by Bernie Gengel

At Brit’s Academy, we are in the midst of the third control, the longest and most intense quarter of the school year. Imagine a full week of studying as if it were college finals week, except these are children. The Haitian education system is unlike anything in the U.S., and at times, it’s frustratingly illogical. Students might have three major exams in three different subjects all in one day. I don’t know about you, but I’m grateful that’s not how school works in America!

But even in the midst of stress, we keep excitement and hope alive for every child. God is good, and we are blessed that Brit’s Home is in Grand Goâve,a town Britney was meant to visit the day after the earthquake. We didn’t know that when we bought the land, but looking back, it feels like divine intervention.

There’s a dynamic difference between the 39 teenagers and our 20 youngest children. Our youngest, Christy, is just over a year old, while our oldest, Venitte and Macson, are 20 and living in transition. These little ones have brought new energy and purpose to our home. Watching the older kids care for them reminds me of The Lion King’s circle of life. They see themselves in the younger ones and do their best to ensure they have a better childhood than they did.

A Country in Crisis, A Home of Hope

Let’s not sugarcoat it,Haiti is arguably the worst it has ever been. The violence, fear, and suffering are beyond anything we could have imagined. The official numbers don’t tell the real story the actual death toll is likely ten times what’s reported. Innocent lives are lost daily, and an entire generation carries deep trauma that will impact Haiti for decades.

But here’s what makes Haiti different: perseverance and resourcefulness. No matter how impossible things seem, Haitians don’t give up.

Haiti will take a decade or more to recover from this crisis, and the country we once knew no longer exists. The desperation is unimaginable, and it breaks our hearts that we can’t do more. But we focus on our mission. Brit’s Home is a beacon of light, and our priority is raising the next generation of leaders. One day, hopefully soon, Haiti will stabilize and leap into the 21st century.

We pray for everyone fighting the good fight in Haiti and beyond.

The Future is Being Built Today

Brit’s Home will always protect, love, and care for orphans. These children carry a pain that’s hard to put into words. Many struggle with feelings of abandonment, questioning why they were born into such hardship. But as orphans, they are God’s most beloved children, the purest embodiment of His love.

And despite the challenges, I have witnessed greatness within these walls.

Traveling to Haiti isn’t what it used to be. As a “Blan” (foreigner), I used to blend in with the missionary groups. That’s no longer the case. Now, I travel through a missionary flight company out of Florida. The trip to Brit’s Home takes 12 hours, two flights, and a three-hour drive with armed security. This is the new reality, but it doesn’t stop us from doing the work.

Creating a Future Beyond Borders

Our children are embarrassed and ashamed of what has become of their country’s capital. They fear their opportunities are limited. But thanks to the internet, we are finding ways to build new opportunities right here.

• Macson will soon be selling his art online.


• Sherly will be teaching cooking lessons virtually.


• We are empowering our children to create businesses that will help their local economy grow.

Sherly, for example, is already selling cakes almost daily. These kids are proving that their future isn’t defined by their circumstances—it’s defined by their will to create something better.

Brit’s Legacy Lives On

Britney believed in the underdog, the forgotten, the voiceless. Some of our kids still feel like they don’t have a voice, but here at Brit’s Home, we amplify their voices, their dreams, their futures.

Her spirit is alive and thriving in the walls of Brit’s Home, in the laughter of the children, in the resilience of our community.

If you have any questions or want to learn more about how you can help, please reach out to me at bg@blb.ht.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Haiti will rise again. We believe.

- Bernie Gengel, Haiti Director