Friends of Haiti,

First, an update: The results of Terry’s bone marrow test at the end of July showed the cancer is a stage 2 rather than the primary stage – not what we expected. She completed the first cycle of treatments during August, had a week off, and then started the second cycle August 28th. She will have eight of these and then see if it is working prior to the stem cell transplant. Both of us appreciate your cards and prayers.

In Haiti, school begins September 8th; we expect all our schools will start on time. It’s important we not lose sight of how important these schools are to the children and their parents.

According to a report provided by USAID in Haiti, access to a quality education remains a key obstacle to Haiti’s social and economic development. Their surveys indicate approximately 35 percent of Haitian youth are unable to read or write, and that the average Haitian child spends less than four years in school. This report shows that a generation of Haitian youth is at risk for not having the necessary knowledge and basic skills to succeed in the labor force.

How important are our schools? According to the same report, more than 80 percent of primary schools are privately managed by nongovernmental organizations, churches and non-profit organizations, such as ours. 80 percent of the schools – a very large percentage to say the least.

For low income families (and we don’t even know anyone but what we would call low income families), even though public schools there are free, the annual school expenses account for about 40 percent of what little income they may have.

Our schools are very important to the villages and areas we work, not only from an educational stand point but as a way to earn a living for the teachers as well. We appreciate all of you who support a child through us and you who provide supplies and offerings for the schools throughout the year.

Thank you again for prayers for Terry’s treatments, and for the help and support you provide for our friends in Haiti.

Serving HIM together,

Steve and Terry