Haiti
Deaf Community Visits their New Homes!
Bonswa!! Greetings from Port au Prince Haiti. I hope this post finds you all doing well and loving life wherever you may be. I write to you tonight at the end of a very long couple of weeks during which I experienced many days of leaving home in the pre dawn gloom, only to return from work to a dinner many hours cold. Fatigued, sometimes frustrated, and always working hard, please allow me the opportunity to share with you tonight the kinds of relationships and experiences that make every mere hardship melt away into overwhelming joy that uplifts a tired body and mind.
On Saturday a bus full of people from the deaf community traveled to Leveque to view the new homes they will be moving into on February 7th. Many families had requested this visit before the big move as there are understandable fears and anxieties surrounding what will be a major life change for them. The bus arrived and over 70 deaf people exited the bus at the site of the first 50 new homes for their community. Within a few seconds many were running up to me in the tightest and most beautiful embraces I have ever experienced – in nearly complete disbelief that these are their new homes, hands were waving in the air and conversations could not occur amidst inexplicable excitement and some of the most animated sign language I have ever observed. How can I even explain the scene . . .? Kisses on the cheek from mothers, hearty handshakes and hugs from the men and animated questions from the children wanting to know first where the new soccer field will be located. I sit tonight with tears coming to my eyes once again just reflecting on what this means for hundreds of people who have become family – who have been asking for a chance at a new life, only now truly beginning to understand the opportunities available to them within the next 6 months.
While explaining more about the land and future phases of the project I noticed many families at houses sitting together and discussing where they were going to plant gardens – I caught a vision of life together in the new community and this is a vision I fully expect will be realized, in the initial phases, in the next two weeks.
To end long and challenging days of work with a hearty meal and vegetables grown in the new gardens, picking ripe fruit from the new trees, and offering prayers of thanksgiving together will be a regular occurrence – Also sitting on the front porches of the new homes with cups of Haitian coffee while overlooking the incredible mountains and engaging in Bible study and storytelling together using our new solar lights that will be available for each home – I hope a regular endeavor. With people willing to work very hard and who also take care of each other in the pursuit of their goals we have not even begun to tap into the possibilities.
We have building projects including over 100 more homes, a church, school, community center, recreation areas and many opportunities for investment financially, but it is always more important to remember that we are investing in people who have come together to support one another through the most challenging time in living memory. In the deaf community we have found a community truly unique, led by a council that exhibits servant leadership and a willingness to work incredibly hard just for a chance to show their countrymen (and the world) that they are capable.
There is a long and challenging road ahead, but we are in it together to support and encourage when needed and also to celebrate and enjoy life together through it all. I came across a Haitian saying that has been more commonly used in recent months in this country – people in our communities simply say, “Ayiti p’ap peri-” “Haiti will never be finished.” AMEN
grace and peace,
Kyle
About Kyle Reschke
Kyle is a missionary of Frazer United Methodist Church in Montgomery Alabama, in partnership with 410 Bridge and Mission Of Hope. He is the Project Coordinator for the Haiti Deaf Community.
Comment
Stan Stepleton
February 1, 2012 at 3:30 pmGrace and peace to you as you do the Hard work of Helping People. Blessings on you and your work. I was there, my heart is still with the many who upon my leaving placed pieces of paper, paper plates and styrofoam boxes with their names and “gifts” on them in my hand and pockets. You give them the greatest gift of all HOPE in a better life and a life with Jesus in their hearts. Blessings to you and hugs to all. I am Stan
Kyle Reschke
February 2, 2012 at 12:29 amHey stan! The community speaks very highly of you and your time with them over the last several years. Thank you for your support and passion for this ministry.
The Stevens Family
February 1, 2012 at 9:32 pmWe just can’t wait to get there! What great work you are doing and so quickly it’s getting done! Can wait to see the progress ourselves! Everyone says a big Bonswa!!
Cynthia Green
February 1, 2012 at 10:50 pmMy eyes are filled with tears of joy as I think of the people of the Deaf Community moving to LeVeque. I will have you and all of them in my prayers. I know it was a wonderful day when everyone visited their new homes. Thank you for all the hard work you are doing. Please give everyone my love.
Love and Peace,
Cynthia
Joel Owens
February 2, 2012 at 3:34 pmKyle, this is amazing. It totally brought tears to my eyes as I imagined what it must of been like to see the smiles on the faces and to see their hands waving in excitement. We were truly blessed to come visit with you and I have told many people about my time there. Alex and I both left Haiti with a heart for the Deaf Community and our college students are looking forward to a visit in the future. I pray for you often. Give our regards to Mack and the rest of the leadership counsel. Blessings to you all!
Joel
Elwyn Gaissert
February 3, 2012 at 3:19 amYou and the Deaf Community are in our thoughts and prayers. We at Roswell Rotary, Alpharetta Rotary and 410 Bridge had a wonderful experience with you and the families.
Bill Plaza
February 3, 2012 at 7:28 pmKyle, You are doing such an incredible job! It seems that all your visions (from the table at New Life) are coming true! Sorry that I missed your visit in Naperville. Patty V said hello to you! I hope to see you soon at New Life! Bill
Dr. Murdock Henderson
February 4, 2012 at 9:36 pmDear Kyle,
I am an adjunct associate professor at Gallaudet University. One of the courses that I am currently teaching has to do with social injustice and inequalities in developing countries–Haiti is one of our primary focuses.
Soon, we will be having students in this class become actively involved with the Deaf Village project. They will begin blogging you this upcoming week.
Thank you so much for all of the wonderful work that you are doing.
Cheers,
Murdock
Kyle Reschke
February 8, 2012 at 4:56 pmbonswa Dr. Henderson!! The students have already posted many great questions and comments! Thank you for the support
Justin Gallo
February 6, 2012 at 4:11 pmFirst off I would like to thank you for taking the time to answer our questions the we had about Haiti and the project you’re involved with. It was a unique experience conducting a Q&A session via Skype, being able to see you from the other end of the webcam.
Secondly, much props for all the work you’re doing for the people of Haiti, especially for the Deaf members of the community. Time is short and people consider it valuable. You sacrificing your own time in order to make a better living for others is amazing. You could doing your own thing which a lot of people are doing now a days.
Last but not least I am eagerly looking forward to reading your next blog about the official move in ceremony. Keep up the good work
)
Chelsea Owen
February 6, 2012 at 8:49 pmThank you for taking the time to update! So thrilling to read what the Lord is doing in and through this deaf community.
Kristy Ramos
February 7, 2012 at 2:28 amMy name is Kristy Ramos. I am currently attending Gallaudet University. I’m taking GSR 241 class. GSR 241 mainly focus on children’s right on movement. And it required community service which means by planning and organizing fundraising, food drives, etc. contribute to deaf community in Haiti. I really enjoy reading your blog. I got goose bump after I read your blog about deaf community. It made me want to be involved and helping deaf community in Haiti. What do deaf people in Haiti need? Do you have any idea what me and my class should fundraising?
Kyle Reschke
February 8, 2012 at 4:53 pmHi Kristi,
Please allow me to reply to the posts from you and Justin here. First of all, thank you for your continued interest and support. We have many exciting projects with the deaf community and there are absolutely several specific items your class and University can keep in mind while fundraising.
1. Solar Lights – both interior portable lights and exterior community lighting are major needs right now. For example, $30 will purchase a portable interior solar light for a family in their new homes – such a donation will allow families many more hours each night to communicate in sign language and engage in education programs together.
2. Any educational materials will come in handy – as we seek to offer free sign language classes to the hearing residents in the new community, many materials are needed including textbooks, video materials, projector, sign language resources, salaries for after school tutors, funding for children’s education, (just to name a few items).
3. Micro-enterprise small loans – as we move forward into next phases of the project, small businesses education and loans will be necessary for hundreds of families. Even $50 can provide the start up loan for a family hoping to make food to sell within the community or to start a new family garden to sell vegetables and produce at the local market. More specific lists of these ideas will be available in the coming months.
4. Out of Gallaudet University you all could be powerful in supporting a new interpreter training school. Interpreters are very hard to find in Haiti and as you know it is a tremendous blessing to visit the hospital, attend education programs, go to church, etc… knowing that a quality interpreter will be present.
I hope this helps clarify a few things for you!! Keep working hard and passionately seeking ways to help the deaf in Haiti!
Justin Gallo
February 7, 2012 at 11:45 pmSorry I forgot to mention, I am a fellow classmate of Kristy at Gallaudet University. In our conversation in skype you mentioned that one of your goals is to get numerous solar cells for lights etc… What other items would come in handy? I’m not sure what water system is going to be set in place, is there some sort of filtering system there? Is it possible for you to list a few other items you would like to see distributed among the community?
Justin Gallo
February 9, 2012 at 11:32 amKyle,
From what I understand, the Deaf people in Haiti have their own sign language. Is the language widespread, knowledgeable amongst the Deaf? Do any of them know ASL (American Sign Language)? If they know both, do they have a preference in which they prefer to communicate with?
Aldo Cornejo
February 12, 2012 at 5:20 pmDear Kyle,
I want you to know who I am. I am a student from Gallaudet University. I am taking this course GSR 241.04 about children’s rights. My teachers are Murdock and Matt. I am interesting this course to learn any cultures of all the World which is one of this country Haiti too. First of all, I want to thank you to allowed us to interview you on Skype’s video.
Truly, I was surprised what you told us about Haiti. I have never heard that. I am happy to know it from you. I hope that Haiti will improve its education, government, social, and environment.
I will blog you more next weeks. I keep a contact of you. I am happy for you what you have been doing there. All people from Haiti are happy to have you, I know that.
Again, thank you so much!
See you later,
Sincerely,
Aldo C.
Kyle Reschke
February 17, 2012 at 8:44 pmHey Aldo! Thank you for the encouragement. Keep up the hard work with your class and I look forward to speaking with you all again next month. You all have great fundraising ideas and I will continue to pray that you all remain passionate about this work.
Dr. Murdock Henderson
February 16, 2012 at 1:34 amHi Kyle,
Due to restrictions by the US Department of State, are there any other avenues in which students from Gallaudet University can volunteer some of their time in Haiti?
I’d also like to see if there is an interest for Education majors here at Gallaudet to perhaps offer some of their expertise in Haiti?
Cheers,
Murdock
Kyle Reschke
February 17, 2012 at 8:32 pmBonswa Murdock. It is very possible for students to volunteer their time in Haiti. They can come down with a 410 Bridge open trip over the summer or in the fall. Let me check on the actual dates but it would be great to have a few students on our trips in July and October. They can come down for a week to engage in projects, programming and sharing with the deaf community in Haiti to learn more about how they can serve and return to the US for fundraising and firing others up for the project.
Randa Hermez
February 16, 2012 at 10:34 pmHi Kyle,
I hope you are doing fabulous in Haiti! I would like to introduce myself, my name is Randa Hermez from Michigan and I am currently attending to Gallaudet University. I am taking Global Children’s Rights class which is GSR (General Studies Required.
First of all, I would like thank you for sharing your blog with us and also your time on SKYPE in classroom while you were in Haiti.
Secondly, seeing you working with Deaf children and adult absolutely inspired me. It made me want to go to Haiti to help you and them out. If I had one million dollars, I would fly there right away and build houses for them too! My group and I are going to sell Haitian coffee which is The Land of a Thousand Hills once we get them as soon as possible.
Thirdly, what made you decide to involve in the Deaf community? Was it difficult to learn sign language? Just Curious!
God bless you! =)
Randa
Kyle Reschke
February 17, 2012 at 8:41 pmBonswa Randa! Thank you for the introduction and encouragement. I think your class came up with an awesome idea to sell the coffee on campus in order to fundraise for the community. I hope you someday have an opportunity to travel and work here in Haiti. It is always my pleasure to talk with college students and people who are passionate about work with the deaf community in Haiti. I will be speaking to your class at least 2 more times this semester.
Sign Language here in Haiti was pretty easy to learn – I did not know sign language before moving here and my need to spend everyday in the deaf community meant that I needed to learn quickly. I was forced to practice signing with the deaf leaders each day for many hours and as they are fantastic and patient teachers, I was able to learn basic sign in a few months. Keep following the blog and I also look forward to speaking to your class again next month.
Aldo Cornejo
February 19, 2012 at 11:52 amDear Kyle,
How are you doing there? I hope you are doing fine in Haiti. How is environment from Haiti? How are people there? Are there healthcare for them?
You know that my group of classmates and I will help you to fund money selling bags of coffee on campus. We are exciting to sell coffee and hope we will fund a lot of money than we expect. Soon we will begin to sell, we cannot wait it! I will let you know how we are going.
You and we are a team, one team together to support for Haiti. I believe it.
I will keep blogging you next weeks. Take care of yourself there.
God bless you!!
Sincerely,
Aldo C.
Kyle Reschke
February 21, 2012 at 10:53 pmAldo! it is good to hear from you again. Thank you for the reminders that we are all a team. There are many people around the world who are supporting this project, and it is their passion and hard work that makes so much of this possible. Please keep me updated on all of your fundraising efforts at the University. Your entire class has provided a lot of encouragement to me. Please know that I am very thankful for your support and your efforts on behalf of the Haiti deaf community.
Kristy Ramos
April 20, 2012 at 11:09 amHi, Kyle
How are you?
My group and I decided to fundraising solar lights and it’s very successful. So far We earns about 700 dollars and Our goal is to earn 1,000 dollars. I know we will accomplish our goal.
Sincerely,
Kristy
Kyle Reschke
April 21, 2012 at 6:10 pmKristy!!! That is FANTASTIC news. I know all of you are busy and struggling with finances as you work through college – I think it is inspiring that you all work so hard for the sake of our deaf friends in Haiti. I am scheduled to talk to your class via skype on Monday and I look forward to seeing you all then. Keep up the fantastic work!
Randa Hermez
April 24, 2012 at 10:08 pmHi Kyle! How are you? It was really nice seeing you on SKYPE again!! While you discussed about supporting those Deaf Haiti families, education, and solar lights, it made me more motive than last time because I do REALLY want to come and visit Haiti to support and help them some day. Two weeks ago my group and I had fundraised at UnityFest for Deaf Haitians. Working with them was really enjoying! I’m glad I did it because as speaking as myself, I LOVE TO HELP PEOPLE who needs supports!
I’m interested in working with you in the Deaf community one day. You have my email, let me know whenever you need anything.
Thank you so much for your time with our class, teachers, and interpreters!
Bless you and Haiti Deaf families!!
Kyle Reschke
April 29, 2012 at 1:28 pmRanda!! Thank you for the post. I will absolutely be keeping you in mind for everything regarding the deaf community. As we move forward keep following along on this blog. And of course, whenever you find yourself able to travel here to work with us, you are always welcome. The haiti deaf community will love meeting a student from Gallaudet!
Mela Langinbelang
April 25, 2012 at 10:44 pmHi Kyle,
My name is Mela Langinbelang and I am enrolling in a General Studies Requirement (GSR) 241 course under Dr. Murdock Henderon and Mr. Matthew Rider at Gallaudet University. First of all, I would like to commend you on your outstanding work you’re doing out there for the deaf community in Haiti. The Haitian people are truly blessed to have you out there.
Secondly, I wanted to let you know that my group did a fundraising at a unityfest on campus selling cookies and beverages. It was a successful effort and the group had a great time. This was also a great opportunity to do something for the Haitian deaf community and I thank you for leading us to this opportunity.
Good luck with everything in Haiti and may God bless you in all you do.
Mela
Kyle Reschke
May 15, 2012 at 8:14 pmThank you Mela!! I was extremely blessed to talk with you and your class last month – I don’t know if you could all see it on the projector screen, but I teared up when you all were explaining your fundraising efforts to me. Thank you for your hard work. There will be many more opportunities ahead for you and your classmates to be involved. I am excited to continue working with you!