Since the many years that Bobby and I have lived here in Haiti, we have never seen the children eat “soup joumou” (pumpkin soup) for breakfast! This soup is so important for the Haitians and their heritage, because back in the days of the French occupation and slavery, only the rich could afford to eat the “pumpkin soup” or “soup joumou!” The poor slaves had to make the “soup” for the wealthy landowners, but they could not eat it! Their battle of independence changed all that!!

Now, each January 1st, they hug each other, pray for each other, greet each other, and eat “soup joumou!” But in all the years our orphan children have been eating this soup, this was the first time we had seen them eat this special dish for breakfast!! They laughed, giggled, and had a great time eating “pumpkin soup” (soup joumou) for breakfast!!! Tonight is the birthday party, and we hope they go to bed early!! Ha!!

Sherry