I'm seeing reports that cholera is making its way out to the southeastern part of Haiti which is where Pestel is located. The UN and Red Cross are deploying folks to Les Cayes, and there are suspected cases around Jeremie. Also, I heard back from Dr Seneque yesterday and he indicated that he is very busy with cases of cholera. I am hoping that these "cases" are not truly cholera. That would be awful.
I will not be making a trip to Haiti this December, but will be exploring a quick trip to meet with Dr. Seneque in January (in PAP).
Haiti is in a bad way right now, as I know you know. The elections were held this past Sunday and the results remain up-in-the-air. Until a new government is established the foreign donors are unlikely to release the funds that are waiting. The US, for example, has $1.3 billion already approved. Realistically, from what I learned from others today, the new govt is going to be established as early as February. But then there is a ramp-up time for them.
I have received some very encouraging news though!
Several individuals have expressed their interest in using their skills to help the people of Pestel, whether here in the US or on-the-ground in Pestel at some point. This is a HUGE blessing and gift.
We were up in NH the past couple of days for my grandmother's funeral, and in talking with many of my relatives it was clear to all of us that this effort on behalf of Pestel is at the point where it is ripe for others to come on board, take over established efforts, help with the 'management' aspects, and so forth.
And these folk are starting to appear :)
Others are giving financially and through words of encouragement and prayers. I am keenly aware of how important these are. Thank you.
A few other neat notes:
1. Rebecca is pursuing a key contact with Heifer International. We will see if they might become involved in helping the people of Pestel. Their investment would be HUGE!
2. Johnny is now looking into options for folks in Pestel to make their own soap. This would be a fantastic local solution. We'll be trying out his CharRocket stove and Solar Fruit Dryer in March when we go out to Pestel.
3. We have enough funds to purchase 3 more Chateaux Deaus for Pestel. One will be attached to the brand new clinic in Abricot (which, btw, the villagers there built after receiving a grant!! Love these people!). In light of the cholera epidemic, the need for water is most apparent to everyone these days.
4. I calculated out the cost to treat the 2000 (or so) kids on the island (Section 6) for anemia with iron therapy. I'm pretty sure we can do it cheaper, but the initial cost appears to be $6000. That's $3 per kid per year. We'll combine that with the Vitamin A & Deworming campaign to get some cross-benefit. So the true cost will probably be somewhere around $2 per kid per year. We'll pilot the effort on the island first, work out the bugs, and then extend it to the rest of Pestel in 2012, most likely.
Please continue to pray for wisdom, prudence, patience, and persistence.
Ben
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