Monday, January 11, 2010

Haiti Trip, Bed Project

The Haiti trip I just came back from went great. We got a lot accomplished with the kids and community of Ouanaminthe,Haiti. Many art projects were done to put on things that will sell here in the states to raise money to build a school for the kids (see the referenced link to this post for more on education in haiti).

I, along with others who love the orphans and community of Ouanaminthe, will be raising money to buy the 33 orphans bunk beds to sleep on. They are sleeping on the concrete floor right now, sharing donated sleeping bags/sheets with each other. Beds are a luxury in this community it seems. Willio, the pastor and orphanage father to the kids informed us that he didn't have a bed until he was 22 years old.

While we still come up short with funds to adequately feed the orphans each month, I feel like buying beds for the kids is a "quick fix" and can be accomplished rather quickly with donations from generous givers.

If we should received more funds than necessary for the beds, it will go directly into the food budget, which is about $660.00 a month (about $20 a month per kid, just for food).

I want to thank so many of you for already asking questions, ready to give. I will have more details on this project as soon as I find out how much the beds will cost, and how many we will be purchasing. One thing to consider when purchasing beds is space. Please continue to thank God for providing for the orphans thus far, and ask Him to lead us as we implement measures to better care for them.

By God's grace, may his work be accomplished in our lives.

Kristi