Welcome to the Head and Tail of Haiti!
After ten (10) straight years in the United States and Africa, the January 12 earthquake forced Louis Dorvilier to change his priorities. Originally from the Southwest of Haiti, Louis left the country in 1999 and has been living in Lake in the Hills, Illinois for the last two years after several years of engagement in development work in West, Central and Southern Africa. He returned to Haiti in October 2010 to land a hand to his people and country. Louis is currently serving as Country Representative for the Lutheran World Federation/Department for World Service in Haiti, seconded by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).
He has accepted the new call in the Lutheran World Federation program in Haiti with faith and a deep commitment to serve God’s mission in a country that was overwhelmed by several disasters in 2010 including the earthquake, cholera outbreak, and storm Tomas. Louis brings a wealth of experience and expertise in this new endeavor and a deep commitment in Christian faith. He trusts God’s faithfulness to the whole of creation knowing the Haitian people are in search of small signs of hope.
One of the objectives of this blog is to show living signs of hope and share untold stories of the other side of Haiti. Come join Louis in his search and discovery of encouraging signpost throughout Haiti. He can be reached at: lod215@yahoo.com or on skype at: Skype name: louis565.
I visited Source Zabeth which is one of the important echo system of Haiti. The source is located in the village of Bonnette, near Ganthier. The echo park that was refurbished thanks to a contribution of the European Union extends over three hectares. Nearly 300 plants and species are listed in this location. Besides flora, this site also has a unique fauna. Several varieties of fish derived. A trans-border program on environmental protection between Haiti and the Dominican Republic, funded by the European Union (EU), is under way on this site. The goal of this program is to turn this site into a more attractive echo tourist destination. Culturally, this site has great importance for the adept of the Voodoo religion. They contribute significantly to the protection of trees in this region. Leaders of the Protestant
... read moreLake Anourse, located in the mountain of Petit-Goave, in the village of first Plaine is one the most diverse yet unique echo-system of Haiti. The variety of wild life constituting the flora and fauna of this region make it a very special. I visited Lake Arnouse with the mayor of Petit-Goave and a couple of friends on an early Saturday morning. It was a great gift discovering the uniqueness of the place and the beauty of this region. To reach Lake Arnouse from Port-au-Prince, you drive south of Port-au-Prince direction Les Cayes. From the town of Vialet (1re Plaine, section communale) turn left. The Lake will be on your right at the fork of road leading to the mountain.
... read moreMoulin Sur Mer, Beach Hotel, located in the city of Montrouis is an emerald that also lodged the Colonial Museum Ogier Fombrun. This museum is an architectural masterpiece and a gift to both the Haitian community and the world. The museum holds the colonial memory of the Haitian history. The hotel and museum are beacon of hope in a country ravaged by painful history and memories. Great thanks and appreciation to the Fombrun family.
... read moreI visited Morancy, a small fishermen village, located South of Port-au-Prince about 20 miles to Les Cayes. Morancy offers a natural beauty that summons the soul and overwhelms many visitors. The economic potential of the village is apparent. But the association of economic development of Morancy is unable to attract investment because of the difficulty of accessing the village on the poor road. Many agencies have promised to help but their assurances have not materialized yet. The people remain hopeful. For now, the proud villagers live of fish and small scale agriculture of subsistence awaiting for support to help them finish the road. The fishermen welcome backpacking visitors and there are possibilities of housing in the village. People have the possibility of spending a night with the villagers but prior arrangement is required ahead of time.
... read moreClub Indigo is an inviting place. It is located 30 miles north of Port-au-Prince, on the coast of Arcadins. It's a little bit pricy though. You also have the possibility of spending the day for about $30.
... read moreI visited Montreux, Switzerland from April 19 through the 25th this year. This visit brought back sweet memories. Montreux, part of the Vevey region, is one of the most beautiful place of Switzerland. It has it all: its breathtaking landscape, flowers, Alps, lake, jazz music and a particular commitment to enjoying life and people. Located in the flank of the Swiss Alps and an hour from the international city of Geneva by train, Montreux - part of the Swiss Riviera- offers a unique mix hard to find in Europe between lake and mountains and splendid microclimate. The uniqueness of the place couple with the diversity of activities and excursions, be it by bus, train or boat, and of culture, sports as well as entertainment allows each and everyone, no matter the age, to live a unique
... read moreDakar, located at the extreme point west of the Atlantic ocean, is one of the largest cities of Senegal. Dakar, like many colonial cities such Cap-Haitian, Jamaica, Guadeloupe or Martinique, made the glorious days of the Trans-Atlantic trade and later the slave trade, which began in the middle of 16th century. Dakar, the capital city of Senegal, is today one of the most cosmopolitan city in West Africa and a place for many to learn about human resistance to oppression and slavery and also to gain a needed perspective on the Islamic faith. Like many foreigners, I made my pilgrimage to Goree Island. With this visit, I paid my respect to the fallen heroes of the slave trade that the Portuguese initiated around 1530's and later culminated with the French extensive colonial presence in the region.
... read moreThis is the puzzling question that I often get from friends and partners in ministry. My closest friends who know me as a rational individual, a passionate development practitioner, and an advocate for global justice would put it bluntly this way: “we know that you are an ELCA missionary in West Africa; so what exactly you do?” We understood what you did in the past but we are at lost with “this fostering relationship”. I don't do... I walk with people. We live in an era of changing role for missionaries where lay people like me is being called and sent by the church to serve in various capacities. My church is very active in mission work, in teaching, preaching, and healing ministries for sake of the Gospel. The makeup of our involvement has changed. Missionaries
... read moreOur family celebrated a great week filled of blessings, grace and hope. Stephane, our eldest son, concluded one mile stone on June 3rd this year when he received his high school diploma from the board chair of Dakar Academy. Dakar Academy is a mission school sponsored by the Assemblies of God, the International Mission Board, the United World Mission and the World Venture. The school is open to other denominations and the Senegalese. Stephane will return to the US and will join Carthage College during the fall. He plans to graduate in psychology. Keep him in your prayers as he undertakes a new journey.
... read moreThe Republic of Cameroon, located in the heart of Africa at the cross points of West and Central Africa, is full of mystery, tales, and stories. Cameroon is one of the oldest countries in Africa. The creation of what is now Cameroon remounts to 8000 BC and was considered as a meeting point of cultures, ethnic groups and peoples. The country is blessed with miles of cost line, beautiful beaches and gorgeous mountains and picks, rain forest and waterfalls, and wildlife and savannas. Modern day Cameroon started in 1472 with the arrival of the slave traders and colonial masters known as the Portuguese explorers. Their boats took them to the top of the Wouri River which they named Rio dos Camaroes, hence giving the country its actual name. Travel in West Africa is an enormous challenge
... read more