Al and Marsha Kolbe are well acquainted with Haiti, and with the community of Bassin Caiman in particular. Marsha first went to Haiti with Friendship Church, a trip led by Jeff VanderMolen (one of Haiti H2O’s founders) in 2003: “When Friendship went that first time, a lot of families came...it was a really meaningful trip.” Reflecting on her first impressions of the country, Marsha said, “I remember the airport—you come off the plane and go to the baggage area—it’s so busy. [All the] sights and sounds...it was a little overwhelming!” Al, whose first trip took place 2 years after Marsha’s, agrees. In describing a drive through the streets of Port-au-Prince and onto Bassin Caiman, the Kolbes both remembered the burning plastics, the vibrant colors and the beautiful countryside: “So many sensory events at once, it was a bit surreal”. In total, Al has been to Haiti at least 6 times and Marsha has been several times as well. 

Al and Marsha have many fond memories of those early trips with Haiti H2O. Al in particular was initially skeptical. He had been on several mission trips before with other churches, all within the US. The projects varied, but left a sour taste for Al: “I had a somewhat diminished view of the benefit [of mission trips]”. The Kolbes’ experiences with Haiti H2O changed all that. Al describes those experiences with Haiti H2O as much more akin to camping: “Haiti H2O’s philosophy is that you are immersed in the community,” said Al. Marsha remembers the long ride from Port-au-Prince to Bassin Caiman: “We had a couple of vehicles that most of the guys stood on for 6 hours. I’m not sure you’d be allowed to do that anymore!”

“It was important for me to understand the level of trust that Haiti H2O had built over the years with their in-country sponsors, Jeanne and Jules,” said Al. “I’ve been there enough times to see them and see where their heart is.”

That level of trust has led the Kolbes to not only become Sustaining Partners with Haiti H2O, but also to build lasting relationships in Haiti, including a long-time friendship with a school principal in an area just outside Bassin Caiman. Like many teachers in Haiti, there was a long period when this principal was working for free, with only the hope of eventually being paid. The Kolbes were able to come alongside him and support him in his work. This school principal even named one of his sons after them—‘Kolbe’, whom Al and Marsha hope they will get to meet some day. “Even a little bit of help is a ton of help,” said Marsha. With Haiti H2O, “Money doesn’t go through four layers of bureaucracy.” 

The Kolbes reflected fondly on one night in Bassin Caiman when the church decided to throw a huge party for everyone in the village - not just the congregation. Around 120 people attended, along with a band and food prepared for days by the women in the village. “The happiness of people, even in the midst of their poverty, was so genuine and so real,” said Al. “The people are rich, even in their poverty.”

“My heart still lingers down there,” said Al. “I wonder if I will ever be able to go back.”