A long conversation with Jean-Elie

Jean-Elie and I spoke on the phone this morning at length. He and Mona are both well but I could tell he is tired. As I have said before, he always starts with the same two questions: "How is your wife and how is my parish." Today he went on to say he does not have words to express his gratitude to Old St. Andrew's and all the others who have given so much to care for the Haitian people. "You have been here and you know our people. There are so many others who have not come to Haiti and still they care for us." He went on to say, "Please tell all of my friends at OSA and everywhere thank you for extending your love and patience." 


We discussed the available space for a re-opened School at the Guest House and how to continue the Clinic at the same time. We wondered about a new space for the Clinic and maybe to put a large tent in the street. There are skads of questions and only a few answers right now.


The need to continue the Clinic is great. Some people arrive seeking medical care who can barely stand they're so weak. Unfortunately, we have no beds so people need to lie on the floor before seeing the doctor or nurse.  

One question is how many students might return or how many could we accommodate at a re-opened École le Bon Samaritain? Jean-Elie thought as many as 200. Wouldn't that be great, especially if we can include a good lunch for each child.


One piece of big news is that commercial flights will open up tomorrow at Toussaint Louverture International Airport. This is a real boost for the moral of the Haitian people.