Update: Blessings

Things continue to move along with plans for the new Klinik and I never cease to be amazed by God's blessings. Just this week, the largest single gift to this fundraising effort was received as Rotary District 7690 graciously donated $17K! Much gratitude for that gift, as well as every dollar that has been given and every prayer offered. That puts the total S.O.S. for Haiti funds raised for the new Klinik at Pwoje Espwa over $137K now. This is just in time for the groundbreaking that is slated to occur sometime this summer (stay tuned)! Blueprints are in the final stages and construction on "Phase One" is soon to begin. Phase One will house some of the most critical components of the clinic and other phases will be added as funds allow. Hopefully that will be sooner rather than later, as the whole project in full operation will most effectively meet the many health needs in this community in Haiti, and especially those of the children. Our goal is to only build what is sustainable. Operating costs are an ongoing need, so please continue to give to this cause if you feel led. Thank you!

Other blessings:

** We were recently able to order some initial pieces of medical equipment for the new clinic using awarded grant monies specifying this purpose. This, being one of the first "tangible" actions for the new clinic, was exciting and a most welcomed reality of this effort to help those in Haiti. Funds for additional equipment and supplies are an ongoing need.

** The Alcatraz Sharkfest for 2010 was just held (this year in June - they move it around based on the tides) and it effectively had to be canceled (ie greatly modified) due to bad weather! This is rare, but there was just way too much fog. After the swimmers were taken out to the island to "escape," the race directors determined it too dangerous as visibility was extremely low and so they called it off. (They did let the swimmers do a little swimming back at Aquatic Park, but not the full swim across the Bay by any means.) This made me aware of just how blessed I was last August to have the most clear weather - no fog whatsoever in San Fran that day - which is also rare! I can't imagine going through all the training and fundraising last year only to have this event canceled. I firmly believe the August date and the gorgeous weather in 2009 was a gift from God (for a novice like me) but mostly for the people in Haiti.