A daytrip to Jacmel brought a welcome break. It was my first trip to Trinity House, the third home in the St. Joe’s Family trio. Trinity House is a home for 25 former boy slaves. It is also a daytime school to 110 of the neighboring children, many of whom may still be in current child slave situations. Trinity House provides two meals, an education, and clean clothes to children who may otherwise be in situations where this is not provided.
I took a tour of the school and disrupted the classrooms with some candy breaks. As soon as I walked into the courtyard, several gleeful five year olds rushed towards me – each with the goal to grab one of my hands. They looked at me with wide eyes and huge smiles. This is what amazes me about the Haitian people. It does not matter how little they have, they are happy for what they do have.
One look at these innocent smiles and you wanted to empty your pockets into the school. They chased me around from room to room. They wanted your return smile and approval. It was the least I could give them.
One look at these innocent smiles and you wanted to empty your pockets into the school. They chased me around from room to room. They wanted your return smile and approval. It was the least I could give them.
A tour of the facility included the bakery and neighboring land where the Trinity House plans to expand its coffee operation and living quarters to house more children/volunteers. Now, what does a bakery and coffee have to do with impoverished children? Trinity House is fortunate to have many American supporters to help provide its funding. However, Michael wants Trinity House to provide an income for itself as well. As a result, they are building a bakery and teaching the people how to professionally bake, roast and bag coffee, and also manage a business.
Two hours later, a fresh baguette and loaf of bread were hot from the oven and ready for me to bring back home. A whiff of it told me they would be divine. In addition, the bakery manager gave me her email so that I could send recipes to help grow the business. I wish them lots of success as they teach the community something new that also will continue to give back to the Jacmel community.
I mean...really...how could you NOT want to help these guys?
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