It is with a very sad heart that I am posting this last blog. There had been some miscommunication regarding the status of the children and MMM as a whole. As of today, I have received word that the orphanage is officially closed and the children have been placed with other siblings or extended family members. Their living conditions are not good and their futures look grim.
From what I have been told, the twins, Cardina and Cadjina, have returned home with their mother. The family says they cry and call for me often. Aquel is with an aunt. Fenelson is with a cousin. Marc-Antoine is with a cousin. Alicia is with an Aunt. Noula is with a brother. Ismalene is with a brother and Angeline is with a sister. Smith is with an aunt and his brother, Jeemy-Ska, is being cared for by a grandmother. I am sad that the brothers have been separated and more sad that all the children are apart. I can only hope that they still get to see each other either in school or just passing by.
Due to the dissension among the three men, Saint-Victor Sejour, Lucner Saint-Louis and Valentin Silvestre; along with the lack of funding from the sponsors in the U.S., the ministry as we knew it, has disbanded. The church and school are still in operation under the direction of Saint-Victor. Lucner has started a business in Gonaives to support his family of four. Valentin is now holding Sunday services in a home near the orphanage. Julius, our beloved watchman, went to seek employment with OFCB. He will be a true blessing there. No mention was made of the cook or housekeeper.
I have no way of contacting any of the children and can only rely on the eyes and ears of those who may come across them or any information regarding them. I know that God has the master plan for each one of their souls and can only pray that He keep them safe and healthy. I will miss the children deeply as well as the community of Bayonnais. I will miss the scenic mountain view and the spoken language of Creole (Krayol). I still hope to one day be in a position to continue my mission for the children and to follow through with the plan to improve the road conditions. Farewell to Haiti; farewell to my brothers and sisters in Christ. I will forever remember you. My heart is with you in spirit.
This is how I want to remember my children. Beautiful and happy. I can still hear the joyous laughter of each child and that spirit will carry me through until we meet again.
It is my prayer that the three men find it in their hearts to make peace with each other as well as with the other founders, Actionnel, Dimilsaint, and Firmen, of OFCB.
I truly believe that it will take heartfelt apologies, sincere forgiveness, and unconditional love to heal the hurts and division among them all. I understand that this is very difficult in their culture. I know it will be a huge lesson in honesty, humility and faith for those who choose to do so. Only then, can they move forward in a loving and productive way. Only then, can the community truly come together as a whole. Only then, can they be living examples of what God has instructed us to do. Above all, I pray that Haiti, as a country, will one day soon be at peace. This is my prayer and I know that God has the final word. In His Name, Amen.
News Update - April 28th:
I received an email from Saint-Victor this morning to let me know that all of the children are still attending school and going to church on Sundays. That is wonderful news!!!! I am happy to know that they still get to see each other and spend time together. This will change over the summer but they will at least have contact and worship together on Sundays.
He also said that the Methodist church offered to help the children with their books and bags for next year, except for Aquel, because of his age. He did not mention tuition or uniforms so I am not certain about those.
If anyone is still interested in helping the children of Haiti, please contact me at VJPierce@gmail.com. I will get you in touch with the people in Haiti who can help. Thank you for viewing this blog and thank you for caring.
Love to all, Vicki Jean
