Reflections on the Visit: Joseph Alvyns

First, I want to congratulate the partners for making the decision to come — especially given everything happening in Haiti right now. It takes real courage and commitment to say yes.

I've had the chance to work with many visiting groups over the years, but this one was different. Here in Petit Trou, I've heard for a long time what these partners mean to people — especially at St. Paul’s. People there will tell you: St. Paul’s is what it is because of this support. Whether it's St. Paul's, the school, the church, the gardens, the water programs — the impact runs deep. 

For many people here, this visit felt very hopeful. A reminder that the partners haven't left. Every time visitors come, the community understands: even though things have changed and it’s harder to come here, they are still making it happen. 

And for those in the group who were visiting for the first time, coming here and seeing the reality of Petit Trou — the hospitality of the people, the green mountains, the ocean, the beauty of this place — changes something in them. I hope they'll share that with others when they go home.

I regret I couldn't be with the whole group every moment (it was a big group!), but every moment I did share meant everything. Watching Don and his daughter move through the community like they were home — and seeing the tears when people recognized a familiar face or a familiar place — said it all. Watching Brian, Bill, and Kathy get to know new friends and each other. Seeing Ethan better understand the work of his father. Talking with John and Teresa about all of our important work together. Meeting my new colleague, Ginny and getting to play chess with Wynn. It was special.

One moment I'll carry with me: the youth chess players facing off against the visitors. Our players had been waiting for that chance for over a year, and they showed up proud and did a great job. That kind of encouragement gives me the energy to keep building the chess program here in Petit Trou de Nippes — to keep developing players, to keep making the dream real.

And I don't want to forget the visit to new farm land, sharing coconuts with Agronomist Yves; the garden tour with students at St. Paul's Garden Club; and especially that night we all spent together — Don's birthday, our local band, Jean Fritz and Jean Well, community members, LH, St. Paul’s and ASFPN colleagues — all of it together in one place. That was hope made visible.