May 22, 2025

Hello again!

Those of you who have been on this journey with me since the beginning (my first trip to Haiti in 2014!) know that the closer I get to a trip, the more you will hear from me. I love keeping you up on the progress and planning part of my volunteer work. It makes me feel like we are all in this together and also fills a much-needed void now that my parents are gone. My mother was quite the traveler and adventurer, and she led by example, which is why I often enjoy the planning as much as the trip!

First, I would like to thank Mary (Bozie!) for the generous gift card to Staples. As I write this blog, I am actually taking a short break from organizing all of the training materials in preparation of printing. I would also like to thank Kathy, Arnold and LeeAnn, for their constant support and generosity. Which brings me to my next bit of news.

Rachel and I had a wonderful phone call this week, planning for the trip, and discussing changes and progress at the birth center. Throughout the year, the birth center takes in midwife volunteers and students from the United States, as well as East African Midwives and students learning Ultrasound and Midwives who are already practicing and wish to further their education with a fully funded mentorship. In the past, it has been necessary for MHI to pay for many of these midwives to stay nearby, due to lack of housing at the center. This has become increasingly more expensive, using funds that could otherwise be spent on pre- and post-natal care, ambulance services, medications and supplies, etc... MHI is in the process of building new huts on the property, and I will be sponsoring the construction of one of the larger huts, to be used by me when I am there and also allowing for multiple guests to use when I am away. 

So, here is a great way for you to help! When you use the MHI Donate site, there is a spot for you to "Write a Note"... This is a great way to designate your funds, simply write "Build a Hut" with your donation. The huts cost between $300 - $500 each, depending on the size and if they are connected to electricity or solar power. Every donation, regardless of the amount, will allow another opportunity for the birth center to be self-sufficient and successful.

Of course, if you would prefer your donation goes towards something else, such as patient care or ultrasound training, you can state that as well. Rachel and I are grateful for every bit of help!

On a personal note, my knee replacement surgery has finally been approved, and I am working with the surgeon's office and friends to get it scheduled for this summer. Whew! I'm going to get back to work on the training materials. A million thanks for all of your emotional and financial support. I couldn't do any of this without you! 😍

Much love, MB/Jo