PLH Summer Kick Off

By Sarah Comstock

Project Living Hope’s mission is to empower Haitians to build a stronger Haiti, so why run a sports camp in Stayton and a fun run in Sublimity? Really, it is all about engaging with our community. Not everyone is able to travel with us to Haiti, but we hope all our Champions can engage with the mission of PLH.  One of PLH’s focus areas is athletics. Through athletics we offer children and youth a safe environment where they can play, grow, and be trained holistically in their faith, sport, and future. In the United States we often take for granted the opportunity for our children to participate in athletic programs. But, in Haiti, children typically do not have those same opportunities. Extracurricular activities are a luxury that few can afford, which means many children and adolescents fall prey to gangs or other harmful choices.

This past year has taught us all in the US to stop taking these opportunities for granted as well. So, when PLH started to see that there may be an opening in our hometown to engage the community, we decided to offer a sports camp for local kids, like we do in Haiti. For three days, June 23rd to the 25th we had over 120 kids out to the Foothills Church camp for 3 and a half hours of sports and fun! Kids were just getting out of school for the summer and we took this as an opportunity to show our home base how we work in Haiti.

Fortunately, we had a team of volunteers to help us bring this opportunity to our community. Thank you so much to Bill Pilgeram and Taylor Kelly head women’s and men’s basketball coaches from Corban, Tyler Butenscheon from Foothills and our very own Bethany Ferrigno who served as head basketball coaches for the camp! Thanks also to Jess Caze FSF Instructor from Oregon State and Jason Clark PE Teacher from Santiam Elementary School who served our local youth in our soccer program.

It was such a fun week.  We had about 80 kids in our basketball program and 40 in our soccer program.  Plus, another 30 volunteers gave of their time to help with this effort!  Each kid got to develop their skills at various stations led by leaders in the sport. They had snacks, free time and some fun doing Haitian inspired crafts. Amy Bentz our creative Communications Coordinator led the kids in crafts that helped them understand more of life in Haiti.  The soccer kids made cardboard cutout shin guards and were informed about how kids in Haiti are unable to afford nice things like store bought shin guards and soccer cleats, but they make do. The basketball kids got to make a ping-pong basketball craft that allowed them to see that kids with limited means can still do things to have fun. At the end of the week we even had special visitors from the Timbers U23 team!

We ended the Summer Kick Off camp with a fun run on Saturday, June 26th in Sublimity. About 100 community members participated in the first PLH 3K and 5K Fun Run and Walk. We took off at 9 am and it was already a record setting 80 degrees! By the time the run was done we were nearing 90 degrees in one of the hottest weekends on record in Oregon. Not surprisingly, our first-place finisher in the 5K was our very own Guesly Dessieux. Maybe the “Haitian” weather helped propel him along?

We had many sponsors and volunteers that helped make both events possible. Overall, we were able to raise about $2,000 to put on the same events in Haiti. We plan to run a sports camp like the one we ran in Stayton and will do a fun run on the road to our property. This will be our second fun run in Haiti. Ultimately our goal was connection: connecting our Oregon community with our Haitian community.  We believe this goal was accomplished. Our Stayton and Sublimity partners know more about the work in Haiti and their generosity has helped empower Haitians to build a stronger Haiti.  Thank you to all who helped make this possible!

Right now, we are running the annual Join the Community campaign. This campaign invites you to join the PLH community by becoming a monthly donor. Monthly giving fuels the programs and projects that provide hope to the community in challenging times. Just $15 a month helps to:

• Educate current and future professionals by providing English classes and other job skills programs.

• Empower youth by providing soccer and basketball programs that holistically train athletes in faith, sport, and future.

• Employ staff and construction workers with jobs to provide for their families.

• Expand the campus to better serve the community.

Thank you for your continued prayers, support, and partnership. 

Joyous Times

By Sara Dessieux

Our family returned to Oregon for the summer about two weeks ago, but before we left Haiti we were able to take part in some very joyous events.  Laura Nott, my youngest sister, has been working for Project Living Hope as administrative assistant for over three years now and she has lived in Haiti for most of that time.  She’s become a key player in almost all of PLH’s activities and a beloved member of the community there in Haiti.  Last winter, she got engaged to a wonderful man she’s been dating for longer than she’s been with PLH.  During our last week in Haiti, their wedding day arrived.  

One week before the wedding, Laura and I excitedly picked up nine family members and one friend who flew in for the wedding.  It was so fun to have our parents and all five of us kids in one van again.

We packed a lot into our week together--swimming in a pool, snorkeling in the sea, playing games, a hike, making a wedding cake, hanging gutters on the PLH buildings, visiting Laura’s English classes, lots of meals with new acquaintances, and various wedding preparations.  

One highlight early in the week was an evening worship service we held at PLH.  In the weeks prior, Laura and I and eight other musicians had selected and rehearsed songs in both Creole and English.  Around 100 people attended the event, and we had a lovely mix of English speakers and Creole speakers, Haitians and Americans.  Our dad, Nick, gave a brief message on how we are all called to be holy and how we can go about doing that in our daily lives.  

We certainly hope to hold more services like this in the future and also want to acquire more sound equipment and instruments.  While PLH never intends to start a church in Camp Marie, seeing as the village already has several, we still want to always be directing people toward Christ and demonstrating that worshiping and serving God is fundamental for our organization.

Photos from Laura and Wahi’s wedding show an idyllic Caribbean wedding by sea.  And while those of us organizing things knew of all the hiccups along the way, those in attendance thought it was all lovely.  And it was.  Around 150 people were in attendance and a Haitian feast was prepared for them all.  Everyone made it safely back home and the bride and groom enjoyed a honeymoon at a local resort before moving into our house in Camp Marie for the summer.  

The state of affairs in Haiti currently is still not good.  Lawless, and at times violent, gangs have everyone concerned as do the political and economic situations.  We praise God for bringing us through our time there safely and we continue to pray daily for those still there.  

PLH Staff Party: Pierre Payen, Haiti

By Anita Nott

Earlier this month, my husband, Nick, and I went to visit our kids in Haiti. It was hard to believe that we were actually eating together, playing games, swimming in the pool, picking mangoes, and watching soccer practice in Haiti – with my grandkids! It really was a vacation and gave us a little idea of what life is like for them when they are living in Haiti.

Our oldest daughter is Sara Dessieux who, together with her husband, Guesly, founded Project Living Hope. On this trip, we got to see the dramatic change from last summer when the property was all just farmland. If you have been following the updates, excavation of the property has taken place so it was a huge contrast from my last visit.

Laura, the Administrative Assistant for PLH, is our youngest daughter, and we spent our evenings at the guesthouse where she lives. Just imagine – no AC, ceiling fans only if there is power, cold showers, mosquitos, and 24-hour road noise. But combine that with lively English classes, trips to the open-air markets, strolls along the beach, and meeting amazing people who are committed to helping PLH reach their dream, and the result was an amazing experience.

To top it all off, we were blessed to join the Project Living Hope staff party. Friday afternoon, we were dropped off at a beach property in Pierre Payen and helped get it all set up. Soon, Laura and Guesly arrived with the guests – eight of the PLH staff members, their families, and a few men who have been volunteering with projects on the land and as soccer referees. Of course, there was soccer! However, seeing adults and children participate in gunny sack races, three-legged races, a water balloon toss, and playing with the parachute brought out the laughter and a bit of friendly competition. The cooks had prepared an ample amount of food with plenty of leftovers to take home. Guesly spoke to the staff, and since I don’t speak Creole, I assume it was a time for him to express his appreciation for all the work they had done these past few months. Leon, the property manager for PLH, closed the evening in prayer.

April Mission Team Reflections

Our team traveled to Haiti in early April 2019. It was amazing to watch the Holy Spirit powerfully orchestrate our time in Camp Marie, Haiti and with the Haitian people. Below are a few testimonies from our trip.

Haiti Unexpected Beauty

By Janci Burns

If asked to sum up my trip to Haiti in one word, that word would be BEAUTY.  

The landscape was beautifully vibrant with vegetation, blooming flowers, banana trees, hills, beaches and oceans.  In the simple life lived in Haiti, there is beauty. The homes and businesses are full of brightly painted walls, carefully crafted pillars, and beautiful metal work.  Although there is much debris strewn around, even in that there was beauty by bits of color popping up here and there. Where it was least expected, their ingenuity in using what is available to them showed their creativity which added to the beauty.

“People that show their creativity in not just the art they make, but in the way they live. The way that they get their jobs done. Or even how bright they paint their houses. And the people. The people are so welcoming. ”

— Grant Burns Age 17

To say that the people of Haiti are beautiful is an understatement!  One afternoon I asked a little guy if I could take a picture of him, his friends, and my son as they were making bracelets together.  Through a translator, he told me no because his clothes were dirty. I instantly tried to explain to him that the clothes didn’t matter one bit.  My clothes didn’t matter one bit. “Ou beau”, I said. “You handsome”. It was so important to me that he know that he was handsome regardless of what he was wearing.  “Ou beau” and “ou bele” became phrases that I repeated over and over to each person I met. One little boy was so serious in talking with him until I told him he was handsome and then the sweetest smile spread across his face.  (And oh, the smiles are beyond beautiful!) It brought my heart such joy to see him accept and relish the truth of who he was. They are created in God’s image and that makes them beautiful.

What a blessing to see the beauty of God’s creation in Haiti!

Relationships the Building Blocks of Community

By Bonnie Taylor

We took part in a cooking class from Madam Leon in Camp Marie. We made fried plantains, fried breadfruit, pikliz and rice and beans. This was such a fun experience to learn how to cook some of the yummy Haitian dishes that we all love. The best part of the experience though was just building relationships with our team members and Madam Leon's family. The children were playing hand games, tag and making friendship bracelets together while the adults worked on the food. Later we got to enjoy the meal together. I am grateful for the friendships that were formed and look forward to making them stronger in the future.

After the class we set up and hosted Project Living Hopes first color run! We had 85 participants that ran down the PLH road and onto the newly excavated property. Grant Burns and Guesly Dessieux were brave enough to run the race, while the rest of the team split up and helped at all the color stations and the finish line. It was a great experience to watch the community come together for such a fun time. Before the day was over, the community was asking about if we plan to return to do another fun run. As a team we are already brainstorming on how to set up the next one so it can be bigger and even more successful.

“The color run was my favorite memory. We set up a color station and while we were waiting for the race to start, we showed some kids what to do with the color. They seemed unsure at first, but as soon as the runners were on their way all the kids were enjoying themselves throwing color and making a mess. I loved seeing and just being a part of the Haitian community. I felt instantly accepted into their culture and felt so connected the moment I got there. I already miss the country and can’t wait for my next trip back.”

— Annabelle Age 15

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon Judy, Tammy and Katie led a parenting seminar. They were very prayerful about the planning of the seminar. We wanted to create an atmosphere that stimulated conversations within a community. We wanted to empower parents to build stronger families.The team was met with such grace, an abundance of joy, and a welcoming into this new community of parents. Conversations were started. Some of their ideas were met with, “how would that look here?” rather than a “that will never work here.” As a group this community began to build stronger families. They encouraged each other, and you could see the ideas taking root in their lives. At the end of the 3 days we were able to give out the Creole storybook bibles that you all donated. It was great to watch them gently turning the pages of this children’s bible. Their faces full of joy.

“The Haitians never fail to amaze me with their happiness and close community. They are so willing to let us into their lives. Their excitement for PLH to be a part of the community is very encouraging, they really are taking ownership in building each other up.”

— Shawn Taylor

During the parenting seminar, while the rest of the team put on a kids camp nearby for the local children. We went down equipped for lots of fun. We had parachutes, gunny sacks, playground balls, chalk, crayons and friendship bracelet making supplies. Leading kids can be difficult at time and is even more so when you have a language barrier. Sara Dessieux was a vital component here. She was able to communicate so well and switch up the games at just the right time to keep everyone involved. My favorite memory from the kids’ camp was after a bible story was read and we handed out crayons and coloring sheets. Haiti is such a poor country that even having a selection of crayons to color with is a rarity. Even the older boys in attendance poured their heart and soul into their masterpieces.

“My favorite memory about Haiti was when we held the kids camp. We got to hang out and play with kids from Camp Marie and build friendships. We played with parachutes, 4-square, 3-legged races, hand games, colored and made friendship bracelets. I look forward to returning someday to see my friends again!”

— Samantha Age 10

One morning the team was invited by Wilson, one of the PLH employees to attend a PE class. Wilson is a teacher at a local high school and was giving exams on a dance section. After the exams, we were taught some Haitian dance moves and some of us even got a chance to lead the class. The rest of the time in Haiti was spent getting to know the country and local communities, helping to prep for the Project Living Hope youth soccer league that started shortly after we left and touring some local attractions.

“My favorite experience of the week was when Willson, one of our PLH employees, invited us to PE class. Willson is a high school PE teacher and when we were down at his class, he was doing exams on a dancing section. I loved it because it has such a different culture of dancing and I love trying something new like that.”

— Courtney Age 12

So many people don’t understand the importance of when we take the time to work alongside others around us. I love that we are given the opportunity to build and foster relationships with our brothers and sisters in Haiti.  It was such a joy to be able to watch God working in our team and in Haiti……we are so glad we get to join Him in this work. I loved watching everyone fall in love with Haiti.

Encouraging and Strengthening Families

By Judy Buss

Before leaving for Haiti, I started to have some strong doubts about my going.  Did I really have anything to offer?  I’m just a white, American with BIG ideas. Will they just see me as that only?  Or someone who truly does love God and wants to put into practice loving others?  People (and the voices in my head) kept telling me “what you are sharing is so counter cultural…they won’t get that concept…..are you sure you should be going?”  But I kept my head down, my heart open and my ear turned toward God.  I got an overwhelming sense I was doing EXACTLY what God wanted me to do.  I started to doubt again when we started with only 3 parents in attendance……but that quickly grew to 29!  People nodding as we spoke, feverishly writing notes, sticking around afterwards to introduce their families, .ask more questions and be together.  I had a huge ah-ha moment was when I shared the difference between punishment and discipline as “punishment is external, and discipline is internal.  We want to help our children make that internal “heart” change…”  Our translator turned to me with eyes and mouth wide open ”oh that is good!  I understand now!”  And as he translated, I saw the “light bulb” go on in all the eyes turned towards us in that room.  Yes, parents all over the world want to raise up good children.  Children that will grow up in to be productive, loving, hardworking individuals.  Parenting is hard.  No matter where you live.  The concepts and strategies we shared translated to yet another group of parents needing hope, encouragement and affirmation.  Being a part of that is something that has forever changed me.  Children and their parents have always been near and dear to my heart, but I now know that God has equipped me to take that love and knowledge to families near and far.  My heart was reminded that God will grant me the strength and words needed to do what He has called me to.  

I was also so inspired by the work of PLH in the community of Camp Marie.  The clear vision and practical effort to empower Haitians there were both so evident.  So compelling.  I am so thankful to have played a small part in that vision.  I have been asked if I would go back to Haiti and my answer is a very LOUD and enthusiastic YES!  God is working……so glad we get to join Him in this work.

By Katie Walters

We live in an age where race, color, and culture are all very sensitive topics, and navigating them can be hard. Instead of embracing the difficulties in discussing the differences, we can easily just stay in our comfortable bubbles and let life roll on. I couldn’t do that in this moment. I couldn’t stay put. God called me to be a part of this team heading over to Haiti. And although it meant comfortability would be worn like a favorite jacket for a while, I wasn’t going to tell God no. Not this time. 

We came together in prayer and honest conversations. What would this look like? What is God leading us to teach? Even though our skin and our culture may be different, we all want the best for the children in our lives. That fact doesn’t change across the miles. Instead of a parenting “conference,” we wanted to create an atmosphere that stimulated conversations within a community. We boiled down our thoughts into one driving force: we want to empower parents to build stronger families. And the work began… 

At the end of our time together on the last day, a deacon of the church we were using spoke up. He said he wished everyone could hear what God had brought us here to teach. He said there were so many good things, and thanked us for coming. He brought a tear to my eye as he confirmed God brought us here. God opened the doors, and we are now all part of this community in Camp Marie, Haiti. 

We handed out Jesus Storybook Bibles, in Creole, to every family who attended the conference. Everyone was leaving and saying goodbyes. I was holding onto a baby placed in my arms and loving every moment of it! I looked over and saw that same gentleman, the deacon, gently turning the pages of this children’s bible. His face said it all – joy. That moment, that face, and that feeling, is one I won’t forget. 

Project Living Hope’s Vision at Work

By Tammy Henderson

What a great trip to Haiti. I have been supporting and following Project Living Hope for the last 3 ½ years or so. Their vision for the Haitian people is amazing. They come alongside and encourage the Haitian people. Not to just do the work and provide them stuff, but to work alongside and to help them see a better future.

What a great experience to be there and to see the property now that it has finally been acquired and excavated. Just standing on the property was a humbling experience. God has worked miraculously this last year through PLH in Haiti. 

It was a wonderful to watch people enjoying the PLH property. Guesly and the other PLH staff are working alongside and encouraging the Haitian people to take pride in what they are doing. How humbling it is to watch and appreciate these families. I am feeling very blessed to have been apart of this trip.

These are just a few stories of what God did through our team while in Haiti. It was powerful having the privilege to minister to the beautiful people we encountered. If you'd like to hear more, ask any of the PLH team members about their time and they will be sure to share with you even more.