Three Things for 16 Sept 2026

19 hours ago

2 min read

Greetings! We're using a new setup here; bear with me as I adjust the formatting and learn new tools. Hope you enjoy the look of our new website! Thanks for being here,

1) Seventh grade classroom construction is funded!

I called, you answered. Thanks so much to our supporters who funded this project quickly. The guys are hard at work to complete this new addition to our school campus by October.

2) Making it happen

It's such a blessing to know we have the funding for our projects and expenses. But fundraising is just the start! The business of transferring money to Haiti is a whole other enterprise. Since the COVID-era, I've become spoiled because it, surprisingly, became easier and less expensive to send money to a bank in Haiti through Western Union. I'm talking same-day transfers in some instances. Since this summer, however, it's become difficult again. Sometimes my transfers are blocked or delayed on the Haiti side and Samuel is unable to receive.

Is this a temporary flux? Will it get worse? I don't know. Odds are it's a temporary flux, perhaps an effort to stimy the foreign funding of gangs. Likely, things will loosen up eventually. But it's a rather troubling thought, that I may lose the ability to transfer money to Piton. I mentioned this African proverb last week:

"When you pray, move your feet."

We're praying; we're moving our feet. The recent trouble I have getting money to my friends recently made me think of a Haitian word for which we don't have a one-word translation in English. It's just about the most Haitian word to express the Haitian willpower:

"degaje" (pro. dey-gah-zhey) To get something done by sheer willpower and cleverness.

Samuel and I have begun experimenting with different combinations of money-transfer methods, amounts, and bank accounts in USD and HTG currencies. I think for now we've found one that is working. We're moving our feet while praying that we can get the thing done through degaje. It's how you get things done in Haiti.

"I believe God will help us in all our activities.

I pray very, very much for this all the time." ~Samuel Pamzou, P.P. Director in Haiti

3) The passing of a beloved community member

This week the Piton community celebrates the life of Alvalette Obrisson, otherwise known as Simon (pronounced more like seymour). Anytime there was a construction or maintenance project, Simon was there with his toolbelt and rubber work boots. He worked circles around all the Americans and happily gave advice (through gestures) and swapped tools with the Americans. He had a kind face, smiling eyes, and a sweet spirit. I know our friends in Piton will miss him and I'm so sorry I won't see him again this side of heaven.