Meet Coven!

Coven is our translator in Haiti! Not only is he a 2009 graduate from CONESPEH, now he is continuing his practical studies by working as a translator for CONESPEH's groups! He graduated from high school and took translation courses. Coven speaks Creole, English and Spanish!

Coven is currently in the nursing program and plans to work a few years as a nurse in Haiti. He hopes to travel and work in the DR in the next few years to improve his chances of getting a Visa. His long term goals include college and medical school in the US so he can better care for the Haitian people and his family! Just like me he is only 22, but his dreams are huge! After only one day with him, I know he will succeed in all his endeavors!

"Tormenta de consequencias social"

Global Ministries staff, Felix Ortiz and Jim Moor arrived in Santo Domingo yesterday afternoon and already we have engaged in some amazing conversations!

Last night we had the chance to sit down with pastors of the Dominican Evangelical Churches, A Protestant sect of churches that patterns with GM. The pastors sheared their concerns and joys about many issues including violence, gay marriage families and youth in the church, and Haitian immigration. We also discussed our hopes for the future of the church!

This morning we delved even deeper into these topics with all GM's partners in the DR: caminante, Iglesias evangelical dominicana, alfalit, and cecaf. The directors shared with us and each other how they would like to relight their cooperation with one another. All of our partners want to put children and family social service first! In the future we look forward to more partnerships... The church pastors will soon receive training for family counseling from CECAF, a great way of sharing partnership and resources!

Jose

Please keep my student Jose in your prayers. Last week his mother passed away in a moto accident in the capital and his father was in critical condition but is doing much better.

I spent the afternoon with Jose and his grandmother yesterday. Jose is 12 and attends one of the sala de tareas I work in. He struggles with reading but loves books and his class at CTC. For a kid who has gone through something so traumatic he continues to have a bright smile and gives amazing hugs!

DPV January Graduation!

Graduations at Caminante are events of celebration, empowerment, and community. Last week we held a graduation for about 200 adolescents for Desportes Para La Vida. This curriculum is being taught by Caminante staff all over the community in schools and neighborhoods.  

Very excited for graduation to begin!

Denisse welcoming the students and reminding them of the importance of community!

Receiving her diploma from Sister Denisse!

July's DPV Group!

Malissa's DPV Group!

Denisse surprised July for her last day at Caminante with a plack of thanks for her service.

Showing off their certificates!