Land of Opportunity

Funny the things we notice now that we are back in Charlotte..... the lack of garbage on the streets, the insane amount of available groceries. toiletries and clothing at the Wal-Mart, the impatience that rises up within us while waiting on a table at Olive Garden.....

Today we got to have lunch with Pastor Vincent, whose house we stayed at in Port-Au-Prince. His view on Haiti was refreshing, different. Yes, he agrees, his country is poor, and yes, the devastation is great and shelter, medical assistance and basic supplies are needed. No question asked! Yet at the same time he sees Haiti as a land of vast opportunity. He has a vision to bring in a commercial type oven and stove and someone to teach the Haitians to make bread, pastries, muffins, etc. to provide them with job skills but also to sell the goods in the market to provide an income. Or how about an agricultural school to teach about cultivating fish and raising poultry?

He has no lack of ideas or vision and is realistic enough to know that this will require training and a consistent changing of mindsets among his fellow Haitians. The great news though is that they are so teachable, willing to learn, and tremendously hard working and also creative. We think this is a great recipe for success, not just in Haiti but anywhere for anything!

We have come away from the meeting with him and a handful of others with a greater focus and determination. Tents are still the highest priority and also medical supplies, hygiene kits, baby formula..... actually, we think you could probably ship anything and it would meet a need. The only exception would probably be winter coats and boots! So, here is where we have landed: Pastor Vincent and local friends of ours are about to fill a 40 foot container with goods to ship via the Dominican Republic (to avoid the log jam in Miami to Haiti). We want to see this container packed to the max and look for your help to fill it.

The first 'project' so to speak will be what we have termed the "Tents and Tubs"..... bring us a tent (for 8 - 10 people) or a 45 gallon rubber maid tub with needed items and we will get it to the people of Haiti through safe distribution systems. We are working on the details of what type of tents, checklists for recommended items, drop-off places, etc. so bear with us as we figure out these things. But please, please, please, keep checking in with us here at the blog!

Here are a few of the pictures we took while in Haiti..... we hope they inspire you to help as you can and see fit! We know that we want to be part of what artists recently sang about: We are the world, we are the children, we are the once who make a brighter day so lets start giving!