My thoughts today are on Fr. Gerard Jean-Juste, the extraordinary Haitian priest whose vision for a food program for the hungry children in his community inspired the birth of the What If? Foundation.  Fr. Gerry passed away two years ago today.  This huge loss is still felt so deeply among the poor in Haiti, especially in the Tiplas Kazo neighborhood of Port-au-Prince, and in the hearts of everyone who was inspired by his faith, courage, commitment to work for social justice, and the passionate, generous way he lived each day. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about him and his tireless advocacy for the poor.

I’m so grateful that I had the privilege of working closely with him for nine years on the food and education programs that he loved so much.  I learned so much from him and can still hear his voice encouraging me and all of us to continue to take small steps in faith and love to create positive change in the world. So on this special day of remembrance, I give thanks for the life of Fr. Gerry, for all he means to the What If? Foundation, and for his example of a life so well lived.