Hi everyone,
Terry and I hope all of you had a great Thanksgiving. Ours was a little more subdued than usual, being away from part of the family, and with Terry just getting over one respiratory infection and going into another.
Still, there is a lot we have to be thankful for —the undying love of God, family and friends, and the fact you continue to offer prayers and financial help for our friends in Haiti. The help received in the aftermath of the hurricane has been great. To date almost $12,000 has been received; this goes to supplement existing programs to serve others who are coming to eat in addition to the school children. Thanksgiving isn’t celebrated in Haiti, but if it were this would be one of the things they would be very thankful for.
Haiti’s presidential election finally took place and with very few problems. The biggest one was that people in the areas hit hardest by the hurricane had to travel long distances to find a place to vote. Everything is hand counted so there are no results yet. One person needs at least fifty percent of the vote or there will be a run-off election between the top candidates in January.
We are consolidating two of our schools — one which we have always called Joe’s school and the other the school just across “the bridge” we talked about after the hurricane. It is operated by Prophet (his first name) Remy, who several of you know. He has worked with us for years. In fact, his wife is a nurse who worked with Steve when he first began doing clinic in Port Au Prince in 1998. Combining the schools will make it much easier for most of the kids from Joe’s school. It will also eliminate the need to pay someone we don’t know almost $2000 a year for rental and even more for repairs.
The year 2016 ends our 22nd year working in Haiti. It has gone by so quickly but at the same time it seems we still have much to do. We don’t think that feeling will ever go away, though. Another feeling is the one of thanks for all of you who do all the things you do and give — vitamins, cough and cold medicine, belly bands, bottles, VBS offerings, monthly or yearly giving, time and prayers. These things and more make it all work and we are so thankful God directed our paths to cross.
Merry Christmas, we love you.
Steve & Terry
P.S. Terry’s next “big” appointment is December 8. Everything will be checked along with all blood levels. I know she appreciates everyone’s prayers.
