A challenging day

We had originally planned to visit Baptiste first, rather than Mirebalais.  We were misinformed that the road was too bad for us to visit.  Unfortunately, Fr. Cassa did not get the message that we were not coming.  He called and told us that he was disappointed because he had told his whole parish and the school that we were coming.  Sigh!  Miscommunications happen everywhere, but it is even easier when communication by email is not always a given.

In addition to our school tours that Irene wrote about in her post, we also met Fr. Malherb (Marche Canard) and Fr. Bertrand (Roy Sec).  Msgr. Leveque and they want deeper relationships in the US.   As Monsignor said: "I miss my friends at St. Nick.  It is not about the money, it is about the relationship."  All of these priests want to help their people, and they understand that education is key.  Msgr. Leveque showed us a new secondary school he has started where an orphanage had existed previously.  It only has 7th and 8th grades at present.  He named it after the first Haitian bishop, Msgr Augustin.  He told us of a twin he had outside of the diocese of Richmond.  This twin had supported the orphanage but did not want to support the secondary school.  He seemed deeply hurt that they would not consider his request.

We had also hoped to visit the Mirebalais hospital today.  We wanted to visit in particular because the hospital received a grant from the Clinton Foundation for solar panels.  Monica, our computer guru is hoping to find a way to get a grant for solar panels to power computer labs.  Msgr. Leveque attempted to make arrangements for us to visit but unfortunately that will have to wait until tomorrow.

We know that we are called to be here, and to listen.  To us Americans, with our "can do" attitude, it is difficult to simply listen, and not to fix.  We trust that God will lead us where He wants us to go and to do what He wants us to do.  We ask your prayers for this too!