I returned to the US on Monday. My time in Haiti was informative and touching. It’s terribly hard to see the level of fear and desperation that still governs so many lives in Port au Prince, but there are seeds of hope. I met many people working incredibly hard and succeeding with their good, inspiring work. The Cabois Community School has been rebuilt. The school directors held an inauguration ceremony last Sunday, and my father and I, along with approximately 300 community members, attended. 177 students are currently receiving an education that they would not otherwise get, and school administrators believe the school will be at its capacity of 250 students by next year. The ceremony was a combination of Catholic mass, sports event, and political rally. I think my favorite part was the children’s choir. Below is a video John made, showing parts of ceremony, and a few pictures from the ceremony.
Cabois Inauguration
My dad and I at the Cabois Inauguration
We were also able to visit the US embassy in Port au Prince, and had a frank discussion about the legal requirements for Wenson to receive a student visa. There are still some hurdles, but we hope to have all the documentation completed in time for Wenson to sit for a visa interview in early January. If he passes the interview, he’ll be able to begin school in Anchorage when the spring semester begins in mid January.
Christa, you are a hero! I have seen your interview from the day you were in Hospital and the one when you visited Haiti again. Its amazing !! Your strong will is infectious and I am sure it will infect more people in Haiti and inspire them to not be dis-heartened by whatever happened in their lives. I would love to read more from you through your posts and blogs. You are a super-woman!!
Christa, you are an amazing inspiration! Despite everything you’ve been through, you won’t stop until the job is done! I just heard about your story on “I survived,” and you have such strong faith! You just seem so excited for the work you are accomplishing in the name of God! I wanted to let you know that your story made my day!
You rock!