Proud Parents & Playday

The sounds of roosters ring out as we awake for our third day in Haiti.  I thought to myself, what a different birthday I am having today.  As usual, the sunrise was beautiful as the Healing Haiti team greeted day.  After a devotion, prayer, breakfast, and cleanup we stored our water bottles, food, and other essentials for the day into our "tap tap" for our trip to the City Soliel, the poorest area in what is the poorest country in the western hemisphere.  Our destination, Hope Academy to see and experience their first ever Kindergarten graduation.  We take turns riding in front with our excellent driver and today was my turn.  As an Iowan and soon to be Minnesotan, the ride to and from City Soliel was a ride that I-35 and I-494 a "walk in the park".  We were blessed to have excellent driver as we have had everyday. 

Immediately upon arrival to Hope Academy a door opened and out walked about 30 proud and very well dressed Kindergarten students getting into position for their grand entrance to what was to be a first ever graduation for Hope Academy.  It was truly an amazing and beautiful event for the deservedly proud parents smiling and the Cite Soleil community. The smiles of the kids, parents, grandparents and school staff was easily seen throughout the entire time.  What a joyous occasion for everyone, including us!  As a retired educator it was truly one of the most special graduations I have ever seen.  Graduation not only included song and recitation of long paragraphs, but also a type of dance where a boy struts his stuff past all of the beautiful girls and then stops to ask one to walk with him.  It was fun and a cool thing for all to watch.

Throughout all of our time at graduation our Healing Haiti team engaged in support, talked with children, met parents, or holding small children, some of which actually fell asleep on their laps.  I believe that regardless of country, culture, or socio-economic status, all parents want the best for their kids and the Haitian parents at Hope Academy in Cite Soleil are no exception.  They were very proud of their kids and it was a blessing to have been able to see.

After our time at Hope Academy we drove to the nearby Cite Soleil "park" in need of work. It is one of the few parks.  The park had a stage, an open concrete area, and a small basketball court, all in need of significant repair. Although there was no advanced notice and we were immediately inundated with kids. Sounds of kids saying "hey you", a common greeting that is a fun and cheerful way  way to greet others.  For about 2 hours our Healing Haiti team was engaged in numerous activities with the children: talking with them, handing out cross necklaces and stickers, becoming human jungle gyms, playing soccer and basketball, jumping rope, giving horseback rides, swinging kids, and braiding of hair by the children of some of the young ladies.

It was a privilege to watch the Kindergarten graduates, their parents, and families and then to play with the children of Cite Soleil. Although I missed being with my family, this was a most special day for my birthday as I had the opportunity to join in and for a brief time feel like a proud member of Cite Soleil and to spend the day with my new Healing Haiti family.  What a blessing!

Greg Moen
Fairbank, Iowa