If life in Haiti is hard for people, it is almost impossible for dogs. I have almost always had a dog at my place over the years. There have been many, since they don't live very long. Dogs survive on leftovers, and there aren't many leftovers anywhere in Haiti these days. That sends dogs out to survive on their own, and they often kill chickens or goats in order to survive. Then, they are killed for killing. 

Zoe was a popular dog. She is still living, but not with me. She adopted a new family not far away. Zoe's daughter, Souza, was our dog for several years. She gave birth to nine puppies this Fall. It was exciting, but things did not go well in the weeks after that. One of the puppies died the day after it was born. As hurricane Melissa arrived, I accidentally stepped on a puppy as I lunged to prevent a plank from falling on a few other puppies. The one I stepped on lived only one week after that. As the remaining puppies began to fill our yard with activity, Souza, the mother, didn't show up one night. She didn't show up the next day either. We learned through the grapevine that she participated with other dogs in devouring a dead animal. As often happens, people put poison in the carcass of a dead animal. Souza was apparently a victim of that kind of poisoning. Her puppies didn't do well without her.  We managed to give a few away. As I understand it, one of her puppies is still at my house.   

Life is like that, especially in Haiti. The phrase "easy come, easy go" is not far from the reality...for animals and for people. People in developed countries are protected from loss. We have ways to avoid it and prevent it. But, loss is inevitable. 

We are grateful for each day we had with our dogs. We know that they are a blessing. We also know that people are created in the image of God, and dogs are not.   

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The AAF soccer team exists to orient young men on their path to being good citizens and children of God. In 2024, despite good results in local 2 tournaments, the team was not attending the regular Tuesday meetings that we planned for teaching and for teambuilding. 

After I travelled home in November, WEC (Erntz Courtois) invited several community leaders to join a regular Tuesday meeting with the young soccer team. It was a brilliant idea. The team members do not realize the value of the program while they are in it. We have heard the same from many former players. The meeting with pastors, teachers, and principals was a victory for ASAPH as we attempt to do ministry in the lives of young men.  The adults reinforced what ASAPH leaders have been saying, and offered reasons for the players to dedicate themselves to the team.

ASAPH is proud to have the support of community leaders in the things we do. I am grateful to WEC for making that important connection.   

We've had trouble keeping kids interested in attending rehearsals for the ASAPH Brass Band and for the "B" band. However, a large group of young players are very motivated. They made enough progress to form a 'beginner' band. Trumpet players and trombone players show up together and spend time learning songs and techniques. Many of the them are friends, and most come from one church in our town. It reminds me of the group that founded the original ASAPH Brass Band in 2013. 

We will do our best to help these beginners make progress together. They performed a few songs at ASAPH's Bible Celebration program in November, and they did quite well. 

Pray for Andy. Pray for the young directors who lead the "C" band of beginners. Together, we can make a joyful noise to the Lord!




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