Hello all! I was recently asked why I’ve been participating in the Pittsburgh Marathon Relay these past few years. Do I love running? Eh… Do I miss Pittsburgh? There are many things I miss about Pittsburgh, but I could visit on any weekend. Here’s a quick story that captures why I keep running for Espwa.

A few years back on my third trip to Haiti, I had the opportunity to spend some extended time with one of the teenagers from the area we serve. Waiky was a “street kid” and I’d built a relationship with him on prior trips. Through letters we’d exchanged, I learned that Waiky’s mother was disabled and could not find work, and his father was not in the picture. God just put it on my heart to keep loving on this kid. On that trip, I had the chance to meet his mother and see his home. His “home” was a 7x7’ rented room with cement walls, a cement floor, and was only lit by the slatted window that let in sunlight. It was hot, overcrowded, and had three beds jammed in the small space. As we got to talking (through my friend Guilin, translating), I learned that Waiky’s mother was no longer able to send him to school (he had only completed 5^th grade). I’d gotten to know more about Waiky earlier that day during a hike with a group of teenagers and told his mother that she was raising a fine young man. She started tearing up and I couldn’t help but do the same. I learned that Waiky could attend school the next year for only $100. I asked if I could support his tuition, and her tears flowed even more.

I’ll never forget that experience. The sheer injustice of it all. The meager amount of money that could change the path of someone’s life. That was a watershed moment in my life. Waiky’s mom was the hero of that story and I was just glad to play a supporting role. And that’s why I keep investing my time, energy, and resources into Espwa. That’s why I keep running the race. To be a hand up to my friends in Haiti. Would you partner with me?

Every year, the Pittsburgh Marathon draws over 25,000 runners and the city comes alive with excitement and activity.  The Espwa Foundation is proud to field another round of relay teams and individual runners this year. This is our third year participating as an organization, and this event has grown into one of our largest fundraisers. That's particularly exciting for us, because the more funds we raise each year, the more lives we can impact in Haiti.  We can't do this without our network of amazing supporters! 

The Espwa Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to impacting those in poverty in the Cap Haitien, Haiti region.  "Espwa" is the Haitian Creole word for "hope."  We believe it's all about relationships and that through long-term development, we can truly help our brothers and sisters in Haiti.  We don't just throw money at problems, or give handouts when they are not the appropriate type of intervention.  We assess situations, get to know those involved, and come up with strategies to achieve personal and professional growth.  In our project portfolio, we engage in medical relief by partnering with local physicians, and undertake development efforts across the spectrum: family support, farming, small business, pastoral support, and more.  Join our movement of hope in Haiti today!