We started the Month of May full of grace, Grace Community Church, NC that is. They helped us usher in the month by sharing a wonderful week with us, working, laughing, praying, and loving. They repaired and sanded the iron fence along the beach, and then painted it. Wow, it looks great! They also spent time seeing CODEP, installing a cistern, teaching kids, and sharing in the May Day celebrations with CODEP members.

Clement, April, and Rick finished building cement compost containers in all the mountain fishponds and repaired ponds with problems. Kathy had fingerlings ready for ponds that were refilled. Good rains have come at the right time, so other ponds which are dependant on rainwater are almost full too. The new fish nursery is working well with much less time involved.

Supporters from ERD, PCUSA, and HFI spent a few days at Lacul reviewing and seeing the work being done. All had a nice visit to the project and to see the Bishop. We are so grateful for the contributions they give to all the various Haitian ministries.

Messiah Episcopal Church from MN came with four lovely ladies who brought with them medicines and nutrition food and lots of love to share with people along the beach. They completed the painting on the fence and helped serve food to the nutrition kids and moms. Because their church has supported Epiphany and St. Croix Hospital, they were guests of Pere Duravil and his wife to visit these locations. Rick took them on a few excursions in the mountain, and they especially enjoyed having hot chocolate with Pastor Dures. The final day Kathy hiked everyone down the beach to where Pastor Gabriel and his family live. Like all those who have visited there before, they left impressed at the wonderful Christian example set by this family. The roof house is on the house and the only things left now are windows, doors, and tile flooring. Thanks to all who contributed to Haiti Fund so this project could be finished. We all enjoyed the baby, who smiles all the time!

The women shared a night at the guest house when a team from Building Goodness Foundation stayed over before heading to the mountains for the week. These carpenters came to build yet another wonderful wooden house for a CODEP member who had earned it by planting trees. April walked in everyday to oversee the project and to act as interpreter. Our animator, Enez, cooked breakfast and dinner everyday for the team, and also saw that they got plenty of fresh mangos. The last day of their trip, they returned to L’Acul and had fun swimming, shopping from the local merchants, and watching the sun set with the beach kids. They left knowing that one Haitian family will have a good house for a long time to come.

We had a great May Day celebration with our CODEP friends in the mountains and a fun Flag Day with our neighbors at Lacul. Please read about these on our website at www.haitifundinc.com.

Only one more month before heading home to Indiana for a month. June is always busy, with teams, Vacation Bible School, and getting fish, flowers, gardens, and animators ready for our absence. It has been a fast and rewarding first few months of 2008. May God continue to bless this ministry and those of you who are faithful in supporting it.

Peace to all, Rick and Kathy