Hi everyone,

One area of Haiti I’m not sure we have talked much about is Cite Soleil — City of Sun, or Sun city, depending on your French. It was originally named Cite Simone after Haiti’s then First Lady Simone Duvalier.

What began as a housing development for workers at the nearby Haitian-American sugar cane complex, would soon grow into what is now considered one the western hemispheres largest and most dangerous slum, growing from what was intended, to the now estimated 250,000+ (some estimates say 400,00) that live there now.

It began in 1958 with the construction of 58 homes for workers at the sugar cane mills, which have long since disappeared. There are, however, areas you can still see some of the foundations and parts of the machinery that was used processing sugar cane. The neighborhood then grew into thousands of homes as the sugar cane business grew. The area goes from near the western edge of the airport to the sea. Anyone with a window seat flying into Port Au Prince has seen it. Its impossible NOT to see it.

According to USAID, half the houses are made of cement with tin roofs and the other half of scavenged materials. An estimated 75% are lacking even a latrine. At one time in the early 2000’s Haitian Police or the UN would not go very far into the area because they would be attacked. Most of the residents are children or young adults. The mortality rate is much higher from disease and violence. Most children have no idea what a normal childhood is. It’s worth noting that Cite Soleil covers less than 10 miles and it is estimated there are over 30,000 people per square mile.

It wasn’t always this way; at one point we held clinic there in a small school every Saturday, checking kids first then adults. We never had a problem; in fact we were always made to feel “at home,” and never once felt as if we were in danger.

What does Cite Soleil have to do with us now? Nothing, directly but indirectly, a lot. Many people who find they cannot survive out in the villages or countryside end up here or places like it. As bad as it can be in those areas, it is much worse in Cite Soleil. Each of those who work with us or for the ministry would tell you just how thankful they are for your involvement.

As always, thank you for all you do for our friends in Haiti and your prayers for Terry.

Steve and Terry

Hi everyone,

Terry and I hope all of you had a great Easter. Part of Missouri got an April Fool’s joke played on us by having snow and measurable snow at that for the first time since 1940…on Easter (and no, we don’t remember 1940)!

Unlike Christmas in Haiti, when only those who have money can afford to take part, everyone can enjoy Easter, including those who practice voodoo. In addition to it being a holy and celebrated day by Christians, it is a day when those in voodoo make a yearly trip to a waterfall in the village of Souvenance. There, they spend the day taking part in ceremonies to express their devotion to voodoo spirits.

Obviously, all the churches teach against that belief, but it is there. Each church in any part of Haiti must contend with voodoo daily as do the kids attending any church or mission sponsored school, especially if their family members are involved. In rare cases, such as in Belanger, the land for our school and church was donated by a man who was involved in voodoo.

Christian churches, such as the one we sent pictures of the last few months, are deeply grateful for the support they receive from their Christian friends in the U.S.

Terry continues to have problems with the treatments she is on. She began one treatment, had allergic reactions, started another, and had to stop it. It seems what she is taking now is not going to cause the same problems. The problem with it, and something we will have to deal with, is the bad headaches and body pain it is causing, along with severe fatigue. She has two months of treatment left before they will consider a transplant.

So…we need continuing prayer for the pastors and teachers of the churches and schools in Haiti, and at the same time Terry’s health concerns. We always appreciate everything you do for our friends in Haiti and for us.

-Steve and Terry