June 2008 Update

Notes from the Founder:

Our best is yet to come!

The year 2008 is fast becoming a truly defining year for the Hope for Haiti Foundation.  We have seen our annual medical trip, which takes place every January, grow to an amazing 40 travelers from two continents, three countries, and five different languages.  The number of Haitian volunteers has increased, as well. Those that are fortunate enough to have a job plan to take time off and those that attend school work with their advisors and principals to take time off as well and participate in our work in Zorangé.

The work is tiresome, yet priceless, and the results are immeasurable.  Within two days, the traveling team of 40 visitors partnered with 70 Haitians to set up a clinic rivaling a hospital to administer care for three intense days. January 2008’s team cared for 1885 Haitians -- some traveling days to receive the much-needed medical attention.

But that large number means nothing compared to the hearts of the people that have traveled to Haiti and experienced transformation.  What means something to the Haitians are the care, attention, and touches from the volunteers. It’s impossible to measure the positive impact the Foundation’s efforts are having on the people of Zorangé, Bainet, and Haiti as a whole. Our vision is to definitively change a nation one life at a time.  This dream and vision of ours will be a reality if, and only if, you our volunteers, supporters, friends and families continue to work with us. Hope for Haiti Foundation is yours, and thank you for grabbing hold of it.

As volunteers and supporters, you are not only taking part in the medical relief, but also fostering spiritual, educational, and economical growth in Haiti. Yes, 2008 has already proven to be another great year in our history. The sheer number of trips to Zorangé and the projects being undertaken are numerous and exciting.

In January, we held our first Bible conference with 10 church leaders in the area on church planting and implementation. A month later, our first church service kicked off when those that participated in the training gathered to have a worship service; this service has continued since then and is held Sunday afternoons. Once a critical mass is reached, the church service will expand to morning and evening services.  

Here are some other very exciting happenings:

• In March, Louis and Larry took a trip to Haiti to work on a yearbook for the school. During this trip a soccer tournament was held and the idea of an interscholastic league was formed and will start in the fall of 2008.
  
  
• In May, two health professionals (Mahsa Abassi and Lydia Shaw, a medical student and both International Public Health students) took a trip to Haiti to conduct a health assessment survey in all nine districts of Bainet including Zorangé to find out the most critical medical services to provide at our hospital we will build in Bainet.
  
  
• In June, a team of youth pastors and teens will travel to Haiti to conduct a summer camp.  This is a first for the Foundation, but the first of many.
  
  
• Another trip is scheduled for June when Mary Ellen Decker, John Brown and Brian Blackmore will travel to Haiti to inspect two complexes the Foundation is planning to purchase. The possible usage for these two compounds are for a hospital and lodging.
  
  
• In July/August, Louis Adam and Marlo Honeycutt will lead another team of teachers to conduct teachers’ workshops -- not only for our teachers, but teachers from other schools in the area. By providing the right tools and resources to the area’s teachers, our goal to provide the best education to the whole area will be achieved. 
  
  
• Sometime between June and December, John Brown will lead a team of engineers, electricians, and builders to install an industrial generator to power the Zorangé school and clinic.

We’re also constantly finding ways to continue helping our team in Haiti to be successful whether at the school, the clinic, or the construction project continuing in Zorangé. We’re planning to purchase and up-fit two compounds in Bainet for our hospital, pharmacy, and lodging.  By gathering data from all of the districts of Bainet (population of more than 110,000), we’ll be better equipped to meet the medical needs of the people and also know where to expand and build the next school, clinic, church, etc.

Now, I’m sure you can see clearly how this a busy, exciting year!

However, one of the most exciting things happening in the Foundation is seeing a new generation of volunteers rise up totally determined to make a difference. There are at least four families whose children have taken trips to Haiti to continue with the endeavors of the Foundation.

John & daughter Stephanie

Duane & daughter Laura

Jerry, Mary Ellen, & daughter Erin

Frank & daughter Danielle

We believe we’re establishing a good foundation upon which to build. We also know the current generation of volunteers may not see the biggest impact in their lifetimes -- so, as the Founder I am excited to see the children of current “victims of Haiti’s passion” take time to volunteer in Haiti.  In January 2008, more than 30 percent of volunteers that traveled to Haiti were in their 20s and early 30s -- this trend will continue as we increase the number of trips.

Yes, just about nine years ago we created the Foundation and eight years ago we took our first “survey” trip to Haiti.  Today we have a primary and secondary school in operation and a full-time clinic in Zorangé. We have kicked off our church planting/service in Zorangé and we’re about to expand into Bainet to establish our hub and run a hospital. We’re planning to have yearly “Big” events in Bainet around medical and Bible conventions, teachers workshops, conferences, and youth missions. We plan to have a Bible school. All of these plans represent our goal to have the most impact and be in a place that is accessible from anywhere in Haiti.

Is our best yet to come?  Absolutely and unequivocally, yes!