Friday, October 19, 2012
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Our bags are packed and the gifts selected for next week's trip to Haiti. Four people from Ludington will be traveling to the School of the Infant Jesus. I am often asked what we "do" when we are there. Our most important action is to share daily life and friendship with the students, the teachers, the 42 girls who live at the school and the Salesian Sisters of the School of the Infant Jesus. We want to accompany them as they work to make improvements in their school and the life of the Haitian community around them.
This time, we will also work to provide a vision screening test for over 1000 students using the familiar big "E" chart. We are working with the Grand Rapids Lions Club and a Haitian eye doctor, Dr. Large. They will be conducting a public clinic to prescribe glasses and other eye care for the children whom we identify as needing it. Glasses are beyond the economic reach of the school families in the Cite Militaire neighborhood of Port-au-Prince where our school is located so they are very grateful for this opportunity.
I've used glasses since 6th grade. I certainly would have failed many classes if I had to squint at the chalkboard in a classroom with only natural lighting for all of my subsequent schooling. This work shouldn't be viewed as a one-time event. The vision charts can be used for future screening events and a working relationship between Dr. Large and the school is one of our goals.
By the way, the gifts will be primarily fabric for the school's live-in girls to use for their clothing. I'll also bring your money donations with me. I'd like to hire some of the teens or young adults to assist in the week-long Lions Club clinic. Last time, some of the money was also used to purchase nutritious treats from a Haitian market for the school children. Their eyes were happy and eager as they politely accepted the gifts.
Thank you for your support!
This time, we will also work to provide a vision screening test for over 1000 students using the familiar big "E" chart. We are working with the Grand Rapids Lions Club and a Haitian eye doctor, Dr. Large. They will be conducting a public clinic to prescribe glasses and other eye care for the children whom we identify as needing it. Glasses are beyond the economic reach of the school families in the Cite Militaire neighborhood of Port-au-Prince where our school is located so they are very grateful for this opportunity.
I've used glasses since 6th grade. I certainly would have failed many classes if I had to squint at the chalkboard in a classroom with only natural lighting for all of my subsequent schooling. This work shouldn't be viewed as a one-time event. The vision charts can be used for future screening events and a working relationship between Dr. Large and the school is one of our goals.
By the way, the gifts will be primarily fabric for the school's live-in girls to use for their clothing. I'll also bring your money donations with me. I'd like to hire some of the teens or young adults to assist in the week-long Lions Club clinic. Last time, some of the money was also used to purchase nutritious treats from a Haitian market for the school children. Their eyes were happy and eager as they politely accepted the gifts.
Thank you for your support!
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