We got it!

St. Mary Pinckney group with the Cross Catholic sponsored Land Cruiser, February 2018

Today I want to update everyone on our petition to Cross Catholic International for assistance with the El Chivo Preschool.  Last year we contacted Cross Catholic International about the possibility of partnering to ensure the success of our Preschool & Child Development center in El Chivo.  This is a project very close to my heart for many reasons.  Most notably, however, because it is the multi-faceted solution to a problem that we face daily -- severe childhood malnutrition.  Some of you may remember that several years ago we, along with dedicated teams of volunteers, took in severely malnourished children while the Nutrition Center was temporarily closed.  While that season was chaotic (imagine 15 sick toddlers converging on one space... lots of giggling but also lots of craziness), it was also eye-opening.  We took a front row seat to the lives of those who live on the Haiti-Dominican border.  We saw it all -- everything from loving families that simply didn't have the resources to care for their little ones to children that had been neglected, abused and in the worst of cases even used in ritualistic ways.  

However, as with many seasons of life, this one came to an end as well.  The renovations on the Nutrition Center were eventually done and we transferred the children to their care as soon as the facility was re-opened.  Talk about transition.  We went from being parental figures for many children to empty nesters overnight.  Even though we weren't responsible for direct care anymore, we couldn't forget their faces, their names and their stories.  And we wanted to stop it from happening to more children.  We moved from being a band-aid on the boo boo to trying to solve the root issue(s). 

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Kailey with some of the children that stayed with us while the center was closed.

Adam & Jess with some of the kids who lived with them.

Lots of long discussions and brain storming sessions later we launched the Preschool & Child Development Center in El Chivo (in the Spanish version of the official title Sr. Roselyn's name is in there somewhere... but after re-typing this sentence like 4 times I can't seem to translate it appropriately into English... so just know that we named the project after her lol).  This project aims to provide a safe place for children to eat, play and learn while their parents are working, thus combating some of the top causes of severe malnourishment.  We desire to lay the groundwork for educational and social success by exposing children ages 3-5 to Christian values alongside a preschool curriculum.  

After contacting Cross Catholic and explaining the project itself, we asked for assistance via a connection that long-time BBOH supporter, Rose Marie Smillie, made for us.  To our surprise and great pleasure, they replied and set up a site visit with one of their on-the-ground facilitators.  Fast forward 6 months or so, and we are happy to announce that we are the recipients of a $10,000 Vehicle Grant through Cross Catholic International.  We used these funds to purchase a new-to-us Land Cruiser dedicated to the needs of the preschool (think school bus meets grocery- getter). This means that the kids don't have to ride to the school packed into the back of a pickup truck (exposed to the extreme heat, rain and in danger of falling out), but rather inside of a 4x4 vehicle equipped for the rough terrain.

We could not be more grateful for the partnership with Cross Catholic.  They are a phenomenal organization to work with -- thorough, passionate and sincere.  Sending a huge THANK YOU to all of the CCI staff that worked on our proposal and to their donors who makes partnerships like this one possible.

El Chivo Child & Development Center

El Chivo Preschool

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Many people have asked so I want to make sure that I say a few words about Nelson as well.  If you aren't sure who Nelson is, please read this post and this one too.  He is doing SO well.  Nelson continues to live in Port-au-Prince with Sr. Luevia.  She has graciously allowed him to live in a home associated with her projects and diligently saw to it that he is in school and learning.  Kailey has spoken with him several times and gives a glowing report each time -- he is healthy, happy and learning.  God is good.  And so is Sr. Lluevia  ;)  Kailey is planning to go to PAP to visit him as soon as she can.  If you would like to support this cost or contribute to the cost of Nelson's schooling and living expenses, please let us know! ([email protected])

We are so grateful for the outpouring of love and support for Nelson.  Your kindness is encouraging.  Thank you! 

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Prayer requests 

For healing in Adam's feet, that we may be able to travel soon. 
For continued guidance as we plan and prepare for long term volunteers and begin new projects. 
For successful support raising while we are here in the States.