Yesterday I received an email from some of our partners in Haiti, who were happy to share that they have successfully installed a solar-powered egg incubation system.

Walter Dort and Raymond Nacius pastor the Christian Church of Croix-des-Bouquets. Together with their wives Marie and Guerda, they work to address the material as well as spiritual needs of their community. They have a special love for children, who know the church for its generosity toward them.

In August, Walter and Raymond traveled to Oaxaca, Mexico, to learn from Communityfor Appropriate Technology Facilitator Kerry Johnson. While in Oaxaca they spent time in indigenous Zapoteco and Mixteco villages, and Kerry soon realized that the locals loved to listen to the Haitians explain the very concepts that they were learning themselves.

One of the most important things needed in Croix-des-Bouquets is sanitary water, and Walter and Raymond learned to dig wells with a hand drill, to pump water, and to purify it so it can be safely consumed.

Walter and Raymond also learned about egg incubation, something they hope to eventually use to earn income for their church while providing food for the community. This week they completed the installation of a solar panel to power the incubator, and Walter traveled across Haiti to buy twelve eggs.

Raymond on his roof with the solar panel.

Wiring the incubator.

A few of the eggs themselves.

Appropriate Technology Facilitator Kerry Johnson will soon post a primer on egg incubation on his Oaxaca blog. In the meantime, pray that these eggs will successfully hatch and be multiplied! I’ll keep you updated . . .