Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday

 Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Many Hands... Haiti. 

The past several days here have been nothing like what the media persists in reporting. Since a picture is worth a 1000 words, here we go!

SATURDAY....20 Brides and Grooms, Guests, Vows, Prayers from their pastors, and a little reception. 

SUNDAY... A visit to little baby Doux Elyce at a nearby hospital. 

His grandma has been such a SOLDIER for him. He had surgery and is recovering. He is not yet 2 months old. Doux Elyce is part of the Me Bel Mer First Thousand Days program. MH has been able to support the family through this very scary time. Baby and Grandma are still at the hospital. 

MONDAY.... Many Hands Haitian Staff participated in an all staff training event.

 Nearly all 140 staff, arriving from five different locations, were present. "COMMUNICATION" was the first topic shared. Imagine the communication challenges with unreliable phone signal and less than unreliable internet connection. Next was a presentation to encourage MH staff to believe that they CAN make a difference. Even when others may say otherwise. And finally, good, solid information shared according to the Haitian Labor Code about procedures that should be followed by an employer and employees to ensure good work ethics, improved work performance, and ways mutual respect can be demonstrated.

TUESDAY.... Many Hands gathered again for the All Staff Christmas party.

A Christmas meal was shared together, 

fun and games including "Bowling", and "Bags"

Each staff member recieved a Christmas gift of 

a 25-pound bag of rice and a gallon of cooking oil

A developing MH Christmas tradition... 

friendly 'Futbol' challenge between departments. 

Here The Agronomy Department and the Spiritual Development Department 

are fairly evenly matched. 

WEDNESDAY.... Christmas food gifts shared.

The father of this family described how hard he works to provide for his family. 

He continued by saying, "but actually today, I didn't have anything for them." 

God's timing is perfect. 

The man also exclaimed, "I don't have a house!" This house for a family of six is barely standing.

 But strong faith carries them from day to day. 

The next stop was this family. Mother and two sons who have mobility impairments.

 

Both young men are participants in MH Raised Bed Garden program. This was one of those moments where you go bringing a blessing to others and YOU yourself leave being blessed MORE. 

All the family members expressed how they pray for MH. Mom says, "I pray to God for MH that God would open all doors that are closed so that the ministry can grow so that the people who can't make it alone can find the help they need." SHE concluded by proclaiming to US, 

"May God Bless You. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!"