With the floods, the political troubles, and continuing economic difficulties, it has been a difficult year for hope in Haiti. Perhaps this made our gathering this September especially important. More than seventy people showed up this year at the Temenos Retreat Center coming from various parts of the United States and Haiti. Together we met in Open Space, sharing, dreaming, wondering, praying, laughing, eating, listening, and stirring up hope in one another.

We met again using Open Space, which allowed everyone to participate in setting the agenda for our meetings.

Everyone, it seemed, more hopeful. Hopeful about Haiti’s future, because though huge challenges lie ahead, people met courageous, bright, capable, young Haitian leaders who had traveled from various places throughout Haiti for this meeting. We left hopeful because though it is also a difficult political season in the U.S., we discussed practical ways to work for change in our own country.

Vana Edmond from Lagonav, Haiti, taught us a song she composed during the meeting. She was accompanied by Bryan Sirchio, who provided music and led us in some serious and silly singing.

We left hopeful because we strengthened each other through fellowship, planning, exchanging ideas, and building new connections and relationships. Hopeful because guided by the great music of Bryan Sirchio, we sang and laughed together. And hopeful because of the words of Vana, a Haitian participant, who was inspired at the retreat to compose into a song with theme, “Put your hand in mine and together we will build a better tomorrow.”

Hope in justice isn’t always easy, but it’s certainly easier when done together than when tried alone.

Each year our annual meeting keeps growing. This year in addition to the retreat center’s regular lodging, we had participants who camped in tents and participants who brought sleeping bags and slept where they found space. (They volunteered for this, by the way. Everyone who requested a bed had one!) We had a great contingent of Haitian Americans and Haitians—many of whom were making their first trip to the U.S. We had a record number of children, and were pleased to be able to provide a children’s program with Bryan’s music and childcare.

We want to thank everyone who participated in September’s annual meeting. Thank you to those who provided music, logistical support, airport rides, and delicious Haitian food. Thank you to those who shared ideas, dreams, and plans in their workshops. Thank you for your presence. Thank you for your passion and love for Haiti. And to those who couldn’t make it, we hope to see you next year...as we continue to work together to stir up hope in one another.