Already we are looking towards summer in Haiti. Time goes by so fast, even in a country where time doesn't matter too much. The spring rains are coming late, but the mountains are beginning to turn a rich green as trees and gardens are being planted on every little bit of tillable ground. Black beans and corn are nestled between hedgerows on vertical mountain slopes. The contours are a sight to see. CODEP workers have already planted 200,000 trees and will be planting that many more as the rains reach the dry spots in the mountains.

May 1 was Arbor Day and CODEP workers, 600 strong, came together to march in unison to one of the farthest mountain ranges in the project, carrying with them trees to be planted as a demonstration to others the importance of conservation and reforestation. They sang and waved their trees to hundreds who watched along the road. Just as the last tree was planted, God sent a refreshing rain to water them. The day culminated in a big feast at Siloe School. We have never seen men and women in Haiti work with such enthusiasm and solidarity. Many workers came from distances of 3 hours away, and then hiked the 6 miles to the planting site, 6 miles back to Siloe, and then still had to walk 3 hours home in the rain! Now, that’s commitment. Arbor Day - 2007

God saw fit to bless us with carpentry and gardening skills, so we used much of this month building, repairing, and planting. We have finished many of the rooms in the compound that had never been completed. We painted with the paint that we received on the last container and that makes things look so much brighter. Now that the Lacul property is being used for many meetings and outreach events as well as hosting mission teams, we can say that we feel this beautiful compound is being used to its full potential. It is such a blessing to everyone who comes here. The coming months we will host several work teams, VBS on the Beach, a big bonus fete for the top CODEP groups, school children from MaCombe, and of course, the weekly youth groups, with 33 beach kids from 3 to 18 years old.

We have seen the front garden go from “wild with bananas” to a beautiful demonstration plot for neighbors and CODEP members to see. The beach kids and some of the church people are getting excited about planting family gardens. The garden at Lacul is not the only demonstration effort. Another animator has a wonderful plot in La Ferrier and 3 others have a large commercial plot mid way up the mountain. They all report an interest from people who pass and see what is happening. Edvi is progressing on a second story at the APKF building and plans are underway for a “farm store” to occupy part of his building. This will be a tremendous boost for local farmers and gardeners to purchase seed, fertilizer, insecticide, and tools. Several people are working on plans to build simple treadle water pumps to move much needed water from streams to garden sights. This is all part of CODEP’s plan to help mountain families remain in the mountains and have a brighter future.

The country of Haiti is experiencing a wonderful time of peace. Of course, out here in the country side it is always quiet and calm. Neighbors shower us with food and visits and we share bananas and mangos with the children at the fence and to all the women who come and spend the day washing their clothes in the fresh water that borders our property. We are encouraged at the renewed attendance at Epiphany Church and are enjoying having Pere Duravil at our services now. Many of the children are attending and so are a few parents. Pere Duravil is open to accepting all people, regardless of their clothes or reputations. This is something we believe in and are so happy to hear it preached from the pulpit on Sunday. He continually says that Epiphany is a church for the community and that we need to reach out and share God’s love to everyone. The Wednesday beach kids have asked to learn Bible verses and songs from the church hymn book. How’s that for a rich blessing! Now you can understand how easy it is to live in Haiti! If it were not for our family back in Indiana, we could easily stay here and work until Jesus comes.

Once again we want to thank you for your prayers and gifts to HFI and the work of CODEP. Be assured that we will do all we can to be your personal missionaries in Haiti and help as many people as God allows us to help. With sincere appreciation,

Rick and Kathy Land in Haiti