Resettlement and news from Ferrier

Jackson Nelson and the WHR-Haiti well crew will travel to the Dominican Republic tomorrow to purchase parts and supplies for the well-drilling rig. I have been in discussion with various organizations regarding using WHR-Haiti's services in the earthquake-affected zone. At this point it appears there's not an urgent need for water wells. In a month or so, there will likely be more need, especially in some of the outlying communities where former Port-au-Prince residents have relocated.

The Ferrier community has welcomed its share of returnees. Some 160 individuals have resettled in the area, and Pastor Zenas Pierre is traveling to Port-au-Prince at the time of this writing in order to facilitate the return of more people. WHR-Haiti is providing financial support to those who have resettled in Ferrier, and we have wired funds to help with this effort.

Introducing Billy Jack

Frosty, one of our does, gave birth Sunday morning to a little buck named Billy Jack. We were unaware that she was pregnant - and so it was definitely a surprise! We weren't expecting the baby goats for another 6 weeks.

Here are a few pictures. I waited until this afternoon to take pictures with my camera, so the sunset and shadows are a little distracting. I'll try to post better ones next week.

Hope For Haiti

News from Ferrier, Haiti

Phone contact with Haiti is slowly improving. I was able to talk at length with my World Hunger Relief - Haiti counterpart, Jackson Nelson today. He is working to ready their well-drilling rig to travel to the Port-au-Prince area to help develop water supplies where needed. Our strategy is now to help them accomplish this.

In addition to the challenges of traveling and drilling wells, smaller organizations like WHR-Haiti lack the connections to coordinate their efforts with the larger relief effort in the earthquake-affected zone. Jackson asked me to use our communication channels to put them in contact with the organizations who need their help. Pray with us that these connections can be made.

Meanwhile, the WHR-Haiti staff are busy preparing for the trip. Jackson reports that they need new drill bits, cable and bearings from the Dominican Republic before they can head south. We're sending funds to help with these purchases. Once appropriate locations have been identified for them to serve, we will continue to support WHR-H in this endeavor.

A second pressing need stems from earthquake victims who are resettling in other areas of Haiti. The Mayor of Ferrier organized transportation to bring back Port-au-Prince relatives of Ferrier residents. Several orphanages have relocated children in Cap Haitien (near Ferrier) and need help with transportation and supplies. We will support WHR-Haiti in responding to these needs as well.

Thanks again for praying for our tireless counterparts in Haiti and for contributing financially in these efforts.

World Hunger Relief – Haiti technicians help villagers repair
a well.

The well-drilling rig will needs supplies and parts before it’s
ready for the eight-hour trip.

Spring Gardening Workshops

Spring Gardening Workshop: Vegetable Gardening Naturally

Location:
World Hunger Relief, Inc.
356 Spring Lake Rd.
Waco, TX

Date: Saturday, February 13, 2010
Time: 8:00am - 12:00pm
Download the flyer
Facebook event page

Beyond the Backyard

The first in our community garden training series is coming up Saturday January 30, 2010 from 9am-12pm at Lakeshore Baptist Church. Workshop Topics: Garden Basics (planting schedule, site selection, garden design). Mission and Purpose (why plant a garden?!).

Here's a link to our Facebook event page. And here's a the lowdon from the HOT Urban Gardening Coalition website:

In order to meet the demand for gardens in Waco, UGC will host a garden training series designed for those interested in expanding beyond the backyard garden and in building community through growing, harvesting and sharing garden goodness. This training will involve various UGC partners to facilitate discussion and instruction on growing, budgeting, outreach, and beyond.

Goal: To train garden leaders involved in organizations, churches, schools to start gardens in the community.

Time period: Series of 6 workshops – spread out over 6 months – one Saturday of each month. The 2010 Training Timeline starts in January and runs through June. Such spacing allows UGC to provide on-going support and garden assistance, as well as avoiding learning burnout.

Workshop Structure: 9:00am – 12:00pm. Each workshop includes an in-class component and hands-on activity, followed by an opportunity to troubleshoot and dig deeper with fellow gardeners. This is your chance to ask questions and work in the garden to try out your new garden skills.

Planting Urban Gardens Unites Community Members

In 2008,the Heart of Texas Urban Gardening Coalition began their projects in Waco, recruiting and uniting community members to create gardens around town. This is year three, and today the coalition is planting vegetables at 9 locations in Waco, and taking time to reflect on Martin Luther King's message of community and brotherhood.

Bethel Erickson heads up the project. Shes the Americorps Vista for the Heart of Texas Urban Gardening Coalition.

The planting that occurs today at Carver Baptist Church will be maintained by church members and community members. In June it's time for harvest, and the hope is everyone will reconvene to celebrate their hard work. Bethel said she likes how people are working together to create this garden.

Listen to full audio at kwbu.org