Haiti Update...

Haiti continues to be a country of drastic contrasts. In the midst of dire poverty and scarcity of resources there appear glimmers of hope and progress. The Little Sisters of the Incarnation continue to fan the sparks from glimmer into flame through their ceaseless desire to elevate the lives of the peasants they serve.

After several years of effort, the accomplishment of one dream seems to be rising on the horizon. The Laroche Haven for Mothers and Babies is to be dedicated on September 8, 2007, the feast of the Birthday of Mary. Many people have provided the means for the Little Sisters to convert an unused building into a center for maternity care in the rural Central Plateau of Haiti.

This past January, 2007, the Carmelite Community of the Word and the Hearts and Hands Project sponsored a work trip to install solar power to the facility and to clean and paint the building in preparation for occupancy. In addition, windows were installed and homey touches such as curtains were made and hung to offer a welcome to mothers who would otherwise deliver their children on dirt floors, often unattended.

Since that trip, the Little Sisters have continued to move the project forward. It truly will ultimately become a haven for the poorest of the poor. Medical equipment that was shipped in anticipation of the opening of the center is used but sincerely appreciated. Flowers are being planted to create a pleasant atmosphere for women who are accustomed to living in huts without electricity and running water.

The need for ongoing support for this project is very important. Several groups continue to package “mid-wife kits” to provide necessary basic supplies for births. Additional solar panels are needed to supplement the power needs of the center. Outbuildings for laundry and cooking are still needed.

Other needs continue as well. The home of the Little Sisters is in dire need of repair. Plans are underway for another work trip to continue the electrical work on the Maternity Center as well as to provide solar power for the residence of the Little Sisters. One thing that is plentiful in Haiti is sun light. Hopefully solar power will enable them to utilize their funds for things other than expensive gasoline to power generators. Other basic building improvement and maintenance needs are on the list for January 2008 projects. Plumbing work, including the unclogging of drains, roof sealing and patching, even installing light fixtures requires planning. Scaffolding is needed for some of this work. Each year we visit we discover new impediments to work. When one cannot reach electrical fixtures even with a twelve foot ladder, we gain a new perspective on the challenges Haitians face each day.

Several CCW Sisters plan to attend the dedication of the new Maternity Center as well as to celebrate the graduation on one of the Little Sisters from Nursing School. We live in a time when progress is often measured by major accomplishments. To some one small Maternity Center may seem insignificant. However, we rejoice not so much in the accomplishment but in the tenacity of the Little Sisters and their faithful example of complete confidence in God to provide what is needed.