February 4, 2010

Local Adoption Agency Sending 1st Volunteer to Orphanage in Haiti

Adoption STAR, the Hague accredited, Florida licensed local non-profit adoption agency handling adoptions from Haiti, is sending their first volunteer down to assist at the Renmen orphanage. Renmen is one of the smaller traditional orphanages destroyed by the earthquake that just wasn't getting needed help until Adoption STAR stepped in.

Thanks to Adoption STAR, Renmen will be receiving aid in the form of much needed tents and mosquito netting to protect the 52 children from the elements and dreaded Malaria, as well as first aid supplies and other needed items. "But the greatest gift of all," says Renmen Foundation spokesperson, Yanik Goutier, "is that Adoption STAR has matched Fr. Michel Pugin with the Renmen orphanage as a volunteer. He will be spending one month at the orphanage giving the children some normalcy to their lives."

Annyse Gross, Director of Outreach for Adoption STAR says that she found a number of people frustrated that they have offered their services to fly down to Haiti and have been turned away by agency after agency. "So I started a list," says Gross. "Adoption STAR had just "adopted" Renmen and I simply asked if they could use any volunteers. Their answer was a resounding 'yes'."

The orphanage reports that every day the children ask when school will start again. Fr. Michel will be leaving at the end of this month to fulfill the children"s request. Speaking fluent French will be a big help. "This is what I was ordained to do," says Fr Michel. "Help and comfort those who need it most. I can't tell you how excited I am that I'm going."

To assure Fr. Michel's safe travels, the director of Renmen Orphanage, Florence Thybulle, has arranged her schedule to escort him down to Haiti.

As Director of the orphanage, Florence Thybulle's timing couldn't be more perfect. She will be the Guest of Honor at Adoption STAR's Open House on February 18th. "In addition to learning first hand about the conditions in Haiti, we want people to come to our open house, learn about the many types of adoption and see all the exciting support and educational components Adoption STAR is bringing to South Florida," says Michele Fried, Founder and Chair of Adoption STAR. Donations of supplies as well as monetary donations will be accepted at the open house to be distributed to the orphanages Adoption STAR works with according to their wish lists. For further information call 954-566-6055 or visit www.adoptionstar.com

March 3, 2010

My dear friends and family,

Peace be with you!

The work goes on. I was in Port-au-Prince yesterday, and let me tell you it was very emotional. I could barely control my emotions. It looks like a bomb has been dropped on the city. There are still plenty of dead under the rubble that they cannot get to and in some sections of the city, the stench of death is beginning to come through to the surface.

The earthquake in Chili cannot be compared with what has happened here. People are sleeping in the streets, in the rubbles, parking lots, huts fashioned of anything they can find. Buildings are still collapsing and the Presidential Palace is daily crushing itself to the ground. Other buildings are still falling under the pressure. Complete five to ten story buildings have collapsed to the ground level ,and bodies are still buried under it.

It's an amazing thing that many of the churches that have been destroyed, the crosses, altars and tabernacles are still standing... I could not help but cry when I saw the one church all destroyed and out of that rubble stood the cross radiating hope to all who look upon it. Just another reminder that the presence of Almighty God is still very much present with the Haitian people. God is truly present in His people.

I thank God every day that he has given me the opportunity to be here and to bring His love and compassion to His children.

I have included a updated list of things needed. Thank you all for your prayerful, material and financial support.

With much love and prayers always,

Fr. Michel :)

March 11, 2010

Dear friends and family,

May God's peace be with you.

Yesterday I went to St. Marc, about a 2 hour drive north of Port-au-Prince to visit St. Nicolas hospital... and let me tell you it was deplorable; they need so much help. The conditions were very unsanitary with patients lined up on the floor as well as on beds. My heart went out to all those that where there, I wanted so much to just embrace them, take care of them, and tell them they are loved and not forgotten. It took everything in me not to cry.

Just down the road from the hospital, I went to a mission called "Jeunesse en Mission" - Youth With A Mission (YWAM) - which I was a part of back in the early 70's. What a great organization. And also, I might note here that my cousin Randy Parizeau is the Director and Founder of YWAM Vancouver, he has been with them since 1984... see I'm not the only "fool for Christ" in the family!! LOL

They have, and are doing, so much for the people of Haiti. What a blessing for all of us to be under the one umbrella of God no matter what church we belong to or religious background we come from. There is only ONE God, and we are all blessed by Him. What a blessing it is to serve Him.

More later! Much love and prayers always.

Fr. Michel

March 16, 2010

Dearest friends and family,

Peace be with you!

Another day in the heart of the Caribbean. We have been getting some rain in the early morning before 6 a.m., but then the sun comes out... the HOT sun! :) It's been in the mid to upper 90's for the last six days. Tricia, (the one who calls me Papa), our youngest celebrated her second birthday yesterday. She is quite the character. She makes us all laugh! I have included a pic of her.

I am sending the list of things needed. When I return to Florida March 26, I will begin collecting stuff to bring with me when I return in June for two weeks. Some of those items can be picked up at Dollar stores, etc.

The address once more can be sent to our office in Florida: RENMEN Foundation 4740 N.W. 18th Avenue, Pompano Beach, FL 33064

Thank you to all of you who have already given and given so much. The children of the RENMEN (LOVE) thank you all from the bottom of their little hearts.

Much love and prayers always,

Fr. Michel, OSB

P.S. I have a secure address where things can be sent for the orphanage:

FOYER RENMEN
16, 3ieme Ruelle Riviere
Canape Vert, Bourdon
Port-au-Prince, Haiti
(954) 573-1154 (this Florida phone number reaches me here in Haiti)

Much love and prayers always from the children, staff and myself,

Fr. Michel :)