In Haiti, May 1st is traditionally a holiday to celebrate the importance of trees in God’s creation. For CODEP workers, it represents a day to share with others about the reforestation efforts of CODEP. This year, instead of having just one party and one place to plant trees, it was agreed upon to have 3 locations celebrate simultaneously. Since the CODEP efforts include miles of mountainous terrain, workers would be able to arrive on foot without first leaving home before sunlight to start. Also, more neighbors could participate or watch as hundreds of trees were planted at once.

We had a visiting mission group from Grace Community Church in NC with us, so we divided up and went to all three locations. What a fun day that showed off the CODEP work so well!

Rick, April, and a few adventuresome men hiked into Gro Mon with several hundred men, women, and children to plant over 670 trees on the bare mountainsides. This hike included walking through the river and up and down steep mountains, but everyone was inspired as they witnessed the collaboration of several groups as they worked together to make changes that will last for generations. Imagine feeding this group after the planting and testimonies were finished—350 plates were filled before it was over. Everyone went away proud of this year’s accomplishments and looking forward to their future in CODEP.

Mimi accompanied another group to Siloe School and Church where several animators directed workers and school children in an impressive march down the highway and into the interior. There was a band and lots of singing. The CODEP song goes like this, “trust CODEP and you’ll not regret, open your door to make changes”. There was a rousing soccer game and lots of food, too. Over 900 trees were planted here.

Kathy was accompanied by one visiting lady, and they went to the Kansay area at a community building near Petit Fre. They had fun helping prepare food with the Haitian women. When it was time for everyone to go plant trees the group waved their trees like flags and marched and sang until they arrived at the planting site on a steep mountain slope where another 150 trees were planted. Before eating a delicious meal and dancing to a local DJ, there were many testimonies of the effects of CODEP principles. Some included: “has stopped erosion here and in the towns below” “if someone in my family dies, I can have the money to bury them” and “I now have fruit trees and coffee that I can market and eat.”

At all locations, animators emphasized the importance of family vegetable gardens. Many of the animators have already begun having their groups plant gardens that they share among themselves. Although it has been slow introducing the importance of eating a varied diet rich in fruits and vegetables, we are making progress. Kathy and April have begun working on various methods of education that will be effective especially for those who cannot read.

CODEP is still alive and well and everyone in the Cormier and Fon du Boudin watersheds recognize the difference it has made in their lives!