Haiti, Flat Amos and rosaries

Lindsay Steele
The Catholic Messenger

ServeHaiti member Liz McDermott traveled to Grand-Bois, Haiti, March7-12 and, while there, offered Haitians an opportunity to earn money making rosaries for the Holy Land Military Rosary Project.

ServeHaiti is a national organization whose goal is to help Grand-Bois grow into a thriving, self-sustaining mountain community where residents have access to healthcare, quality education, economic opportunities, clean drinking water and nutritious food. A number of diocesan parishes are involved with the organization. McDermott, a member of Our Lady of the River Parish-LeClaire, serves as Trip Lo­gistics Coordinator. For several years, ServeHaiti has worked with diocesan priest Father Bill Kneemiller, founder of the Holy Land Rosary Project, to offer Haitians the opportunity to make rosaries and gain extra income. Fr. Kneemiller is chaplain of the Kahl Home in Davenport.

According to ServeHaiti Field Coordinator Kim Snyder, 50 Haitians made a total of 1,000 rosaries, and each craftsman earned $20 for their efforts. She said $20 goes a long way in Haiti. One worker planned to purchase about 10 cups of bean seeds for planting this season. Another worker planned to use the money to add to her savings to start a sewing business. Others planned to purchase rice to feed their families.

The supplies were purchased prior to the trip thanks to the generosity of donors. Additionally, Knights of Columbus councils in Blue Grass and Muscatine hosted fundraising auctions.

McDermott presented the rosaries to Fr. Kneemiller and Holy Land Rosary Project assistant Michelle Schaapveld at the Kahl Home in Davenport March 22. The rosaries will be given to diocesan parishes and schools as well as persons in the military.