Today, June 11, 2009, Anthony, Judy and I had lunch with father Leonville from Port-de-Paix at the Bagel & Co. in North Miami Beach. Last time I had seen father Leonville was in March of this year when we stayed at the cathedral with my husband, Fernando, Anthony, Luis, Julio, Farid & Tommy. We had a wonderful time at the cathedral, where we had reflections every night at Tommy's room, which had the biggest balcony. I remember it was breeze at night and we could see the tall trees and the beautiful starry sky, while reflecting about our daily experiences in Haiti. This was my favorite activity during our time in Haiti, because we were composing the story and at the same time connecting the different chapters or episodes we would have in the film. I asked father Leonville today what he misses most from Port-de-Paix. He took some time to think about it, then, he looked in my eyes, and with a smile, he responded "The Children." Every Sunday at 8:00 in the morning he offers a mass for the children and opens a space for interaction and participation. Every time I remember the mass, I can see the smiles of these three girls sitting next to us. They were beautifully dressed, and were having so much fun during the mass. I remember they were pushing one another to go to the altar and answer the father's questions. They would come back to their seats running fast and laughing loud.
"Children are the hope of our nation" said father Leonville during lunch.
This is a tease of the coming soon theatrical documentary film "Blooming Hope: Harvesting Smiles in Port-de-Paix." The video presents the intention of the film and a little bit of each of the three projects, which are being developed in the region of Port-de-Paix, Haiti. Enjoy it!
This is in memory of our friend Wilmarc Eugene who worked with so much passion for the COCONO Cooperative in Port-de-Paix, Haiti. We will work in his name to have his bigest dream "Kafe Lavi" to be a reality and give hope to all his community, family and friends. "We are Keeping Strong for a Long Time- August 25, 2008"- Wilmarc EUGENE
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Along the production of the film "Blooming Hope," the three projects are being developed under the leadership of the three organizations working in Miami, Florida, such as St. Thomas University, Amor en Accion and Catholic Charities. In addition, Just Coffee is working in the coffee cooperative. Leadership and formation is an important phase in the development of these three projects. When we were in Ma Wouj, Cadet Wilson, communicated to the group from St. Thomas University the importance of leadership and formation in their communities. The key action, which will define the success of this journey, rests on those who are identifying the leaders from every community. Leadership is not a simple task to accomplish, it takes the ability of the leader to truly connect with his/her followers in a spiritual dimension. Once the connection is established, responsibility, effective communication, care and hard work would be results of the bonding among members of the communities.
The fog covers the green leaves of the trees. The night falls over the beautiful village of Ma Wouj. And, far away, I can hear the rush of people going home, I can listen the machetes cutting a little bit more of wood, before the darkness is completely born.
And in the gray sky, there is a bird flying around swiftly, dancing at the compass of the breeze, while the children enjoy a little bit more of the light, juts before it goes away.
And the adults prepare the fire to cook and feed equally the numerous members of their families, among the abundant scarcity of food in a village such as Ma Wouj.
Tonight, it is chilly and my ears rejoice of the typical melody of the glow-worms in the beautiful village of Ma Wouj.
Certainly, tonight, as many other nights, you will take care of the sick ones, you will calm down the hunger of you kids, you will close your eyes and dream.
You will dream about a future that seems unfeasible, you will dream about a delicious and abundant dish of food, you will dream about your children going to school, and dream about a cup of good coffee.
And, in the midst of my deep meditation and admiration of your greatness, as you, I close my eyes, and contemplate your daily chore of darkness. I ask my dad and my mom to send their luminous spirit so that the day after tomorrow I can bloom in you a smile that lasts forever. From my heart, I leave you my peace and in my soul, I take your love.
THE PURPOSE OF THE FILM "BLOOMING HOPE: HARVESTING SMILES IN PORT-DE-PAIX" IS TO SHOW THE REALITY OF CHILDREN, WOMEN AND MEN WHO HAVE HOPE FOR THE FUTURE. THE FILM PORTRAYS HOW A FAIR-TRADE COFFEE COOPERATIVE, A FAIR-TRADE WOMEN’S ARTISAN INITIATIVE AND A SOLAR ENERGY PROJECT ARE PLANTING SEEDS OF TRANSFORMATION IN THE POOREST REGION OF HAITI. THE FILM IS AN INSPIRATIONAL PIECE OF ART, WHICH DEMONSTRATES THAT SEEDS OF HOPE CAN BE PLANTED AMONG THOSE WHO TRULY LOVE AND DESIRE IT.
I am a woman who enjoys art and the human expressions. I see my life as a path for human and spiritual growth. I work as a professor of communication arts at St. Thomas University in the Institute for Communication, Entertainment and Media. I specialize in video production and electronic media. My areas of research are in leadership and empowering communities through social media.
I asked father Leonville today what he misses most from Port-de-Paix. He took some time to think about it, then, he looked in my eyes, and with a smile, he responded "The Children." Every Sunday at 8:00 in the morning he offers a mass for the children and opens a space for interaction and participation. Every time I remember the mass, I can see the smiles of these three girls sitting next to us. They were beautifully dressed, and were having so much fun during the mass. I remember they were pushing one another to go to the altar and answer the father's questions. They would come back to their seats running fast and laughing loud.
