Jason & Erika
Cap Haitien, Haiti.
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Over the past decade, we have lived and worked in Haiti on a variety of projects and programs. The primary focus of our work has been in the areas of advocacy, education and skills training.
Simultaneously, we have been working to complete the adoptions of our two children. When we were granted legal guardianship of them as infants, we never imagined that we would be celebrating their tenth birthdays before being able to return to the US with them. However, an already enigmatic and convoluted process has been greatly hindered by the compounding effects of natural disasters, global pandemics and political instability. So, here we are.
While this has been a journey of countless challenges and the occasional heartache, it has also been filled with tremendous growth and joy. We are so thankful for the relationships that we have developed, both in Haiti and abroad, along the way.
We do not claim to have the answers, but we are more aware than ever of how important it is for safe spaces to exist. “A Bigger Table” is a reflection of our commitment to creating and holding those safe spaces for others to sit with tough questions and have conversations that matter.
As we move into this season of more support and advocacy, we hope that you will pull up a chair, or continue to gather with us. As we lift up the voices that have inspired and taught us, we hope that you will also be inspired. And as we call out that which is good, true and beautiful about this land that has welcomed us and given us a home, we pray that you are moved to join us on this journey.
Ministry Focus
Website still under construction – more information coming soon! (09 November, 2023)
How to Pray
Some immediate needs we have:
- URGENT!! Moving costs and deposit: we need to move at the end of August, and rent is typically paid annually – one full year in advance. Please see below for more information!
- Monthly donors and expenses: this has been a challenge to meet our basic needs on a monthly basis
- Adoption costs: there are legal fees and attorney costs associated with finalizing the adoptions in Haiti
- Computers for online homeschool: the kids have reached a level where they really need to do school on a computer rather than a tablet
- Vehicle repairs or replacement: our 24-year-old vehicle has several urgently needed repairs, or it needs to be replaced
Prayer Points:
- Haiti and her people: Haitians, already faced with so many obstacles, face increasing hardships during this time of particularly escalated political instability.
- Our adoption process: we are so close to finishing, we need a window of safety and stability in Port-au-Prince so we can finally cross that finish line.
- Food and fuel insecurity: Global supply chain issues are magnified due to the nature of being on an island and the ongoing political instability.
- Financial stability: Always a challenge while, but especially during this challenging time.
- Continued local security and stability: We are grateful that Cap Haitien has remained relatively safe and secure.
- Continued health: We are thankful that through the stress and the pandemic, our family has remained relatively healthy.
Our Ministry
A Bigger Table
URGENT NEED! Moving Costs and Rent Deposit
After a year spent in our home, it is unfortunately necessary to move on. For those that may be unaware, there is no reliable power provider in most of Haiti, Therefore, individuals are largely responsible for providing their own power in some fashion, whether via generator or solar power. A year ago, we moved into a lovely home. The power to this home was provided by a large community generator. However, due to the extreme fuel insecurity in the country, that generator was used sparingly and ultimately shut down at the beginning of this summer. Since early June, we have been reliant on a small portable generator for all of our power. But again, due to the fuel insecurity, this has been a challenge, and is not sustainable. The generator is not meant to run a full household for months on end, and the acute fuel shortage has meant that we have had to limit our power many days to less than 12 hours per day. We have found a new home in the area that has a full solar panel and battery set-up, so we will no longer be reliant on an unreliable fuel supply to have daily power in our home. This will be an absolutely huge blessing for our family from a stress, comfort and productivity standpoint. We need to move at the of August, and we will incur some expenses related to moving, We will have to hire a large truck and several folks to help complete the task. Also, unlike the US, rent in Haiti is typically paid annually (one full year in advance). We have negotiated to pay in advance in 3 month increments. So, while we don't need to come up with a full year's worth of rent right now, we still need to come up with 3 months at a once. The base rent for the 3 months will be $2000. Plus we will need approximately another $500 to move. Your help in making this transition happen is greatly appreciated!
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