Bon fet'w e Bon ane!

Today is three special events: Haiti's Independence Day (declared in 1804 - the first black independent nation), New Years Day (a day where they eat pumpkin soup in part symbolizing freedom from slavery), and my friend and colleague, Renette's birthday! I used to work with her and she invited me to join her family in her home which had been destroyed in the earthquake and has since been replaced by this transitional shelter. She has the big smile and purple dress. She is also one of the most impressive people I've met here - although she comes from a very poor neighborhood and background, she leads very progressive women's organization in her neighborhood with no outside help until recently, supports her family by working with an international NGO, all while studying at university as well.