Jan. 2, 2009

We celebrated Haitian Independence Day yesterday by planting 100 more Moringa tree seeds.

We were sent a pot of delicious pumpkin soup from friends. Pumpkin soup is the traditional meal for Independence Day-as in the times before Independence only the rich ate this meal.

Here is one explanation that I found on the Internet at Discover Haiti.

"Well, on January 1st 1804, during the Independence celebration, a huge pot of pumpkin soup was concocted, and every one present was served a bowl to show that we as descendants of slaves could unite and produce something extraordinary.

So every time we drink this soup on January 1st it reminds us of the injustices of slavery and our having overcoming them. it is a declaration that never, as long as this nation exists will we suffer domination under any form, whether physically or ideologically. The one hundred ninety six years of Haitian independence have thus often if not always been one hundred ninety six years of resistance against oppression and domination. Eating pumpkin soup is thus reminding us that the fight is not over. It also gives us courage, for it is a symbol that there is victory for us at the end of the road. "

For us it is a symbol of friendship and connection with our Haitian brothers and sisters. We to need to remember at the start of this new year that the 'fight is not over' and 'there is victory for us at the end of the road.' So much needs to be done but we too can unite, work together and advance the Kingdom.

Thanks for being part of our team.