Carrying on, and exciting times

It has been a while since I wrote, but that doesn't mean that time has stood still. Quite to the contrary!

Personally, my life has been happy, exciting yet peaceful. Much reading (recommended: Mountains Beyond Mountains by Tracy Kidder (About Paul Farmer) and the novel Waiting, by Ha Jin, and other stuff including a lot of books on glazing (not recommended :-)

I have also been reading about forming an NGO. What it takes, why, how to go about it and especially what not to do. I have come to the conclusion that it is a very intricate process, a carefully choreographed dance between (generally) well-meaning people and the IRS. There is absolutely NOTHING simple and 'quick' about it. And rejections cost dearly-rejections that happen 2-3 times on the average!
Why our interest in an NGO (Non-Government Organization)? Our friends Nathaelf Hyppolite MD and his wife, Christina Lafontant, DDM,MM Public Health, have inherited land and some funding in Haiti. (They, dear friends, are both Haitian and living/practicing there) The land is east of Port au Prince, in a rural area where many people have not yet seen a physician. Many children still die there before the age of 5 because it is impossible to get to medical services. Most of these deaths can be prevented and relieve much suffering as to any father or mother in the world.
Nathaelf and Christina have asked Carl and I to become Board members of this medical NGO and, knowing them, we joyfully accepted. The service/hospital will be named Parapli Vet, Green Umbrella. This represents care, togetherness, strength through support and each of the outer "points" represent the segments needed for such an organization to succeed: education, nutrition, family care, dental care, hygiene and overall medical care. The 'green'? In Haiti green stands for Hope. Also for Protection, Children, Family. It is a great symbol that will mean much to many people - particularly for those who cannot yet read or write. (Not yet. Think Hope)

At this point Nathaelf has made contact with the Ministers of Education and of Health.
Their approval will mean a great deal and help move forward.
It is the plan to begin with mobile units and a very small staff of doctors, nurses, technicians and rural health teachers. Needless to say money will need to be invested, but we have come to the agreement that the seed for this has to be planted and sprout before we continue and hope that it multiplies. SO much money has been given in aid - it will not be simple to get people to donate unless we first have something to show for.

What else. Ah yes. We are supposed to have two long-term summer visitors, but at this time it doesn't look good for either of them, which would make us truly sad.
First of all there is our Jean Mary, our Godson (Sander and mine) from Haiti. He is 4 yrs old now and we are quite attached to each other through our visits. We, his mother and I, decided that it is a good time for him to come and spend the summer here, in part to learn English which will allow him to enter a better school in his town (American English School). Secondly we are concerned about his intellectual stimulation and 3 months is a good, long time to play with the little guy. When Tjitske told me about the 'window of opportunity' for a 4-5 yr old child, I felt an even greater urge. But now, with the 32 children almost kidnapped out of Haiti, it has become nearly impossible for him (or any other child under 18) to receive a visitors visa. All the papers are in order and the visit to the US Consulate in Port au Prince is either later this week or early next week. We are hoping for the best!

The other is Aitigul, from Kyrgyzstan, a college student from Osh. We promised her 2 yrs ago that she could spend the summer with us. Suitcase packed, she found out at the last minute last summer that her visa was denied. She was heart-broken. Her appointment for a visa this summer is June 3rd. Now on the brink of civil war in Kyrgyzstan, the consulate just denied visas to three of her friends. They are (rightfully) concerned that they will stay in the US due to the danger. She's a doll of a girl and we are looking forward to have her here. Please keep your fingers crossed!!!

Last but not least: I have my first 'show' over Memorial Day weekend. Six large pieces called "Geo-Scapes" and 3 sculptural pieces will be on display. After that they will be entered in two juried shows. Who knows? I'l keep you posted: this is really exciting and important to me!

Hey guys: be good, enjoy life, share a little and don't forget to sing. It puts fresh oxygen into vessels, muscles and your brain. Way to go!

PS: If I can, I will post some pictures of my pieces here.

Marianne