My regrets for the long hiatus between posts. Rest assured, we have been working hard towards our goal and are now ready to report on our progress. This coming March, we will be taking a new journey and exploring previously uncharted territory for our group. In fact we will be going by land, air and sea and will be expanding our network yet again. From our last trip’s blog entries, it should come as no surprise that the purpose of our upcoming journey is to perform the necessary fact-finding duties and due diligence as we seek to establish a more permanent and sustainable medical presence where it is needed most.
To that end, our good friend Vanessa Carpenter at Angel Missions Haiti helped connect us with Mrs. Nora Leon with the Caribbean Children’s Foundation, and for that we are very thankful. Nora’s organization operates a mission on the small island of Ile a Vache, which is located off the southwest coast of mainland Haiti and the city of Les Cayes. Interestingly, it was once a haven for pirates in the 1600’s, including the infamous Captain Henry Morgan. As you can imagine, being such a small island off the mainland, the degree of poverty and lack of access to services is even greater.
Nora and her husband, who is a native from this small island, have developed a ministry that includes schools on 2 campuses as well as a Trade school and an orphanage, in partnership with Grace Ministries of Ile a Vache. They host medical teams on occasion, however do not have a permanent medical clinic in place. We are planning a visit to meet with leaders of their mission and in fact community leaders to determine if the will exists to assist in the completion of a clinic and then to sustain such a service. There are many details which will need to be discussed and territory to be explored. We are very excited to embark on this next step. It signals our commitment to the future.
I am happy to report we will be 8 strong on this journey. The Board/Officers and I, including Kitty, Carey and Jenny will be joined by team members Kirsten, Chelsea, Melila and Tom. We will gather as much information during our visit as possible in hopes of being able to move to the next step towards achieving our goal. Soon, more than ever, we will need as much support as possible from our friends and interested donors as we take these steps.
Here’s wishing you all a very Happy Holiday Season and a 2016 filled with blessings. Please keep Project Starfish Haiti in your thoughts as we embark on this exciting Island Adventure!!
Adam