It has been a busy February in Dessalines.  Construction is well underway and what began as prep work for a large septic tank has now become a reality!  The septic measures 12'W x 12'D x 32' L with block, concrete & rebar walls, which should serve the hospital well!  Almost out of the ground ... a real victory!  The new storage depot is erected and a couple of team members from Arlington, WA are working on the steel roofing system, providing excellent additional storage and warehouse space in the future.   The concrete pads and exterior gate are in place. This area will create new parking & delivery space as well as secured access for the CIDA ambulance, when not in use.  The weather has been beautiful for building, with only one small rainfall through the night ... which has kept the guys very happy!!  The Haitian crew continue to work hard and are always joyful to be involved in their hospital project! 

On another exciting note, Feb 22nd & 23rd found the White House a beehive of activity with Haiti Healthcare Advocates board members (www.haitihealthcareadvocates.com) arriving from Washington, Michigan, Indiana, Texas & Saskatchewan.  We enjoyed participating in a productive two days of shared reports, discussions, motions and decisions that were aimed & motivated to move Claire Heureuse Hospital forward.  It was an excellent time for us to acquaint ourselves with this dedicated group of Christian volunteers, and to be reminded of the common purpose and reason we all serve in Dessalines by supporting the hospital in their efforts "to evangelize, to teach and to heal".  

Relationship is all about building bridges!  We are not designed to be islands but to be united together through Chist, sharing in each others lives. Philippians 2:1-4 tells us, "Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit,  if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." 

This week has been a great encouragement to our hearts as we have witnessed God's word in action through His people! 

The "maternity of excellence" construction project has become a reality!  After three successful meetings with MSH (Management Sciences for Health) & USAID, where the new plans were discussed and finalized, the ground has been broken!!  A crew of 15+ men are working hard to prepare the site for a large septic tank, new building construction along with a new storage depot.  It is full steam ahead, and with only 10 weeks left to complete the exterior construction the excitement builds!  The construction for the "maternity of excellence" includes new labour and delivery rooms, private, semi-private facilities and a new ward along with washrooms, including showers. It will be a new era of excellence, as Claire Heureuse received ratings in the top 3 maternity hospitals in Haiti.

The day starts at 7 am, with a time of prayer/worship, and once the day is committed to the Lord the labour begins.  The prep work has included removing trees & roots, a large incinerator chimney, & loads of concrete and dirt.  The septic tank is well on its way to reaching the depth of 12 ft., and the shovels continue to dig!  The concrete floor has been poured on the new storage depot with the block walls being well on their way.  Keep tuned

The construction story unfolds: