Tues evening report....

I am in Haiti to help settle Jon and Julie Kurtz into their new work, and to help reopen the clinic that has been closed since Jay passed away over a year ago.

It's my 4th night in Haiti and I AM COLD. I wish I could turn on a furnace with a flick of a switch. At 5000 ft elevation the cool air is blowing and inside the house it is much the same as outside. Tonight I wear a shirt and socks to bed. Even in the fleece sheets I was too chilly last night.

Today was interesting again. Started the day by checking out the suspension of the Toyota and found a wheel bearing loose. So that's what the vibrating was all about! Our Haitian mechanic fixed it. And we determined the rest of the vehicle was in good health. Spent alot of time on the phone today and in discussion with Jonathan and others about the employee situation at the clinic. Who should be hired, who maybe not, what is our objectives etc.

I think we are coming to some good direction on that. The gospel witness remains a focus and we want empathetic Christians to work in the clinic who reflect the love of Christ. Physical health is important but we should not separate the soul and the professional side of this mission clinic.

This afternoon we went and visited a road building project that we have contributed 30 sacks of cement to. It was good to see the local men working as volunteers in fixing the road. It was a steep hill that needed some concrete on it to make it passable. There we met the Masse' the head Nunn named Rosalia from the local Catholic compound as she was also bringing supplies to help with the road. She is an exuberant S Korean and she and us have a history together where we helped her in the clinic when she was very sick. She was so excited to see me she just wrapped her arms around and squeezed for a long time.

On the way back to Julie's good supper I met the magistrate of the area and had a chat. He assured me that the area is safe and that he is looking out for the wellbeing of us foreigners. He asked to come pay us a formal official visit at 4pm on Thurs at our house. So we welcomed him to come.

This evening I visited with a Haitian bro and learned all kinds of things that have happened in the community since we left etc.

We also brainstormed about where and how to get medicine up to this area. We have spend time in Santo Domingo checking agents and pharmacies, and now the last couple days we have looked at the Haitian options. I think God is opening some really good avenues that look like they can work. For handling the money too. We have some more ideas to check out this week yet, but it's looking very promising.

Another day gone, another day closer to reopening date. The community is very excited about this!

Thanks for praying and supporting this project.

-Keith