Hello from cloudy PAP
Here I am back from my quick trip to the Artibonite Valley. Saturday was an EXHAUSTING day which started at 5:00 AM and kept going until 8 or so when we finally sat down to eat dinner. Wilner arrived around 9 or so and after a quick breakfast we were out the door to go to Agape to check for mail and to pick up some groceries in expectation of guests coming to stay at HH for a couple of days at the start of the new week. That was a 4 hour excursion by time we got through traffic and all. We gulped down a quick bite at the apt and then got to work moving some of the furniture and packing a few more items awaiting Odney's arrival at 3 to load up the truck. I don't know what I would have done if we had planned to move everything to Deschapelles as the truck was loaded with the little we were taking. The move is beginning to seem a bit like the "Never Ending Story" with the piece meal fashion in which I am moving out of their. I hope another couple of hours of packing and another truck load will see me finally moved from Santo 25 to Santo 3. It is nice in a way not having deadline so I can take my time but it also means it goes on an on as I have already said. Sunday AM bright and early we were on the road to Moreau des Iles (where our house is). Once we got there it was another big load of work as we cleaned and moved items around to make room for the items coming off of the truck. By mid afternoon I had had it and flopped on the bed to read and immediately fell asleep for a couple of hours. Wilner's aunt and cousin are staying with him for a while as his cousin recuperates from injuries suffered during the earthquake. His cousin was unearthed from some neighbourhood fellows after 6 hours of their tunneling down to her. She suffered a rather bad break to her lower leg and also required some skin grafting. She had a return visit to the Hospital today to hopefully get the cast taken off. At any rate her aunt took care of all of us yesterday by cooking up a great meal of rice, bean sauce and a meat dish. What a relief it was not to have to cook! Wilner was off by 6:00 this AM as he headed out with a team to get a new project going at one of the areas HAS is working at. Odney and I were back on the road by 8:30 heading back to PAP. The trip was pretty uneventful and once we were back, I hit the office where I have been ever since.

Since I don't have much other exciting news to report I am pasting below the latest news from my friend Judith which has some more post earthquake updates for you. Have a good evening one and all.

Yes, I know these updates are getting more and more infrequent, but that is a tribute to the stability that is beginning to occur. It is gratifying to see. Health…Medical services are still to remain free through July, although some institutions have begun to charge again. There has been one case of Diphtheria reported at one of the camps, so immunization efforts have again intensified. To date more than 800,000 persons have benefited from vaccination. Great strides in water and sanitation have been made at the camps. There are much more facilities available in just the last month; and the NGOs believe that full quotas may be reached in about 3 months. This is very good considering the heavy concentration of people in water-poor areas.

Housing…The Shelter Cluster delivered 104% of its goal of protective tarps and/or tents to over 300,000 families (1.5 million displaced persons). Recent satellite studies of the country showed that out of the over 236,000 buildings surveyed in Port-au-Prince, about 20% was either severely damaged or destroyed. Folks have begun to be relocated from the camps, especially those where people are at risk for flooding. Any camp areas at risk were coded as ‘red’, and these 1,800 families were moved to the two areas outside of Port-au-Prince. Soon those in ‘yellow’ areas will be relocated as well: families on school or small business properties that need to reopen. As I mentioned last time, evaluation teams from the Haitian Government are assessing houses in Port-au-Prince: green ones mean that they are safe to return to; yellow ones will need a little work but can be lived in again; and red ones will be torn down for rebuilding. Despite the fact that 42% of the houses (and in some areas even more) are “green”, folks are still hesitant to return, preferring to sleep outside on their property despite our now heavy rains or under tarp or tent in one of the camps. The camps are somewhat popular because of the food, tarps/tents, and other supplies that had been distributed. It has not been uncommon for some to be camp dwellers during the day and home dwellers (at least outside their home) at night. No one wants to be too far away from his belongings, much of which are still under rubble; and some saw the camp like a Christmas present. The Christmas present phenomenon would be part of any project that gave out free anything; but here in Haïti it’s a little more so. There is a long history of free just about everything, and it’s led to a real problem with dependency. And dependency robs people of their self respect. Now that the international support for the Haitian people is starting a new phase, from acute aid to re-establishment of agriculture and small business, this turn away from handouts will be very important--but also very difficult. There have already been demonstrations against the reduction in the acute aid; but it is a necessary step. It needs to occur as respectfully as possible, but also in a decisive manner. Keeping this kind of help going indefinitely will hamper the natural Haitian spirit of innovation and solidarity. We have all marveled at how well the Haitian people have arisen to help each other and find creative ways to make do. This is the key moment to promote just that.Temporary Shelters have begun to be built. A total of about 130,000 are planned. Folks have been taking advantage of the tarps and some supplies they were able to recoup from the rubble to pretty much do their own, though.

There are the little fancier models being given out, like the new Quonset hut style homes at one of the relocation sites in the Croix des Bouquets area (suburb of Port-au-Prince): Then there are the ones from Habitat for Humanity International, ones made from treated wood—and even the Danish are getting involved, one was built right on the site of a destroyed home: Speaking of reconstruction, as some of you may remember I’ve felt impressed to be able to help persons, particularly ones I know, that have damaged or destroyed homes to rebuild. I’m calling the project Rebati Kay-la (Rebuild the House) and it will join my other project, the Bourse. My first project, Bourse, is set up as a revolving loan. But since the cost to rebuild will be far greater than a family could repay, I’ve set up this second fund to be able to give a gift of building materials and building expertise to go with them.One of the reasons for my recent trip to the US was to see about starting my own NGO for this project so that the benefactors could receive tax credit and I would not be charged tax so as to reduce the principal that could be used. While speaking to a small group, one lady, Lynne Cumming, felt impressed to offer to put Rebati Kay-la as a project under her NGO, Leaves for the Nations. Tony and I went to visit with Lynne and the NGO administrator and his wife, John and Henrietta Reed, a few days later; and we all felt that this was the Lord’s direction. So now Rebat Kay-la has a home with Leaves for the Nation (pun partially intended…)!If you or someone you know would be interested in helping to rebuild through the project, you can make out your check to Leaves for the Nations and send it to:
Leaves for the NationsRebati Kay-laPO Box 41952Sacramento, CA 95841

John will see that you receive a receipt for the donation at the end of the year that you can then apply come April 15---Tony’s birthday, by the way…

Schools…Most schools in the earthquake stricken areas outside of Port-au-Prince have reopened, and about 700 have within the city. This is still very few, but it is a good start. Some are under tarps, others in makeshift buildings, but the essential is that the children are back in school and learning!

Food and Agriculture…The food distributions are nearly completed as cash-for-work projects are taking their place. Much seed continues to be distributed and tuber plants will also be distributed in July. A successful harvest this year will greatly help!

Government and Economics…Food prices are up between 25 and 35%, which has put a strain on all of us. Government services are sparse because it lost a third of its 60,000 employees in the earthquake (almost all government buildings were destroyed). A recent World Bank study suggests that the money transfers from Haitians living abroad (Diaspora) will increase by 20% this year to add another $306 million in income. They believe that this is due to the folks who have found temporary (18 months) asylum in the USA and who will be sending back money to their family and friends. The paper also commented on how the World Bank considers help from individuals to other individuals as potentially a mainstay to reconstruction. I believe this as well. It will be best done one to one; though there is still a role for larger institutions to offer a helping hand.The World Bank also proposed that the Haitian Government offer bonds to the Diaspora (who also may soon be able to hold dual citizenship, if the law passes—meaning that they could both vote and hold an elected position in the government). Following the model already set up in countries like India and Israel, these bonds would be administered by a respected organization and used for development work within the country. They would offer about 5% return on investment, and would permit persons to reinvest at a comfortable rate in their birthplace.

Customs continue to be a difficult hurdle to jump, even for those of us who are residents. The border between the Dominican Republic and Haïti is now particularly difficult, and about 150 trucks loaded with cargo are being held up by customs procedures. The NGO Coordination group that is part of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), has developed guidelines to help NGOs through this complex maze. If you would like more information, let me know and I will forward you their FAQs email. It would be very helpful for any of you working in a relatively new NGO in Haïti.As distributions wind down the focus is shifting to investments in jobs. Some of these will focus on support to local markets; local procurement; cash-for-work and food-for-work programs that will increase both jobs and agricultural production. Also, different private investors are financing international business concerns to expand the apparel industry in order to take advantage of free trade zones and favorable markets in the USA. Another interesting public-private partnership will be with our antiquated landline system, TELECO, that is planned to significantly increase access to telephone service and high speed Internet. This will be through Viettel, Vietnam’s largest mobile phone system, and the agreement is the largest since the earthquake, roughly $100million.
Security…Generally speaking, things have been relatively quiet here; but it does not mean totally peaceful nonetheless. Monday night some good friends of mine had their home broken into near the Baptiste Mission in Fermathe while they slept. Fortunately they were able to escape because the thieves were armed. They are now staying with me while their home is reinforced with ironwork to help prevent further burglaries. Please remember them, this is very traumatic, as you can imagine.

Hello to all: I have had a very quiet day today, sitting at the picnic table for the most part, enjoying the great outdoors while I did a pile of book keeping. It's nothing much to report upon but I sure do feel good for what I accomplished today. I also caught up with correspondence and a number of other little items.

My search for canned fish let us to various food distributors in an industrial type storeage compound not too far from downtown PAP. That was an interesting experience...watching all of the vendors coming to purchase their supplies. Vehicles of all shapes and sizes lined up to pick up the purchases. This time around was an exploratory visit for us, but next time we will be in there like a "dirty shirt" bidding for attention to get our order made and paid for.

Downtown looks pretty much the same..or at least the parts I saw. A few more buildings have been demolished but tents are still up around the Champ Mars area and elsewhere.

News/radio commentaries I have heard in the last day or two pertain mainly to preparation for elections (to be held in Nov?), police action taken in Cite Soleil and elsewhere resulting in the arrest of 27 escaped prisoners, the functioning of the main gov't hospital in downtown - return to some of the buildings for care, services available, free services continue and other.

Tomorrow Wilner comes for a visit and to help pack up some items from the apt we will take to 'Deschapelles on Sunday. Slowly but slowly the place is being emptied out.

That is about it for this evenings update. Have a good weekend one and all.

Debbie

As promised here are the pictures from last night's report and then some....

The "Diri Brigade" so named for all of the boxes of rice they moved, sorted through and packaged for distribution.

Freshening up the dining hall with a new coat of paint.

For all of those anxiously awaiting...FINALLY some pictures of Hopie's pups.

Christophe (in the blue shirt) hard at work at Marie's as they start to rebuild the church, with a much more solid footing.

The birthday boy, Greer with his special birthday hat created by Paul. This was the creme de la creme of all the balloon hats Paul and Julie created during the week. His creations were a big hit with all of the kids.

David at Little Children of Jesus was happy with his simpler version.

And thus ends another special visit in the life of Village of Hope/Hope House.

Tomorrow as they say is another day.......number one on the agenda...searching out deals for canned fish in tomato sauce.

Good Evening: Another fine day is quickly drawing to a close. A good down pour just as we finished dinner cleared the air and brought a nice cool breeze along behind it. The gang are getting their bags together for their 6:00 AM departure for the airport. Julie and Jenn leave at 6 PM so they are going to do some errands with me tomorrow.

We had another early start to the day as the folks were so anxious to get to the school to start their painting project. Before leaving thought we packed 12 boxes of rice meals, some beans and canned goods into Simone's pick up. Simone worked as our translator last week. She and her neighbours have started a feeding center to provide neighbourhood children, newly orphaned or with drastically altered family structure with a hot meal each day. Each of the neighbours provides shelter for one of the kids. I was happy we were able to help her out with some of the rice meals and we will probably do it again.

The eager beavers got right to work and by noon we were on the road back toward town. I profited from the time to do some statistical work and to clean up the office and storage area. I felt good for having got that done. We made a quick stop at the apt. to water the plants and the fellows helped to dissassemble the beds. Slowly but surely the apt is getting packed up. Each time I go I bring a box or two back to Hope House.....its a bit of a hodge podge way to move, but the job is getting done never the less.

After lunch which was enjoyed at the Epi Dor Mac Epi restaurant, we passed an hour with Marie's girls. Paul's balloon animals were a big hit. The place was pretty busy as renovation work has begun on the new chapel. Christophe is over seeing the project and as today was a National holiday he was there slugging away. Greer and two others made a visit to the Blanc's at Santo 2 and the others who live in the compound.

Coming back we made a quick stop at the Bon Pain restaurant to by ice cream to go with the Birthday cake I had purchased for Greer as today was his birthday.....!

Last item on the agenda today was meeting with Robenson as he was needing some funds to pay the next allotment of tuition for his course. It goes well for him although he says they are not at full capacity as yet.

Well folks once again I will have to send photos after the fact. I have now had two batches rejected and it took me 20 minutes to get that far. So I will go and make better use of my time..by putting my head to my pillow and will hope for better results tomorrow.

cheers,
Debbie

Hi one and all: Another blog lesson under my belt allowed me to just post the last several days of reports which I just learned had not got to the site. I do feel better knowing that all of my time was not lost.

I mentioned in one of my reports how my office was covered in platic bags awaiting the distribution.....voila....here is the proof of what I reported.

Today was a very BUSY and productive day. I don't know about the rest of the team but I for one am more than ready for my bed tonight. We got more than our share of exercise as we made numerous trips back and forth delivering the goodie bags to the different classrooms. The team members were treated to a variety of songs as the kids sang a song to thank them for the gifts. It was a great way to add to their Flag Day celebrations.

May 17 is Teacher appreciation day in Haiti and I was happy to be able to pass onto the teachers a pay supplement we had prepared for them to help them as they faced various challenges post earthquake. This special celebration would not have been possible without the generous support of so many who contributed to the Earthquake Relief Fund. On behalf of all of the staff at VOH school and Santo 3, I send a great big THANK YOU. We also presented each of the teachers with a special bucket that had been prepared by members of the Holy Spirit Lutheran Church of Juno Beach Florida.

After our lunch of rice and beans and fish sauce, we completed the distribution to the teachers and then were treated to the kid's parading with their flags and singing a special flag day song.

Clovis, the school principal was the leader of the pack.

that's it for this time around.....Debbie

Picture Day

Picture Day : As promised...pictures of the "handy men and women"

Rene and Ray fixing the freezer Tom and Greer installing the new hasp


While others are hard at work sorting out the goodies carted to Haiti in their suitcases.

And since a picture says a 1,000 words I offer a few others of today's (Saturday) activities.







Bright and early Sat. AM...by 7:00 AM the truck was loaded with 80 boxes of rice meals for packing into bags for the students.

The Stop Hunger rice meals now stocked up at the school. Other team members get the toothpaste, activity books, crayons, coloured pencils ready to go in the bags as well.

The gang worked like real demons and by 11:30 the work was all done and now my office and the storage area is strewn with piles of bags, organized by class around the rooms. Several of the University students will come to give a hand with the distribution on Monday......the day before Haiti Flag day and also Teacher Appreciation Day in Haiti.

Happy Friday to all: It was a quick turn around for us this week as we said goodbye to the Step in Faith team on Wed and today greeted the gang that hails from Alexandria Va.

Yesterday the break day was filled with personnel issues, banking activites, grocery shopping and a few other errands along the way. I was quite pleased as things went well at the bank and my new set of cheques arrived...just in time for May payroll..yahoo!! It was amazing too as there was no line up when I arrived and I just walked right into the bank..that was a first.

This morning Odney (our new chauffeur) and I headed out to the school to deliver propane gas and to do a couple of other things and then we headed to the airport to pick up Julie and Jennifer who arrived two hours before the others. We had an enjoyable time sitting at the back of the camion under the shade of a lovely tree with a nice breeze blowing. Where we parked market ladies cook food for the passerby and for folks working at the airport..such as the police officers. While we sat, several officers started talking with us as they were surprised I spoke Creole so well. Before too long the gals were engaged in the conversation and before you know it the one officer was wanting to get hooked up with Julie. We did have fund kidding back and forth and it sure helped to pass the time.

After a quick lunch and orientation the team got quickly too work unpacking their suitcases and sorting out other items for me. My little depot is quickly filling up. Happily the new cement depot will soon be ready to use and I will be able to transfer all of the suitcases to store them there for a start.

Greer and Tom used their skills to fix my office door....I had to break into it the other night as I had left my keys at my office at the school. They did a fine job of putting in a hasp...a new and improved one at that!

I didn't mention this last week but team members are handy folks to have around. Last week Rene and Ray helped me get the kitchen freezer working again..it had been clogged up with ice.

It is amazing all of the free lessons I am getting...and all very much appreciated.

No pictures tonight..those I will post tomorrow..the service is very slow tonight and it is getting past my bedtime.

Here is a little thought for you to mull over as you close the day: "The beauty of the world about us is only according to what we ourselves bring to it" - A Shaker saying.

Debbie

Hello one and all: It has been several days since I last wrote...more than I realized. I will have to get myself back on track with more regular reports. We have been going non stop ..or so it seems to me since I last wrote.

Sunday we joined the kids at church as per usual. The highlight of the day was handing out the Hats collected at Leita and Bob's Hats Off to Haiti fund raiser for VOH. Rene and Richard were kind enough to cart them along in their suitcases. Maybe some of you will recognize the hats you see sitting so jauntily on the heads of the happy recipients. We were missing a few hats for the boys so gave them the extra girl's ones to take home to their mothers, sisters or aunts. It gave all of us a chuckle to see several of the boys walking out with those hats on their heads.

Monday we were up and on the road by 6:30 or just a few minutes thereafter. The group wanted to participate in the morning assembly. Then it was time to see the Community members who had waited so patiently for our start up. Rene and I did some of the consultations while we waited for the Drs to arrive. By the end of the day we had seen just over 100 patients. I had given out 95 tickets....but we know the odd one or two slipped in......isn't that always the way! Coming back we ran into another huge traffic jam in Croix des Bouquets so we took the scenic route home via the back road of Croix des Bouquets and into Bon Repos. We were back at Hope House in 30' a much better option than sitting in an idling vehicle for over an hour. It was a long day and the group really enjoyed putting their feet up and relaxing in the deck chairs....some of us a bit more than others.......HONESTLY, I didn't work them that hard!....must be the heat!!!!

Monday evening Ron and three of his group were invited out to dinner with a Haitian fellow with whom Ronald had studied at university in Florida. It was quite the adventure for them. They got to see what traffic and the streets are like after a tropical downpour. One of them said they spent more time in the traffic jam than they did in the restaurant.

Tues was another early day as we were running only a half day clinic for the school kids. The team was a well oiled machine by then and we managed to see nearly 130 students and staff, during the morning hours. Sorry to say my camera was frosted up from my cold drinking water and the pictures I took turned out foggy. After lunch the gang efficiently put everything back in its place and left my office in pretty good order. On the way home we made a visit to Little Children of Jesus and as usual Gladys and her staff gave us a gracious welcome. She was busy with some technicians who were there to get several solar panels installed for her water pump.

Today I can reveal to you that I have nicknamed this group the "Step in Faith Team" . In taking that step, I was not disappointed in anyway and everything and everyone came together very nicely. As a result we were able to provide health care to nearly 450 all together. It was very special to have been able to work with the Haitian doctors, nurses and translators. It made the week all that much more special.

Step in Faith team:

Left to right: Eric, Matt, Tina, Rene, Janet, Ronald, Carol, Richard, Ray and Sara better known as Priya.

Thanks for a great week!

Good Evening!...what a FULL day it has been....to say the least. The University Lutheran team who joined us last evening hit the ground running. I don't know if they have had a chance to catch a breath. We are up and at em at 5:30 this AM for our 6:30 departure for the school. There was some last minute set up and organization to perform before we started seeing the patients. There a couple of minor hiccoughs (the doctors arrived late for one) but on the whole it was a very good day. We saw approx. 130 adults and children combined. Unfortunately there was a mix up with the message about the vaccinations so that part did not happen.

I forgot the fans, so the poor group in the pharmacy area felt the heat. I give them credit though as they managed to "keep their cool" no matter the temperature. We were blessed with understanding clients who waited patiently for several hours to see the doctor and to finally be on their way with drugs in hand. Dr Laurent and Dr JeCroix are doing an excellant job and are a real pleasure to work with. The University students helping us out have also been a big help. I was too busy running up and down the hill and pouring drugs to take pictures but will make sure I do my homework on Monday.

On the way home, the gang still had enough energy to make a stop at the metal workers shops in

Croix des Bouquets...I think everyone came away with a wrapped parcel or two in hand....including me!

Since I haven't written everyday, I will back track a bit to yesterday and share several pictures for you of our activites. While Rene and Richard went out to lunch and shopped for art..to celebarte Rene's joining "the medicaid group" birthday and official retirement age I took Matt, Eric and Tina over to Food for the Poor. While going through the depot I learned that 2 pallets came for us and I even spotted one of them. It is full of special buckets sent by a church in Florida for the staff. We will pick them up next week. The 3 visitors happily joined the FFTP in handing out the food for the clients in the feeding program. Later that evening Matt who is a bar tender did the honours and popped the cork on the champagne we shared to toast Rene for her special day.

Above
Tina and Eric hard at work under the watchful eye of the staff and the recipients.

Below
Matt pouring the bubbly for Rene's birthday and getting ready to blow out the candles. Rene's comment was that she was happy I hadn't put all of the candles on her cake that would have represented her 65 years.

Good night.....until next time

Debbie

Good May 5 to all:

We had a fine day today..the team was very happy with our accomplishments at the camp today with our little medical clinic. We picked up Dr Laurent and Dr JeCroix at Dr Laurent's clinic on Santo 9 and then headed in a convoy out to the camp at Santo 17. We were under a little tent made with tarping and woven banana leaf walls. Despite the breeze blowing once we had a lot of warm bodies in the area the temperature seemed to increase 10 fold. Total patients seen...106. The people were happy with our services and the manager of the camp who is from the DR came to thank us for holding the medical clinic there.

The work was non stop from 9 until we packed up and headed out just after 2:00 PM. Once back we had lunch and then the others went through the drug boxes again to get them a bit more organized for our time at Little Children of Jesus tomorrow, when we will hold a clinic for the staff.

I took care of some other business. Jean has made progress with the pick up and at least it starts now, but he has one more item to take care of before it is road ready. Things are also coming along for the big truck and by Thursday..just when I need it, it should be ready to roll.

I have sad news to share with those of you who know Carline..one of our cooks/cleaners. Sadly her father passed away unexpectedly last night. She came first thing to give me the news and that she would be going to Archaie to attend to things with her siblings. Please keep her and her family in your prayers as they grieve his loss.

Below are some of the pictures from todays activities.

Patients lined up outside the clinic "building" Rene screening one of our clients

The "Pharmacists" hard at work

Eric with the help of Jn Juniord, one of our University students and Odely another university student , explaining how to take their medications.
Tina surrounded by folks patiently waiting for their pills.

Matt acted as the stock manager

Richard also got into the act, counting out the drugs

The Inrepid team....Dr Laurent in the middle and Dr JeCroix on the right. One of the camp committee members is kneeling in front.

and with that I bid you a good evening...

time to go fire up the stove.

cheers,

Debbie

Good Evening:
All is well at Hope House this evening and a little livelier now that Eric, Tina and Matthew have joined Rene and Richard who arrived last night. The former three transferred over from Marie's this AM first thing. Rene and Richard's arrival last evening went smoothly. I got to the airport early enough that I got a prime location parking spot, right close to the exit..what a bonus! I had about 2 hours to kill though before I expected to see them, so I sat in a local park under the shade of a big tree enjoying the breeze, a cold coke and the passing scene. It didn't take too long for 3 young men to start up a conversation with me. Their chit chat was quite amusing and it helped consume some of the time. They couldn't believe I had been in Haiti, nearly as long as they had been alive...they were 2 yrs old when I came to the country. When I thought it was time to go stand at the exit gate, there I found a former colleague of mine from HAS awaiting the chauffeur so we had a nice chat until I saw tags saying flight 803 on the suitcases of people exiting. Then it was time to move to the next step closer to the fence to make it easier for them to spot me and vice versa.

Today we packed up two vehicles (mine and the Isuzu) and headed to the school. The pick up truck is still under repair. Jean is trying to piece together the items to fix the starter in order to save us a huge bill for the purchase of a new one..for that I am willing to be patient. Tomorrow two body shop guys are to come and make the repairs to the big truck so we can get it back on the road...just in time for another possible fuel shortage. It is not a definite thing, but folks have been warning me to stock up.......which I do to the best of my ability. I hope it does not come to pass, but time will tell.

Apparently there was another tremor yesterday that a lot of people felt. I am either getting immune to them or am just in a different spot when they are going by as I have not felt the last couple of tremors that people have reported or I have heard about on the news.

Today Clovis and I met with the parents committee at the school as they are concerend about their children's safety......a natural concern to my way of thinking. They wanted to know if we could/would consider the use of tents. We had a good discussion, Clovis and I explained all that we had done to help reassure the children and to prepare for this new reality that we are dealing with. I am happy to say they seemed satisfied with the information we shared and felt more comfortable with things as they are. It was nice too to be able to point out that the Ministry of Public works had given our buildings the greens sign which meant they are safe to use, in their estimation.

My step out in faith that I took about getting this week of Mission trip and medical clinic put together is paying off. I have two young bright Haitian doctors that are willing to work with us and several of the university students are set to help and I have one woman who has translated for us before working with us. Tomorrow we are helping Dr Laurent with his work in the Santo area and we will be working in one of the camps....actually the one set up at Santo 17 of which I have sent several pictures. It is going to be a new experience for all of us and I appreciate the team's sense of adventure as they delve into the unknown with me.

On that note I will bid everyone fond farewell for this evening.

Debbie

Good Sunday evening to all:

Another week comes to a close and a busy one (what else is new) about to begin. I will have folks with me from May 3 to 12 all coming at different days and directions. It was a step in faith getting this week together, but I am happy to stay it is all coming together. I've found Haitian doctors and nurses to work with us and thus we will be doing various clinics during the week. Those details will come as the week goes by.

I am happy to say that no one from the various groups arriving this week was deterred from continuing their travel plans to Haiti, despite the news they recieved from me about two thieves entering the HH grounds on Thursday evening. I was on my way home from a funeral and called Joel to let him know I would be later than I expected having gotten caught up in some traffic. When he answered the phone he let me know about what had just occurred at the house. God was once again looking after us as Joel was not injured badly...he was hit and punched a few times and thanks to his yelling, Hopie's barking and a friend happening along who helped out, the thieves were scared off and ran away without taking anything. It is difficult to predict what if anything else will happen. We know nothing is sure in this life and with Haiti as it is these days, one never knows. As I said, I have already notified the groups coming in the next weeks/month and will be contacting other groups that are planning to come in July and beyond with the hope too that they will not be deterred from coming. I don't think it is necessary to call off travel to Hope House but I want everyone to make their own informed decision about what he/she wishes to do. I have two extra men here at night for the time being to keep an eye on things and I will be tracking the situation as we go along. If anyone who is planning to come to Hope House has any questions please do not hesitate to be in touch.

I did talk to the police that evening but as I expected nothing was going to be done. They told me to go to the police station in CdB the next day to report the incident. I did that after circling around the town a couple of times trying to find the station....it was like I couldn't see the tree for the forest as the current building is just inside these huge walls being built for a new prison and headquarters. For the PNH, things were pretty efficient but I did chuckle to myself when I had to take the hand written report to the nearest photocopy place to make a copy and to take back ot the station to get the original and the copy stamped and signed. It must be frustrating for the young officers who wish to do a good job and they don't have the tools necessary to do it. The female officer taking care of me didn't even have a ruler to use, she had to pull out an old identity type credit card to use for a ruler. So another new experience for me.

The week contained two others for me too as I had my first lesson with Joseph in driving the big truck. Lesson number 2 will be backing it up....not my strong suit that is for sure! The second new thing was changing a light switch on my own after a few hints and instructions from Jim Meyer. He and his crew were taking advantage of our power to finish cutting and preparing some wood they were using to make Marie new pews for her church. ..a definite example of one good turn deserves another.

It was pay day this week and then went okay. We gave out some more rice packets to the teachers and will do a distribution for the students on Tuesday.

Progress is slow on getting various temporary camp sites ready but it is being made never the less. More of the downtown has been cleared up and Jim reported to me that work on the Palace has begun.

Hopie is doing well with her babies....I know I still have to get a picture of them..

time is marching on my friends, so I will say tira for now and head out to the kitchen to do a little cooking.

Have a good week!
Debbie