Life Around the Homestead

 Life around the homestead was always busy and busting full of people and fun.
Dorina started an amazing bead project called The Haitian Bead Project. 
She taught the ladies of Pignon and neighboring village, Savennette, to hand roll recycled cardboard beads and created beautiful jewelry. 
This business has allowed 70% of the profits to return to their village.
If you want to buy some of their jewelry, I have a large amount at my house right now.  
I had the pleasure of working with these ladies on several occasions. I even tried to make a bead...fail. It is hard work!

 We loved these precious ladies who made us breakfast and lunch every day. They cook over charcoal fires. Amazing!
They also did our laundry daily! What a treat!


One of these ladies made Tanner a special coffee each morning, too. He had brought coffee beans and a travel size French press. One morning he ground up the beans in their mortar and pestle while they watched. The next morning he had fresh coffee on the table waiting for him. Spoiled!

 Our friend, Bev, was also there with her daughter, Kelly. Bev is helping the Haitian leadership create and organize a budget while teaching them some bookkeeping skills.

 This was our dining room. Many great meals and stories are shared over this table.

  
This is Dorina, cooking us some grub. The indoor kitchen has a stove. No charcoal here! Good thing!

 This is Ericlee getting ready for church. A nice clean shave. They dress really nice for church in Haiti. No tank tops or shorts. Tanner wore a tie. Wow!

 One of the boys from the orphanage getting a nice haircut. Just a small blade did the job. Gabe declined getting a haircut, haha.

 Gabe loves the Gilmore's baby, Zayla! He spent a lot of time making her giggle and pushing her around the house in their stroller.
Zayla is the best baby! We miss her.

 Claire took this pic of the guys doing some Bible studying. Tanner was preparing to teach to the young adults group at the church.

 The boys loved Tanner. They were really into his muscles, haha.

 Claire was our biggest surprise of the trip. She absolutely can live in Haiti. She bonded instantly with the orphans and other children who showed up daily.
Every morning she would rise and head out to play with her friends, only to come back for meals.
They spent hours with her, trying to catch her geckos and other bugs. A little girl's dream come true!

 The girls did this doll's hair Haitian style. Loved it!

These two cousins were awesome. They helped out so much with translating for us. Now they are Tanner's newest Facebook buddies. Tanner gave his Fox hat to Wilcio for all of his extra help.

 One thing Gabe loved most about Haiti, the super extra large Coke in bottles!

 And last, but not least...this is Docina. We call him Doc. He is amazing. He made the grounds look so beautiful with amazing Haitian plants. He does everything around the house. A real handyman. Tanner bonded with him quickly as they did projects together all day long.
Tanner had to give him his Leatherman when he left, of course. 

Docs would stay late into the evening to make sure we were all settled. He even did our dishes after dinner, which was supposed to be our job. I love Doc!

Doc has asthma and has had to be hospitalized. His medication is costly. We will be sending money soon to help him with the costs. If you want to help out, please let us know. This man is a real gem and an amazing servant for God. You can also donate here.
Just leave a note saying "for Doc's asthma meds."