As we take a moment of silence today, to remember the lives that were lost during the January 12, 2010 earthquake that devastated the capital of Haiti. Let us also remember the lives that are still there. Those people who are still hoping for a better Haiti; those in the city and those in the provinces.

Please take a moment of silence.

Thank you.

Haiti has come a long way from the last time I was there. There’s so much I want to say but I don’t want to bombard you with this long letter. I took lots of pictures so you can follow the link to see for yourself. However, I will say this, my recent trip to Haiti was more about the rediscovery of a land which I left when I was just seven years old. I reunited with family I had not seen for over 20 years. I also had the opportunity to meet young Haitians who have decided to move back to Haiti, visit organizations, eat great food, follow up on Shalom Village Orphanage in Cap-Haitien, and truly enjoy what Haiti has to offer.

As I continue my studies here in Philadelphia, I look forward to going back to my country to be a part of sustainable development. I will be honest, I did see progress but the work isn’t over. And as many have stated, it will take the strength of Haitians to truly bring Haiti to the level of the modern world.

Nou kapab!

Maeva's Haiti Project Update

Dear family and friends,

                   

Me, Sonson and Junior at Shalom Village this past March

I know it’s been a while since my last update regarding the work I am doing with children living in shelters and institutional homes in the Republic of Haiti. To be honest, I’ve been a little discouraged, overwhelmed, and lonely. It’s okay, I was told this is normal for people who spend hours and hours taking care of others and moving away from their social support and comfort zone.# However, I realized that my emotions come and go but the vision that I have for Haiti will not expire. I am determined to keep going because I know that I am called to my people in Haiti, specifically children. I’m writing to let you know how I’ve been and how you can support the work that I’m doing. Yes, I will ask you for money, just letting you know now just in case you don’t feel like reading the rest of my heart. (If that’s you click here to donate or send a check to 205 W Tulpehocken St Philadelphia, Pa 19144 :-)

As most of you know, I am currently in Philadelphia, PA doing what I call on the job training (graduate school) at Eastern University. I’m pursuing a degree in Urban Studies with a concentration in Arts and Transformation. My current proposed thesis research is art-based approaches to combating malnutrition in rural communities. You can read  the article I wrote entitled “Life of a Child in Haiti”.

My assistantship with BuildaBridge International started in January after I settled into a third new city and god-forsaken climate! ( I survived my first winter).  I am now THE Haiti Arts Relief and Development Coordinator, check out our strategic plan. BuildaBridge is primarily a volunteer organization.  I’m very fortunate to find an organization like BuildaBridge to provide me with the outlet to not just share my vision for Haiti but implement it. Drs. Corbitt and Nix-Early, the founders, have been very supportive in providing me with the tools to build something that is sustainable. In March, I went on my first survey trip to meet with potential alliances and I was able to meet with UNICEF. I presented the vision and they seemed to really like it, so we’ll see where that goes. I was also able to go back to Shalom Village Orphanage with a group of friends who joined me later on the trip and man the kids have gotten bigger!  I’m so happy now in this new position, I not only get to impact the children at Shalom but children throughout Haiti living in shelters and institutional homes. It’s like God couldn’t of created a better path for me. Check out the article I wrote about “Finding Your Path”.

This new position is not a salaried one, not yet anyway. I’m still applying for grants, planning fundraisers and seeking support. This is where you come in. I know some of you have been consistently donating towards Shalom Village which is awesome and I’m very thankful that you continue to do this. I am also asking for you to support the vision that I have to help children throughout Haiti. BuildaBridge International has years of experience in working in communities of poverty and crisis and also has the capacity for administration which allows me to focus totally on Haiti. I plan to go back to Haiti on June 16th, 2011 to stay for the entire summer to coordinate an arts camp at an elementary school, provide assistance at Shalom Village, and meet with more potential alliances. I need to raise $20,000 for the project this year. Your contribution is tax-deductible (and BuildaBridge has an accountant to take care of your statements for you :-).  You’ll need to make the check out to BuildaBridge and write “Haiti Project” in the ‘for’ line in order to receive income tax donate credit.

Become a part of this vision, together we can make it happen!

• Advocates $ 25 monthly
• Ambassadors $ 100 monthly
• Friends $ 500
• Patrons $ 1000 or more

If you are still reading and will support our Haiti Project:

Click here to donate or send a check to 205 W Tulpehocken St Philadelphia, Pa 19144.  You’ll need to make the check out to BuildaBridge and write “Haiti Project” in the ‘for’ line in order to receive income tax donate credit.