Starting Out

Here is my first entry folks. Contrary to the address, I’m not currently in Haiti. No, right now I’m in Norquay helping to bring the harvest in. If all goes as planned, I’ll be heading to Haiti by the end of November.

I thought I’d give a bit of an explanation of the title of my blog “Peeling the Onion”. No, this isn’t a gardening or cooking blog. “Peeling the Onion” refers to pulling back the many layers of understanding Haiti. I know that I will never be able to understand it all, but I hope that I will be able to slowly peel back the many layers, like an onion, to a greater understanding of the many complexities that exist within Haiti – politically, economically and culturally.

In case your interested, below is a letter I sent out to family and friends to let them know what I'll be doing.

Dear friends and family,

I’m writing to invite you to partner with me in an adventure.

10 years ago I visited the community of Haut Limbe, Haiti, with a group of students from Covenant Bible College. It was a life changing experience that greatly impacted the direction I took upon returning. It led me to study International Studies at university with the hope of one day being involved with international development. After graduation, I was fortunate to gain employment with Canadian Foodgrains Bank in Winnipeg, which is an agency that works to address hunger, food security and food justice issues around the world. My time there has been enriching and has allowed me to explore how Christians can respond to hunger.

This past March, I joined a group from my home church, Faith Covenant, on a trip back to Haut Limbe, Haiti. The purpose of the trip was to help with the construction of the new in-patient facility at the local health clinic (Eben-ezer Clinic). Spending time with Dr. Manno (the local Haitian doctor) and seeing the positive impact the clinic is having on the community was inspiring. It reminded me of the impact that community had on me 10 years ago and led me to explore what my next steps would be.

After much consideration, counsel and prayer, I feel that God is leading me to return to Haut Limbe to serve in the community for a longer term. I plan to return this fall for a one year term, to support the work of Eben-ezer Clinic and its partnership with the Evangelical Covenant Church of Canada as well as various other ministries in the community. 

This is not a ministry I can do on my own and so I am inviting you to partner with me. I will not be receiving a salary, and as such will need to raise funds to cover living and travel expenses.  I have included a response card that you may fill out and return to the Evangelical Covenant Church of Canada (PO Box 34025, RPO Fort Richmond, Winnipeg, MB R3T 5T5). All gifts are eligible to receive a tax receipt. Please prayerfully consider how you may be able to support me financially. A portion of the money contributed will go towards supporting Eben-ezer Clinic and the various programs it offers the community.

Here are some ways to get involved in this ministry:

• Commit to a monthly donation ($25, $50, or other)
• Support me with a one-time gift
• Contribute to construction of the in-patient clinic

In addition to financial support, I’m asking for your prayer support as well, as I know while this opportunity will be exciting, there will also be many challenges along the way. Please provide your mailing and email address on the response card enclosed so that I can keep you updated about my experience and share prayer requests.

Blessings,

Janelle Peterson