New Beginnings

As promised, there have been lots of changes with the New Year and things are picking up speed for us here on La Gonave.

Jason continues with his work at the Children’s Village Aquaponics system and we have seen great results. Madame Soliette told us the other day that because of the harvests, she has not needed to buy any cabbage during the month of January. We are so glad to be able to bless the children and those who work so hard to take care of them in this way. Work in the garden is not without its challenges, though. We continue to have more ants than can be counted, a few watermelons have spilt due to heat, and we have learned that cabbage plants are very mean to beans, zucchinis, and cucumbers. Nicolas and the older kids continue to do a great job helping with the garden and are learning tons!

Harvest day at the garden

We are anticipating some new crops: cucumbers, watermelons, and tomatoes!

I, Allison, have started assisting with the Haitian Wesleyan School of Nursing that meets in a building on the Wesleyan Station here in Anse-a-Galets. I am so honored to be a part of this program that is working to train skilled, critical thinking, and caring nurses here in Haiti. I have been working with anther missionary in the skills lab training the second year students in hands on skills. So far, we have worked on vital signs, bed making, patient transfers, use of assistive devices, basic dressings, personal protective equipment, and sterile fields. There are many more skills on the way, too! It is so much fun to work with these 28 young men and women who are eager to learn, love to have fun, and desire to do their best.

One group of second year nursing students in our wonderful lab

Ready to work in the lab... we''ll see how long these scrubs stay white :)

This semester, I am also working with a group of 12 nursing students from Indiana Wesleyan University who are here for study abroad. These are also some incredibly Godly, caring, and quick learning ladies. I am working as a clinical instructor with them in the hospital for maternal care, pediatrics, and transcultural nursing. They have been very gracious with me as I have not worked in the maternal or pediatrics setting. I am learning a lot right along with them! I have also taken a few of the students to House of Hope. This is a home for the homeless elderly in Anse-a-Galets. The students’ grace and desire to bless those they serve is an incredible example to me. It is such a joy to be able to work with them!

My IWU clinical group after our first day in the hospital

Thank you so much for your continued prayers and support as we seek to serve and glorify the Lord here in Haiti!

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10