April News From Pignon
“Tout tan tèt pa koupe nou espere mete chapo” , declares an old Haitian proverb. Translated it reads “As long as you have a head, you can wear a hat”, which means “As long as you are alive, you can accomplish anything”. With this, it is my honor and pleasure to greet you in the precious name of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I cannot express to you how important your relationship with Loving Haiti is in its mission and vision for serving the community of Pignon. Our newsletter reaches you every month with a view to guide your understanding of all factors of our society: social, economic, political, etc… Nothing changes except the level of negativity (from bad to worse). In the West department of the country, life seems like a roaring lion. Peaceful people cannot survive because the bandits continue to carry out their plans, and the families cannot even carry out their activities. Even churches have been looted. In other words, insecurity eats away, and no one knows what to do.
In Pignon, educational institutions work calmly, but the economic health of families continues to decrease. These institutions, in order to remunerate employees (teachers, housekeepers, caretakers, and others, etc.) have had to send students home who are unable to pay school fees. This pushes parents to take out high-interest bank loans ( in Creole “Kout Ponya”) so that these expelled students have the chance to attend classes. We are almost at the end of the 2023-2024 academic year and students are approaching the testing season.
In terms of religious life, the greatest and first festival of Easter was celebrated during the months of March and April 2024. Usually, the churches of the commune of Pignon are organized into a single temple where all the pastors gather with believers to celebrate. Again, it was magnificent for us believers in Jesus Christ. We were blessed. God blessed us, and the insecurity did not trouble us.
Unfortunately, I am unable to send a photo of this celebration this month as I have been hospitalized with a fever, flu, and circulation problems. Our Loving Haiti representative, Pierre Pido, has also been hospitalized with symptoms of cholera in the Sainte Thérèse Hospital of Hinche. We ask you to pray for him.
Economically, we are witnessing an increase in the cost of all products and services. The cost of products like food and medicines is gradually increasing everywhere.
I hope that your soul does not stop blessing us by reading this newsletter, and know that we greatly appreciate your support.
Darling Seriphin
Translated from the original French by Lauren Thompson