girl and very well adjusted to her new surroundings. She is living with our Nanny, Edith and little Kirby. She is available for sponsorship if any individual or group would be interested in helping this little girl. Keep watching the blog and web pages for other news about little Loveda and all the other kids! Thanks for checking the blog page and for your prayers and support!

Drex, Jo, Larry and Michelle

EGGS,EGGS,EGGS!!!

Well, most of you know that we have started a little farming business for the kids. We have purchased 50 laying hens, hoping for 40-50 eggs everyday. Well, the kids (and we adults) have been a little disturbed that for 2 weeks....NO EGGS! I guess they weren't old enough. But today we got our first egg. Jo and Larry heard some mighty loud cackling sounds from the coop. And, sure enough, our first egg arrived. After Jo cooked the egg the three boys got to eat 1/3 each! They were so proud. Now if the other 49 realize what they need to do........

We are in the process of building a kitchen and dining area. Here you can see 25 men who started working at 5:00 am and finished pouring the concrete on the roof around 6:00pm.

NEW YORK GROUP 2009

Well, the best salsa may not come from New York but one of the best groups this year did! Tony Sidor and his wife, Kathy, brought a great group from New York. This group consisted of Mike, Lora, Andrea, Jim, Lisa, Hysha, Hallie, Mark, Kelly and Kathryn. They worked on the landscape out front and did a great job of getting the property to look like it did before the hurricanes last year. They installed cabinets (built by the Washington group) for the little houses. They built and installed shelves. They were busy every single day. They had a great time of working with the kids for another VBS (which they loved dearly). They were a great group that can certainly come back anytime! Thanks, guys, for a great week of work and a loving spirit that will be remembered for a long time to come!
Larry, Michell, Jo and Drex

WASHINGTON GROUP 2009

What another great group from Washington! The group consisted of Kim, Deann, Billie Jo, Clayton, Crystal, Jay, Jordan, Josiah, Kasilyn and Lindsay. They worked very hard building new storage bins for all 4 of the little houses. They had a great VBS for all the kids. They moved more dirt to the front of the wall. They loved on all the kids. All in all they had a great week and the kids are still talking about it. All of the group are certainly welcome to return next year.
Larry, Michelle, Jo and Drex

ANOTHER IOWA GROUP!!

Well, we actually thought this group was given a reprieve from digging in the septic systems, but not so! It seems Larry found another digging project for the field bed for the new septic system for the kitchen and Drex and Jo's place. This group included Paul & Nancy, Kevin & Brenda. Nancy, Ken Burrow's sister, was the only one here before. They had a great week (but I'm not too happy about losing so many "Farkel" games)! They worked hard and played hard with all the kids. It was a great week for us too! You guys were awesome and can return any time you want!! Ken didn't come this time because of a mission trip to Africa. Ken, hope to see you guys next time, too!
Drex, Jo and Larry

IOWA GROUP 7-2009

Well, we thought this Iowa group was going to break the cycle of digging in our spetic systems. But, it didn't work out that way. This group spent quite some time digging out a clogged 4 inch line behind the big house and front field bed! So the cycle continues. There's another group coming this weekend from Iowa!!!!!Look out and be prepared! This group was brought in by group leader, Steve. It consisted of Diane, Heather, Amy, Annette, Nancie, Curt, and Jon. They were a great group and got so much accomplished. Besides digging in the septic system, they painted, repaired, taught, built beds and loved on the kids! The kids loved them and woke up this morning missing them so much! You guys can come back anytime!! Thanks so much for all your love, help and concern!
Larry, Drex and Jo

Georgia Group 7-9-2009

Jo and I just got back in time for the Georgia group's visit to HAF Project. What a great group. Holly (group leader), Meredith, Caren, Erin and Troy made up the group. They painted, cleaned the kitchen and dining area, worked with the food program, rearranged the clothing and food depots, played and loved on the kids, helped celebrate the July birthdays and much, much more. They are certainly welcome back any time! Thanks for your hard work!!
Larry, Drex and Jo

Crew # 2

Our second group from Tenn. was here and did a great job. What a group of hard workers. They were willing to step right in with the work. It was nice to have a nursing teacher on hand also, since some of our kids decided to come down with the chicken pox. Thanks to all of you for all that you did.

Michelle and Larry

Tenn. Group "Martin College)

We just finished our first of two groups from Martin College. THey were such a great group. They seem to get alot done during the week. One being the rising of our new swing set. It seems that the kids can not get enough of the swing. Thanks guys for all your hard work.

Larry and Michelle

THE GUYS FROM FRANKLIN

An all guys group from Franklin, Tennessee arrived just in time to help move Rosemond and her kids into the last restored house damaged by the hurricane. It was a big day to see all four of the houses hold children again. They also dug on the septic system. Great work guys! Although your trip was short, it wasn't short in the hard work and love you showed the mission. Looking forward to seeing you again. The group consisted of Jamie George, William Hampton, Alan Thompson, Brian Williams, Jeremy Breland, Joseph Leavitt, Christopher Thomas and Mark Stuart (not shown due to early departure).
Drex,Jo,Larry and Michelle

Kentucky Group Small - But Came With Big Hearts!!

Well, the Russellville,Ky Christian Church group has come and made their mark on HAF Project once more. Although small, they shared their big hearts in many ways. Sue, Missy and Billy painted, hung and stained doors, helped with the depot and food programs. They worked and played with the kids everyday. Our only regret is that their 8 days went by too fast! They are always welcome at HAF. Thanks, guys for a great week and look forward to next year!
Drex, Jo, Michelle and Larry

Kansas Group!!!

We were please to host a group of 9 people from Kansas this past week. They were a joy to have here at the Hands and Feet Project. They were such a good help with working on the house that was damaged during the hurricane season. They were a very fun group as well. The kids here enjoyed playing and swimming with the group. The group had the opportunity to be here while our kids were out for the Holiday season. Hopefully the group will be able to visit again one day. Again thanks for all your help this past week.

God bless you,
Drex, Jo, Larry, and Michelle

Oklahoma Group Is OK!

Andy and Christy McDonald brought in a fantastic group from Bethel Baptist Church, Norman, Oklahoma. The group also included Sarah Thomas, Mallory McGuire, Megan Stone, Casey Morgan, Lauren Phoenix, Jordan Brock, Joeseph Reynolds, Kim Burnes, Seth Patterson, Chase Dwiggins and Josh Long. This group painted the outside of the bottom two little houses, the wrought iron gates and rails, dug out the playground to make it safe for the kids to play,painted the steel playground equipment, dug a hole for shower drainage and many other things too many to mention! They loved the kids, helped Jo and Michelle with the depot and food programs! All in all they were busy from early morning to late evening. We even got to doctor Joeseph for a couple of days. It seems that he got kidney stones. With a fast call to Teresa(our PA friend) we started treating him with pain killer, antibiotics and a lot of water! Did I say a lot of water? The next day he had passed 3 stones and went home today feeling great! It was a lot cheaper doing it here than at home! A few of the group liked Haiti and HAF Project so much they are thinking about internships next summer and fall. Thanks for a great trip and your great love for the kids and the mission!
Drex, Jo, Larry and Michelle

Marie Madeliene Baptized!

What a great day for all of us at HAF Project. Marie Madeliene, one of our nannies, was baptized into Christ today. She is a nanny for the boys house. All the older kids and the other nannies went to the beach to witness this great day. Georgina read a scripture from the creole Bible and Mavensky read from the French Bible. This was such a blessing for us to witness. When Georgina came a couple of years ago she could not count and knew none of the alphabet. To see her stand there today and read was next to a miracle. This is what we are about. Many of the other kids were asking questions about becoming a Christian and being baptized. We pray that all of them grow up knowing Christ and His love. Thanks to all of you who make this possible.
Your Friends In Haiti
Drex, Jo, Larry and Michelle

ANOTHER MICHIGAN GROUP SPENDS A WEEK HELPING HAF

WOW! Another group from Michigan comes to help us at HAF Project. This group had Jim,Todd, Sharayah and Blair. Todd and Jim are both managers for Steve Fair and had been here before on Steve's group. Sharayah (Todd's daughter) and Blair (her friend) made their first trip to Cyvadier. They all worked hard and played hard with all the kids. The guys finished a project started by Steve's group. They finished cleaning between the little houses and poured a concrete floor for the little kids to have a great place to play and the nannies to wash clothes.The girls helped Michelle and Jo with the food program and arranging the depot for a much needed improvement, plus countless other projects. The entire group was so loving and caring for everyone at HAF! Thanks to all of you for a wonderful week! We all voted and you CAN return anytime! Looking forward to your fast return! P.S. All the kids say "Hi" and hurry back!
Drex, Jo, Larry and Michelle

Christianville Eye Team

We want to thank Dr. Ryan Price and his wife Teresa from Christianville for sharing their eye team with us at HAF Project. They spent most of the day Saturday, February 21st, with us examining all our children's eyes. This was after seeing hundreds of patients at Christianville, near Port-Au-Prince. What a blessing they have been to us. The team was from the Illinois College of Optometry. Most of these students are working on the Doctor of Optometry degree. They are all certainly welcome to come visit us anytime. Thanks Guys! P.S. Teresa and Ryan took "Tuggit" home. She was one of our new puppies. Their dog had just died of old age. We know they will take good care of her!
Drex, Jo, Larry and Michelle

A New Little Girl At HAF Project

WaWane Fortune, our new, little 3 year old girl, came to us recently from the mountains of Seguin. Her story is so sad, yet so typical of Haiti. Her very poor mother gave her to us as a last effort to keep her alive. You see, WaWane's other 9 siblings have already died from malnutrition/and or disease. Before she was here an hour Rosemond (our grandmother nanny)had taken her under her wing. They have bonded well and little WaWane is doing great! Please be in prayer for WaWane, her mom and our mission as we provide a loving, Christian home for her. If interested in sponsoring her write to joel@hafproject.org.

CA group!

We had the privilege of having a small group from CA to come and visit us a couple of weeks ago. They were such great help! So much was accomplished while they were here. The guys had to go back tired after all the wheelbarrows full of rock and dirt that they hauled. The women helped with getting one more of the houses livable. Now we are up to three houses running. YEAH!!! Thanks guys for ALL your help. We hope to see you again soon.

Michelle, Larry, Drex, Jo, and all the kids.

MID-WINTER UPDATE

Dear Family and friends:

Things here are getting back to normal since all of the storms. We have moved everyone back into houses, but are doubled up in two. Our boys’ house on the bottom floor is still unlivable.

We had a wonderful Christmas. The kids were so excited about Christmas. I was kind of excited myself for this was the first Christmas I was here with our kids. I was sooo thankful that Larry was here to help. He has been such a blessing to the mission and my self. We wrapped so many presents and I am just glad I had some help. Our kids worked really hard on a Christmas program for us. Larry and I were really touched.

All of our kids are growing like weeds. They are doing so well right now. One of our favorite things to do with the kids right now is hide n seek. Larry is the best hider of all of us. Actually either he or I hide. I just have one little problem when I hide, I forget were the barbwire fence runs. Yes it nailed me right in the face.

We have started up with groups. Larry and I hosted a group from PA. They were so great. We had a really great time with them. Then a group from Texas and New York. After that a group from Clare, MI. Drex and Jo made it back after a well deserved break to be with family and friends (and to play with their beautiful grandchildren). It is always great to have 4 great minds here with the mission.


Your friend,
Michelle

New arrivals!!!!

Hey everybody,

Just wanted to let you all know there has been some new arrivals here at the Hands and Feet Project. They are the cutest little things you can ever imagine. They are our Christmas Puppies. Yes that is right Madame TBone gave birth on Christmas day. The kids have been waiting patiently to play with the puppies, but momma is very protective. They have finally started coming out to play. Their names are Tuggit ( the tan one) and Bandit ( the white puppy).

The Pierschbacher Family visits with little Stephane

The Pierschbacher family from CA was here for the weekend to visit Stephane. They sponsor liitle Stephane. Stephane took right to the family. He was soooo cute with them. It was a real joy to get to know the family. Hopefully they will be abel to come and visit for a longer period of time. We really appreciate the Pierschbachers and all the other sponsors. We would not be able to do it without you.

Thanks,

Michelle, Larry, Drex, and Jo

Michigan Group Back Again!

Steve Fair was busy bringing yet another group to Cyvadier's Hands and Feet Project Orphanage. (Top L-R) Cam, Noelle, Morgan, Steve, Sam (Bottom L-R) Donnie, Scott, Tim. He was assisted by his daughter, Sam. This group included six new comers! They worked hard on several projects. It was a joy watching the group interact with all the 37 kids residing at HAF. Steve has been instrumental in introducing many people to become the hands and feet of Christ. Thanks, Steve and your group for an outstanding visit!

Drex, Jo, Michelle and Larry

The Girls were back!!!

The girls from Texas and New York was at it again. They came to work and that is what they did. Our clothing and food depot was cleaned by our PA group and finished off with the girls. It was a bitter sweet reunion because, this was the group that help build the depot at the beginning and here they are rebuilding. For those of you that do not know, our depot was distroyed from all of the storms. Larry went right to work rebuilding and the girls painted and restocked. We can't wait for their return, but hopefully they will have new jobs. hee hee

PA group

Hi everyone,

We just had a wonderful group from PA that came out to the Hands and Feet Project to dig around. (Literally) They were such a wonderful group of people. Not to mention that they came from Larry's home church. They were eager to jump right in there and get their hands and feet dirty for the Lord. Things around the place are really moving. We are really starting to clean up things and they are starting to look really good. Well we must sign off for now. Take care and come and visit.

Larry and Michelle