Dear Friends,

I’m so excited to tell you that Lavarice, our program liaison, arrived in Port-au-Prince with three truckloads of supplies this afternoon! We spoke for only a few seconds, but long enough for him to tell me that the trucks were pulling into the St. Clare’s rectory yard and that distribution of food and water was about to begin!

Lavarice had a chance to look at the food program kitchen building and says it looks undamaged. He’s planning to drive back to the Dominican Republic to get more supplies since he can’t get anything in Port-au-Prince right now. (Relief from the Port-au-Prince airport has not reached this area and there’s no system set up to direct aid to any particular spot.) With another load of supplies, the program leaders hope to have the food program back up and running again this week.

Talking to Lavarice today reminded me of the first email I ever received from Fr. Jean-Juste, the visionary Haitian priest who I partnered with ten years ago. It brings tears to my eyes to read it as I think of how far we’ve come since that first meal was served at St. Clare’s and how much I miss him since he passed away last May. Here’s what he wrote after receiving the first check we sent to help make his vision for a food program a reality:

Dear Margaret,

The program is wonderful! I just want to let you know that it is working beautifully. From 200 participants last Sunday, it has doubled today. We have been called to a big assignment from God in feeding the hungry brothers and sisters. The news is being spread. Children and their needy parents are pouring on us. I use many volunteers. Many youngsters want to help. I am using the rectory quarters. I need more chairs, more tables, more food, more of everything… There is great hope. Now I am exhausted. It is getting late. It is too much, too exciting to count and report all now. God certainly has talked to you today while we were implementing this great inspiration…

Best regards to you and all,

Gerry

Certainly today in the St. Clare’s neighborhood of Port-au-Prince there is great hope. I also know that we’ve been called to a big assignment in feeding the hungry, that the news of food and water at the rectory is being spread, that children and their parents are pouring on them, and that they need more of everything. Thanks to your help, we are able to respond. I couldn’t do it without you.

It is a privilege to work with the courageous, committed, faithful people of this Haitian community. They have taught me so much over the years about hope, love, and faith. I know that through this grassroots food program they will do all they can to feed as many people as possible in the weeks, months, and years to come using the financial contributions we are able to provide.

Some of you have been on this journey with me for many years. Others have just joined us this week. I want to thank all of you for your trust and generosity, as well as for your thoughts, prayers, and encouragement.

“Piti piti na rive.” Little by little we will arrive,

Margaret Trost