“I’d say this is a miracle from God. I can’t imagine why people have that much interest in me.”
Edvy Durandice
Folks,
When I am in the United States, one of my favorite things is to get a call from Edvy Durandice, one of CODEP’s long-standing leaders. There is always a flurry of business to conduct but it is sprinkled with other messages: “Here is the salary roster… My friend, are you cold up north?… I will fund this if you will fund that…. Oh, that man is not to be trusted…. Yes, we have put in more window bars since the robbery at the store… When you are back I will come down the mountain on a moto to see you…”
Edvy is one of the reasons CODEP exists. He was part of the organizing committee and in the first group of Animators. His participation was crucial as he had been a banker and understood the financial issues. He has never wanted to be seen as The Leader of CODEP because he only sees it is a communal project, and all must participate. But, he is the CFO, and he dispenses the salaries and bonuses, lobbies for school support, and was the center pin when the micro-financing loans were first structured. He is in every meeting anchoring us all with his wisdom.
From the beginning CODEP’s success was dependent upon Edvy being part of the story. Then in 1997 he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease. Dr. Robert and Becky Jones of Wilmington, NC immediately stepped up and quarterbacked his treatment along with others in their PC(USA) church and the medical community. Edvy spent nearly six months in Wilmington receiving chemotherapy and staying at Bob and Becky’s home. Subsequently he traveled back to NC regularly to receive check-ups. His cancer has been kept at bay.
Edvy participates in all aspects of CODEP’s work. He sees to it that people can get to their work sites. He often pays for items out of his own pocket. His group of Chef Ekips (foremen) and workers over the years have been in instrumental in tree planting. He’s mentoring Carlos to follow in his footsteps.
The church that graces the bend in the Jacmel Road that is CODEP is a beautiful structure. It is where Edvy worships. Nearby is the bright pink building which houses a store, the micro-financing venture APKF, and Edvy’s huge impossible-to-move safe. Edvy is anchored in his faith and, in turn, he anchors CODEP.
Edvy sums it up: “It’s most important to continue with the trees. Everything else will come in time.”
Michael Anello
Executive Director
