The "Pay it Forward" plan has begun. My students have received money to pay travel expense to go to the Bio-Medical class. When they finally get a paying job they will "Pay it Forward" to the next students. I believe it's the first student loans in Haiti, sponsored by a few generous people. If you would like to be a part of the VERY FIRST "Pay it Forward" plan, please let me know. We could really use your help. Going to school in Haiti is a challenge all its own. Paying for it is an impossible task without people like you who are willing to give them a hand up. They are committed, will you commit to add to the "Pay it Forward" plan?

Future Bio-medical equipment technicians

Future Bio-medical equipment technicians

I would like to announce the acceptance of four of the future leaders of Haiti into the Rotary Bio-medical equipment technician program. The students each received a full scholarship for a two year program where they will learn how to install and repair medical equipment. The Rotary Tech program has also committed to accepting more of my students in 2013 when the next class begins. I would like to congratulate Elie Francois, Mackenzy Désir, Jivenson Joseph and Jhonny Lindor for their commitment to furthering their education, learning English and helping their country. If you would like to help pay for their transportation by bus to the city about 60 miles from where they live, (not included in the scholarship) please let me know. I am one proud mom and teacher!

Elie

Mackenzy

Jivenson

Jhonny

The University of the People and my student Dieuve

• Congratulations to my student Dieuve (in Haiti) for being accepted into the University of the People. He is enrolled in Business Administration - Associates Degree program starting June 21, 2012. I am so proud of his accomplishments. He was among my first graduates that learned how to speak English one hour a day via Skype. He IS a "Future Leader of Haiti" and a good example of trusting God to take you where you need to be.
  

  

  
  

What to take to Haiti

Second batch of stuff to pack for my trip to Haiti. Batteries AA, C and D. Dried cranberries and pineapple, baby goat nipples, new laptop battery for a student, a battery powered fan, index cards, Step into Reading series beginner reading books, big book of ABC's and colors and numbers and measurements and identification of common things, a dictionary, a book about being a good friend, and a book about how many kisses a child needs every day, beads for the ovulation beads, fishing line to string the beads, compact scissors, safety pins for the beads and butterflies to hang on my mosquito net. Hmmm… I wonder how many pounds that stuff is!

Third batch of stuff to pack for Haiti. A pile of jump ropes, solar/wind up lantern, battery charger, light that clips on a hat, windup flashlight, pliers, wire snips, single edge razor blades, tic tack toe games, super balls, new sandals for a special girl, neck bands to keep Jay cool, gum, old telephones, laundry soap, baby wipes, toilet paper, baby booger getter, baby cereal for me to eat with water late at night (no cooking necessary), rubber gloves, sewing kit, gum, reading glasses of various kinds, and two aprons that I made to keep my stuff in while I’m working. Another 15 pounds.

In God's Time

Well we all knew it would happen sooner or later. For me it's been later, but in the grand schema of God's plan...it is exactly when it is suppose to happen. I will be leaving for Haiti on May 2nd with just a one way ticket. Most of you know I've been to visit twice already but this is going to be a little more than just a visit this time. My first trip came to be because I am a volunteer that teaches English via Skype to students in and around Port au Prince. I was there for a week. My second trip for seventeen days was a combination of seeing my students and meeting with the woman  I met who had built a house at the Haiti's Building Back Better Communities Expo.  She was going to attend the Invest in Haiti Forum 2011 and invited me to attend the event with her. 


I've been volunteering for all sorts of things that have to do with Haiti.  Besides my time spent teaching English, I've rallied support for Real Hope for Haiti through Artists for Hope, wrote to Oneida requesting 1000 forks and a 1000 spoons and received 1000 forks and 1000 spoons for Pwoje Espwa-Hope in Haiti, wrote about the Caribbean Children's Foundation and Clean Water for Haiti and many others,  prayed for Heart for Haiti, Will , Life for the World  and Jay in Haiti at FISH Ministries. 


I've also written grants and proposals to various groups and administrations. Spending hours researching the history and current situation of Haiti, seeking to help where ever I was needed.  All the while I've been attending the American Military University. Because of which I am thoroughly trained in an all-hazards approach, emergency and disaster management, risk prevention and management, counter-terrorism, consequence management and mitigation.  Oh, did I forget to mention I have a minor in children and family services and took a couple of classes that prepared me to interrogate anyone in my path? :-)


I thought it was time to promote my own work, so here I am. Thank you for supporting my work in Haiti.  Between now and the time I leave on May 2nd, I'll be updating this blog with new information.  Please come back and I'll try to explain what I hope to accomplish while I am in Haiti.  I feel certain you can find a way to help.