Just Haiti

In seeking justice I've been running into some organizations that are promoting justice through how they do business. Just Haiti is one such group. This cooperative of coffee growers in Haiti is more than just another free trade coffee seller. The management and decisions on how profits are used are made largely by the growers and people in Haiti. This is a major positive step that is not so common even in free trade organizations that claim to benefit grassroots growers. With Just Haiti they work for sustainable development in the community and the profits really do benefit locally. The top profits are not skimmed from the top by North American organizations/managers before going to the local cooperative like in some organizations.

From the website: "Just Haiti works to alleviate poverty, hunger, violence, illiteracy and disease in Haiti by fostering small-business development, education programs, employment opportunity, infrastructure improvement and environmental quality. Just Haiti is a Section 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization."

I feel blessed to learn about this organization from a fellow student at CTU Kim Lamberty who just earned her Doctor's in Ministry degree. I'm really impressed with her justice work in many nations.

Please consider buying coffee from this cooperative. Their cafe has a nice bold flavor that sure beats your everyday Folgers. Besides you can relax in the fact that you're supporting people working for their livelihood and contributing to a sustainable future!

http://justhaiti.org/buycoffee.htm

Definitive Incorporation June 3, 2009

I'm really just so thankful to the community of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood, my family, friends, and the associates of the Precious Blood who have welcomed me with open arms. I am profoundly grateful to have been able to follow a deep call from God journeying the last five years toward ministry in the Church. I feel confirmed in my desire to serve the People of God, blessed with many gifts to share, and open to working and learning together how God is loving and moving the Church today.

During my Incorporation Mass I was just so moved by the Spirit. I was emotional during the rehearsal remembering my priest friend Fr. Emil Labbe who I learned so much from, and I received his mission cross as my community symbol. I was nearing tears during the Litany of the Saints as I felt God and all the Saints rejoicing with our community as I professed my life to work for the mission of the Precious Blood. After the mass I was blessed by the congratulations and welcome of many community members brothers, priests, and sisters, by family, and by friends. I can't even describe how much joy, welcome, and gratitude that I felt that day. I've made such a long journey earnestly doing my best to find God's call for my life. I'm so happy to share my vocation to serve as a Precious Blood Missionary.

May we all come to live reconciliation, justice, love, and peace following the call of the healing Blood of Jesus.

Joseph J. Grilliot, C.PP.S.

Photos Definitive Incorporation June 3, 2009

My family joyful on a wonderful day!



Me with my best friend and community brother.



Me with a happy Mom and Dad.



Of course the community came to celebrate.

I'm just following Gaspar del Bufalo's lead.

CPE Toledo, OH

“Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.” -Matthew 25:24-36

Well, I've been quite busy with the intensive experience of CPE, but I'm doing well with it. From being quite overwhelmed in the beginning with learning how to handle trauma ministry to becoming relatively at ease in visiting patients, families, and medical staff, I'm starting to enjoy the ministry. It's a little crazy working multiple shifts since we keep chaplains at the hospital 24hours a day. However it's a really good experience, and I'm stretching well into it. It's really been a healthy time of growth for me. Now it is only about three weeks until I finish the program August 7th. I have also enjoyed being able to visit with some friends from college in Toledo, Ohio who I am living closer to now. I'm convinced there is definite need to serve people's spiritual and emotional needs when their dealing with health, death, suffering, and relational crises in the hospital. Sometimes it's taxing work for me being rather compassionate to deal with my emotions around the difficulties after work, but I know that this ministry is so needed.

Blessings to those called to hospital chaplaincy. But I don't think this is my prime vocation.

Busted Halo -Reducing Energy Consumption

Here's just a good common sense article to continue taking steps toward reducing our personal energy consumption. Every step helps reduce our contribution to over using resources.

http://www.bustedhalo.com/features/50-ways-to-help-save-the-earth-reduce-energy-consumption/