Photos: In Haiti, a journalist befriends a hustler

At the Cite Soleil camp, Jean Pierre, right, speaks to Felix Cadet, who is recounting his experiences since the Jan 12 earthquake. Jean Pierre is interpreting for Times reporter Joe Mozingo, whose image is reflected in Jean’s sunglasses. (Liz O. Baylen / Los Angeles Times)

March 13, 2014 1:16 AM PT

An American journalist is drawn into a friendship with a hard-luck Haitian hustler deported from the U.S. years ago.

Roselen Duxjour, 57, and others who live in a tent camp in Cite Soleil, answer questions from Jean Pierre, whose hand is visible at left. Roselen, Pierre said, hopes to leave the camp and go to the Dominican Republic. (Liz O. Baylen / Los Angeles Times)

Jean Pierre hugs wife Guerda after a day interpreting for Los Angeles Times journalists visiting during another crisis. The infrequent work is the best he can find. (Liz O. Baylen / Los Angeles Times)

Guerda cooked a special dinner for her family to share with journalists from the Los Angeles Times, whom her husband Jean, right, is working with. Their children, Medjene, David and Annesama join them for dinner. Another son, MacDonald is not seen. (Liz O. Baylen / Los Angeles Times)

After a scolding, Jean Pierre comforts his son, MacDonald; daughter Medjene awaits her turn. (Liz O. Baylen / Los Angeles Times)

Jean Pierre, right, speaks to farmer Maxo Elie, left, for Times reporter Joe Mozingo near a camp in Cite Soleil. He still speaks U.S. street slang. Read the full story about Jean Pierre’s life in Haiti. (Liz O. Baylen / Los Angeles Times)

Jean Pierre interprets for Times reporter Joe Mozingo, in a field alongside a tent camp in Cite Soleil. Read the full story about Jean Pierre’s life in Haiti. (Liz O. Baylen / Los Angeles Times)

Jean Pierre takes time out of his day working as an interpreter to stop by his home. Closely following his every move at home is his youngest daughter, Annesama. His wife Guerda, front left, her back to the camera, doing the family’s laundry with the help of neighbors. Read the full story about Jean Pierre’s life in Haiti. (Liz O. Baylen / Los Angeles Times)

Surrounded by three of his children, from left, David, Annesama, and Medjene, Jean Pierre rests after an early and long morning of interpreting for the Los Angeles Times. Read the full story about Jean Pierre’s life in Haiti. (Liz O. Baylen / Los Angeles Times)