February Newsletter

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Madame Laveaux's Story

 

Lophane recently visited a remarkable woman, Madame Laveaux, who received a micro-loan from Mission Haiti six years ago to open her food shop. Thanks to your generous support, Madame Laveaux's business has continued to thrive, and she is still going strong today!

In the recent photo (taken this January), Lophane can be seen with Madame Laveaux, who has built a successful food business with the help of Mission Haiti. The other image is a throwback from six years ago when Madame Laveaux first received the micro-loan and set up her shop, with Ms. Helen standing by her side in support. This beautiful journey of empowerment and community impact would not have been possible without the continued support of people like you.

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Join Us at the Cocoa Village Art Festival!

 

Mission Haiti will be at the Cocoa Village Art Festival in Cocoa, FL, on March 1st and 2nd, and we need your help! The Cocoa Village Art Festival is one of the largest and most popular art festivals on Florida’s Space Coast, and we are proud to be represented as a Christian non-profit partner.

 

We’re looking for volunteers from the Central Florida area to help us at the event. If you’re interested in giving back and getting involved, please let us know via email at missionhaiti99@aol.com. It’s a fantastic opportunity to help spread the word about the incredible work Mission Haiti is doing and to support Haitian artisans!

Support Haitian Artisans & Mission Haiti’s Projects

All sales of handmade Haitian art at the Cocoa Village Art Festival will directly support Mission Haiti’s projects in Haiti and provide meaningful employment for Haitian artisans. These artisans create beautiful works of art that showcase their skill, culture, and creativity, and your support helps them continue to thrive.

 

We hope to see you there, and thank you for your continued support of Mission Haiti’s mission to empower and uplift Haitian communities!

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New Year's Soup Joumou: A Haitian Tradition

 

One of the most cherished traditions in Haitian culture is the celebration of Soup Joumou on New Year’s Day. This soup is not only a delicious and hearty meal but also a symbol of freedom and independence.

 

Every year, Mission Haiti celebrates this tradition by making and sharing the soup, honoring the rich cultural heritage of Haiti. This year, Lophane joined in the celebration, and we’re excited to share the joy with you by providing a recipe so you can make this delicious soup at home.

 

Below, you'll find pictures from our January food distribution in the city of Jeremie. The region has been severely impacted by both famine and violence, creating a dire situation for many. This distribution was organized to address the urgent need for food and to offer a message of hope. In addition to providing nourishment, we hosted a Bible study and a time of worship, aiming to uplift and encourage the community during these challenging times.

Enjoy the Tradition

 

Soup Joumou is a celebration of freedom and community, and it’s meant to be shared with family and friends. Making it at home is a great way to connect with Haitian culture, and we hope this recipe brings warmth and joy to your table. Enjoy!

 

Soup Joumou Recipe

 

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef stew meat (cut into cubes)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 large onion (diced)

• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

• 2 carrots (peeled and chopped)

• 1 medium-sized butternut squash (peeled, seeds removed, and cubed)

• 1 small green bell pepper (diced)

• 1 tbsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme)

• 4-5 cups beef broth (or water)

• 2 cups water (for the squash)

• 2 cups pasta (usually spaghetti, broken into pieces)

• 1 tbsp tomato paste

• 1-2 habanero peppers (optional for a spicy kick)

• 1 tsp salt (to taste)

• 1 tsp black pepper (to taste)

• 1 tbsp lime juice (optional, to clean the meat)

• 1/2 cup parsley (chopped, for garnish)

   

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beef:
   Wash the beef stew meat with lime juice and water. Drain and set aside. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Brown the beef on all sides for about 5-7 minutes, then remove it from the pot.

2. Sauté Vegetables:
   In the same pot, add the diced onion, garlic, and green bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened.

3. Cook the Squash:
   In a separate pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the cubed butternut squash and cook until tender, about 10-15 minutes. Once tender, mash the squash with a fork or potato masher, leaving some chunks for texture.

4. Combine & Simmer:
   Return the beef to the pot with the sautéed onions and peppers. Add the beef broth, thyme, tomato paste, and the mashed squash (along with the cooked pieces). Stir well to combine.

5. Add the Pasta & Spices:
   Bring the soup to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Add the broken pasta and habanero peppers (if using). Season with salt and pepper. Allow the soup to simmer for about 30-45 minutes until the pasta is tender and the flavors have melded together.

6. Serve & Garnish:
   Once the soup is ready, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with your favorite bread or crackers for an extra touch!​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​