More Words and Pictures from Haiti

On July 28, after visiting with Fr. Andre Augustine at St. Francis of Assisi parish, George Derval, the mayor of Ranquitte, asked us to drive out with him in his pickup to meet Harry Chel-Hilaire (known as "Capo") and his four-year-old son, Capito. Capo has been severely lame since birth. Capito's mother died several years ago. The two of them live in a small hut, about the size of a large dog-house; it's roof consists of large palm leaves. When it rains, as it had with torrential downpours during the week, Capo and Capito are resigned to living and sleeping on a mud floor.

"Surely this is intolerable," George quietly told us. "We must do something right away--perhaps now--to help Capo and Capito." Within a few minutes it was agreed that Capo and his son needed immediate temporary quarters, and arrangements were made for a temporary home of posts, tin roof, and wood siding be built within the week. Something much better, although admittedly temporary, could be built for 380 U.S. dollars. George promised to make sure that within a day or so, Capo and his son will sleep on a dry dirt floor.

And inasmuch as Capo was literally "squatting" on someone's else property, it was also decided that he should be provided with some property, the cost of which would be about 250 U.S. dollars. And in addition, because Capo and Capitoare depend entirely for food on the help of their neighbors, provisions for a month's store of rice and beans was made.

Capo makes his way around by sitting on a large palm branch, and by using two short poles, he is able to push himself along the ground (provided, of course, that it is not to rocky or rough). He scoots around rather quickly in his small dirt yard. And Capito follows along, his hand on the head of his father. The love between this father and son is wonderful to behold.

When our team goes back to Haiti in mid-January, we will build a more permanent home for Capo and Capito, a home with a concrete floor, concrete blocks (made on site), a tin roof, small rooms for cooking, sleeping, and storage--and a real door. All on a bit of land Capo may call his own.

Capo makes his meager living by weaving rope, and it is hoped that my moving him and his son closer to the village of Ranquitte that perhaps a way will be found to Capito to go to school in a year or so.

We are grateful to George Derval for introducing us to Capo and Capito, two of God's beloved poor. As we remember this father and son in our prayers, we ask you to join us in remembrance of their needs.