Happy. Blessed. Joyful. His. New Year.
These are the words I pray for each of you for the new year.

Love,
Marylee

Dr. Charles 2012

It is with sadness to inform the friends of Univers that Dr. Francoeur Charles, our medical director at Univers Medical Centre, passed away today.  He had called Hugues this morning asking to be picked up and taken to UMC because he was not feeling well.  Then, shortly after arriving at the clinic, he passed away.  We do not have a lot of information, but from our vantage point the symptoms seem to point to a heart attack as the cause.

Please pray for the family of Francoeur and for all of Univers, especially the clinic.

COCINA 2013

It is hard to believe I have been back in Ohio for a week already. But then, it was really hard to believe that I had been in Haiti for three months...time flies!
It been a week of visiting, cleaning out more of the condo contents, continuing to make contacts, and confirming meetings and visits. I will be traveling to the New England states the first and second week of January to meet with colleges and churches in Maine, Massachusetts and Rhode Island, thus far. As well, I will be presenting at a SCRAM (Students Committed Radically About Missions) meeting at Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy on January 25, 2013, 10:30am. Would LOVE to have other alumni and parents in the audience. Still hoping I will be able to give a short introduction at the CVCA Chapel service prior to the 25th. Please, Matt Koons!
I then have a luncheon scheduled at the end of December with a group of women interested in hearing about our ESL students and Philo students.
I have a presentation with a church in Medina this Sunday. Please be praying about that meeting. It's very important; as they all are.
I'm busy confirming what colleges will financially commit to, and continue to talk up the students with everyone I meet. Please contact me if you are being led to consider hosting or sponsoring a student. We would love to have all 11 "proficient-in-english" students placed in the U.S. or Canada. As well, we are happy to have $7,000 commitment per year for a student to attend college in Haiti, or $10,000 commitment per year for a student to attend college in the Dominican Republic (that cost includes EVERYTHING: tuition, room & board, books, fees, etc.).

As I was organizing my computer, I came upon some photos I hadn't posted from August with the ESL students and traveling to Haiti. Here they are for your viewing pleasure!

I've made some changes to the "Partners" Tab (page) of my blog, as requested by some of you. 

As you are considering your year-end giving I will be so thankful if you will support me. By partnering with me you are supporting the bigger vision of being stewards of the students at Institution Univers. These are eternal gifts; we are privileged to serve these students, their families, their community and their nation.
Thank you for partnering with me. I am eternally grateful for you and to you.
Love,
Marylee

I am back in Ohio. A good night's sleep - no disco playing until 2:00am outside my window! a dishwasher! a washer and dryer! hot water! Not to take anything for granted! And it's Christmas time. That hit me this morning as I unpacked. Oh, it is good to be here! Forecast calls for possible snow this afternoon. I'm excited! I love the warm weather, but I'm still a skier at heart and LOVE snow!
I had sweet fellowship with my daughter yesterday; picked me up from the airport then spent over two hours at a sushi bar, catching up on our lives. Surprised my parents. Loved my mom's face and the love in her eyes as I held her in my arms. And my daddy is to tender and dear. Cubby stayed hiding and we never did find him at their house, so I'll have get him later. Oh Cubby!
I am able to spend this afternoon with the TKO gang volunteering at the Christmas food drive filling food boxes. I am very excited to see everyone!

Just received some God-news! Timote, from Small Farmers Alliance, will now be able to meet with Gerald and Hugues BEFORE heading to Les Cayes, which is a bigger blessing then Timote going to Les Cayes before the introduction meeting with each other and therefore bringing the parts we need for the tractor. Now he will be able to inspect the tractor in person and then obtain the needed parts rather than Pierre trying to dissect my photos to figure out what parts we need. Timote, after inspecting the tractor will now be able to travel to Les Cayes after the meeting to obtain the parts. This is good news, trust me!

I am half way to Ohio for two months, as of yesterday afternoon. I am visiting with friends for a couple days, meeting lots of wonderful people through my friend, Marion, who are all interested to hear about what we are doing in Haiti, what I'm doing in Haiti, and most important, about our precious Philo students.
I am missing my sights, sounds, smells, but most of all, the smiles of my loved ones in Ouanaminthe.

I finally have internet at home tonight after...I don't know how long! To follow up on the Career Day from a previous blog post (for some reason I now cannot find the photos from that day, but I did find some photos from a "life in the day at Institution Univers" for your viewing enjoyment!), we had representatives from business, academics, medical personnel, civil servants, and computer science who conducted workshops for the students, as well as representatives from surrounding colleges in the North and Northeast Departments. Many students from other schools in Ouanaminthe attended, as it was a community outreach with our Philo (grade 13) students hosting. They did an outstanding job with the help of Joelle to guide them. I was the speaker, providing a mix of motivation with tips on college and career planning.

I've been thinking lately about how we're told to believe in ourselves. I think it's really more about believing in the God who lives in us.

Don't you?
When we think of it that way, we've got what it takes.
After all, we've got Him.

Now glory be to God, who by His mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream - infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes.Ephesians 3:20 TLB

What a busy afternoon, actually busy day today with four 2012-graduated students in and out of my office throughout the day. At one point I had three of them in my office all at once, filling out forms on paper or online; college applications, scholarship applications or athletic recruitment forms. Bustling! That is the best word I can think of to describe it, and Energetic is the next word. They energize me, that's for sure!  

I'm working really hard to keep my mind focused on all the tasks at hand before departing for the U.S. next week - part of the focus is so that I don't get too emotional about leaving. It's all for the Lord, it's all for the students.

I just returned from eating lunch with Evelyne, a Philo student, and then watching the Friday lunchtime Spelling Bee of 7th vs. 8th graders with her. The energy in the auditorium was contagious! The 8th graders won! The crowd went wild! What fun everyone had. 
Now the students are back to class to finish up the week. And, I come back to continue my search for host families and scholarship for the Philo class. Deadlines are now upon us; we need to get the Toefl exams scheduled and Dossiers organized for Visas if the students are to study outside of Haiti. If anyone has any leads of interested people, or if anyone is themselves contemplating having a student join their family, please contact me as soon as possible. 

Being part of a young life in such a way that you are literally giving them the opportunity to change their life, their family's life, their community and even their country, is not only awe inspiring, it's immeasurable. Think about it - yes, it's a faith step. But really, aren't those the most exciting steps you've ever taken?

I am actively securing speaking opportunities and presentations for Institution Univers. May I please speak at your church, social group or community group? I will be in the U.S. December and January.
Please contact me for more information. Thank you very much for an opportunity.

Happy Thanksgiving to you!

As I count my blessings this year, I am overwhelmed with all that God has provided. 

Family, friends, acquaintances who have become friends and those I've just recently met, I wish you a beautiful day today. As we enter yet another holiday season, please take time to love, to be with those you love and like! Life passes too quickly, and in reality all we really know we have is just today. 
I am thankful to be from America. Oh, how I hope you realize it should not be taken for granted. We have so much to be thankful for today.
I have one story to share with you about living in Haiti on America's Thanksgiving holiday:
Our school secretary brought me a small container of sweetened milk and presented it to me today as a thanksgiving gift. To think she went out and spent her very hard earned money on a gift for me overwhelmed me emotionally; so very humbling. 

Thank you to all those who have supported me and continue to support me through prayer, emotional support, and financial support. Words cannot express what it means to me. 
Now, get off your computer and go spend time with someone you care for, or go meet someone new! Again, Happy Thanksgiving.
Love,
Marylee

Here's some photos from Saturday...my amazing Saturday! Oh, and I also worked on my speech on Saturday evening, with my translator Starson Audate, for the Career Enrichment day the Philo students at I.U. hosted for the community. I'll post those photos when I am able. 

Check out those plantains cooking. I've decided to make my family a haitian meal while I'm in the states! Get ready family!!

What an amazing Saturday! Began with fellowship with Randy and Janella Brown, short term missionaries who I had the pleasure to host in my home last night. Made them a breakfast with farm fresh eggs, just laid yesterday! And fresh haitian vegetables and egg bread.
After they departed I drove out to Mon Cukoo to take photos of our tractor, that needs some missing parts and damaged parts replaced. I think 50 photos were taken by the time I was finished. Thank you World Concern et al for your collaboration and support to farmers in Haiti.
After the tractor photo session(!!), I met Marie-Clare, and went to bon marche (Ouanaminthe market) to shop for our haitian cooking lesson. Came back to my apartment and I learned to cook a macaroni and haitian vegetable with shrimp bouillon sauce dish, with fried plantains. it was SO good, I must say!
We then went to the manners/courtesy class together at the school and taught the students about appropriate manners for a college interview, with adaptation for job interviews and business appointments. One of the students commented to someone that he listens to everything I teach and say -when I heard this I stopped in my tracks as this is a very humbling and responsible position he has placed me in. Please pray I am worthy of this honor to serve these students. May God be glorified and keep me accountable.
After our class, I went to the volleyball game - Ouanaminthe vs. Cap Haitien, of which we "beat the socks off" CAP! Chedeline played and I got some additional footage to send to colleges.
This evening I planned a Thanksgiving dinner, with the help of Hugues. No turkey, as he prefers chicken! He loves stuffing therefore we will get the ingredients for stuffing and a chicken as well as the ingredients for sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, corn casserole this week when we go for a supply run, and then I will attempt to find and invite any ex-pats and "haitian-americans" I find for our very own Thanksgiving dinner!
I just got the internet for the first time in a week at home, so I am catching up on emails and research, and...bed soon!
I will post some photos from today, the next time I blog. Good night, all!

Here's an update "by photos" of the bakery being built for economic development, vocational education at UTEC, and enhancement to our student meal program at the school. These photos are from a few days ago and are already out-of-date, as I walked by today and the walls that you see in the top photo are already double the height. The UTEC building is in the background (the building with the red roof).

I am so blessed to have the Philo class (grade 13) welcome me into their world. This past Saturday we started a "social graces" class, which I have named, "Common Courtesy Accepted Throughout the World". A few students expressed interest in learning about how to do things that are socially acceptable, so I picked it up from there and have written curriculum for us to follow. I am also blessed that Marie-Clare Charles, a 2009 graduate, who is currently in Ouanaminthe for a couple more weeks before returning to Pennsylvania to continue her studies, accepted my request to help me with this project while she is still here. She is one of the most gracious women I have ever met. And I've met a lot of women in my life! At the first session, the students learned about walking on a public street where the female should be walking when a male is walking beside her (on the inside, away from the street, for all those wondering!). They also learned the importance of being on time for an appointment. I am giving them the reasons why each "social grace" is important, so the students understand that the "social grace" is not just an acceptable practice without reason. Also, related to the subject of appointments, I taught them the importance of making sure they know where the appointment is located. By locating and going to the destination prior to the set appointment they are not spending time looking for their destination the day of the appointment, therefore causing themselves unnecessary stress trying to find their destination. As well, they are then able to expend their energy mentally preparing for the meeting rather than looking for where they are going. We have role playing, which the students enjoy very much! A lot of laughter is heard during the role playing. That was all we got through in the first session, as we started late due to student no-shows or students arriving after 4:00pm. Hence, a lengthy discussion on the importance of arriving on time! After the class, the students and I walked home together and what fun we had, as they were reminding each other where to place their female friends as we walked. It's an interesting challenge in Ouanaminthe and throughout Haiti, as one has to switch back and forth on a typical street due to mud, puddles, trash, lack of sidewalks and other impassible conditions. They caught on very quickly; adapting what they learned in the class to their environment! It has once again been confirmed to me that we have brilliant students among the English proficient students. Speaking of which, the only students who showed up for the class on Saturday were those who speak English proficiently - what's that tell you? It had nothing to do with the fact I speak very little creole so some may think they won't understand me (I told those students who don't speak proficient English the day I announced the class, that there would be a translator so that was not an "excuse" to not attend). It told me that those who attended are the students who are serious about making something big happen with their lives. It told me they "think outside the box" of Haiti and want to make changes for the better, for their own lives, their families, and their nation. Please, please seriously consider hosting and/or sponsoring one of these students. I have 15 students who really want to be educated in the English speaking countries, and they are proving it by working very hard to make such a goal happen.

Does anyone have any contacts at Samsung? We are in need of 100 flat screen computer monitors (our CRT's have finally "bit the dust" or rather the dust has finally bit them) and we found some in the DR by Samsung for a fair price. Even though they are more than in the U.S. they overall would be less expensive than sending them from the U.S. or Korea, after I did the number crunching. I want to inquire with Samsung how we may be able accomplish securing them for our school at a more favorable cost from the DR, or possibly be gifted to the school. Please contact me, if you have a contact. Thank you! 

I awoke praying for America today. If the candidate you vote for isn't elected, for whatever position in which they are running, is your hope and trust shattered? May it not be. God lifts leaders and lowers leaders - not men, media, or ourselves. 

"He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning." - Daniel 2:21

We are to exercise the system He has put in place, which is the establishment of a free system with the privilege to vote. There is no need to fret, there is the need to trust and obey, for there truly is no other way, to have joy in your life.

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6

"Every person should obey the government in power. No government would exist if it hadn't been established by God. The governments which exist have been put in place by God." - Romans 13:1

It is the duty and responsibility of every American to vote. God is most certainly in control, but that does not mean we should do nothing to further His will. We are commanded to pray for our leaders. 

"I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people, for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all Godliness and holiness.This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." - I Timothy 2:1-4

In terms of politics and leadership, there is evidence in Scripture that God has been displeased with our choices of leadership at times. 

"They set up kings without my consent;
    they choose princes without my approval.
With their silver and gold
    they make idols for themselves
    to their own destruction." - Hosea 8:4

The evidence of sin’s grip on this world is everywhere. Much of the suffering on earth is because of godless leadership throughout the world.

“I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence;
    I possess knowledge and discretion.
¹³ To fear the Lord is to hate evil;
    I hate pride and arrogance,
    evil behavior and perverse speech." - Proverbs 8:12-13

Scripture gives us instructions to obey legitimate authority unless it contradicts the Lord’s commands. We ought to strive to choose leaders who will be themselves led by our Creator. 

"And now behold the king whom you have chosen, for whom you have asked; behold, the Lord has set a king over you. If you will fear the Lord and serve him and obey his voice and not rebel against the commandment of the Lord, and if both you and the king who reigns over you will follow the Lord your God, it will be well. But if you will not obey the voice of the Lord, but rebel against the commandment of the Lord, then the hand of the Lord will be against you and your king. Now therefore stand still and see this great thing that the Lord will do before your eyes. Is it not wheat harvest today? I will call upon the Lord, that he may send thunder and rain. And you shall know and see that your wickedness is great, which you have done in the sight of the Lord, in asking for yourselves a king." So Samuel called upon the Lord, and the Lord sent thunder and rain. "And you shall know and see that your wickedness is great, which you have done in the sight of the Lord, in asking for yourselves a king." So Samuel called upon the Lord, and the Lord sent thunder and rain that day, and all the people greatly feared the Lord and Samuel.

And all the people said to Samuel, “Pray for your servants to the Lord your God, that we may not die, for we have added to all our sins this evil, to ask for ourselves a king.” And Samuel said to the people, “Do not be afraid; you have done all this evil. Yet do not turn aside from following the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart. And do not turn aside after empty things that cannot profit or deliver, for they are empty. For the Lord will not forsake his people, for his great name’s sake, because it has pleased the Lord to make you a people for himself. Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you, and I will instruct you in the good and the right way. Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you. But if you still do wickedly, you shall be swept away, both you and your king.” - I Samuel 12:13-25 (personal note: I love this little Scripture Truth!)

Candidates or proposals that violate the Bible’s commands for life, family, marriage, or faith should never be supported. 

"Righteousness exalts a nation,
    but sin condemns any people." - Proverbs 14:34

Vote as you are led through prayer and the study of both God’s Word, which provides wisdom and discernment, and the realities of the choices on the ballot.

And please remember, there are many in this world who are oppressed and persecuted. They suffer under governments they are powerless to change, and their governments desire to silence their voices. To stand up for what they believe they risk their own lives. In America, we have been blessed with the right to speak about and choose our leaders without fearing for ourselves or our families. 

Thoughts on Voting - Parkside Church

Thoughts on Voting - Parkside Church

My son just emailed this to me, and after watching it, decided it is a "must share".

From Haitians point of view, the people here would love to have an election that is so organized as the United States. Make sure you exercise your privilege and schedule yourself in your agenda to go vote tomorrow.

Here are some photos from the Hugues birthday celebrations - first at Institution Univers with the staff and then out to dinner with some friends! Happy Birthday Hugues!

Today is considered an EXCELLENT DAY in my life! Our first host family (families, as it's a church sharing a student) has been secured for a student in the 2013 graduating class. May others follow in the footsteps of these families and the church's action from the leading of the Lord and their obedience to serve others. My heart leaps with joy! It is a church in Eastern Pennsylvania. The administration of the school will now begin the evaluation process of the students. Please consider, or have your church consider, hosting a student, so our students can graduate from Institution Univers with the hope to be part of this generation to be educated in careers that they can bring back to Haiti, to be the generation to change their nation.

Between yesterday and today, I have completed 18 career assessments out of 51. What is speaking loud and clear is each student has a goal to accomplish something for their country. They want it! All of the students thus far who have completed an assessment have come prepared with a career in mind that they want to pursue after high school. Many want to study medicine, engineering, computer science, for example. Once we finish the assessment, and they see what other career choices they have to choose from, some of them still want to pursue the field they considered when they arrived in my office, but now realize there are a lot more opportunities in which to  apply their pursuit. For example, students are realizing medicine isn't limited to being a doctor (although there is not a limitation to being a doctor, so to speak!), but once assessed and we sit together while I educate them on the results of the assessment, they understand that having a strength for administration or research, for example, can be applied to the medical field. The feedback I've received thus far from the students is that they are surprised how accurate the exam "reads" their "likes" and "dislikes", and how it "reads" their personality. It is so exciting to see the students enthusiastic about the technology that they've not had the opportunity to experience. The remaining 33 assessments will be completed next week. Oh, and a "bonus" for me in completing these assessments is that I get to meet and spend time getting to know each and every student. This, I now realize, is a terrific bonding exercise!

It's now a humid yet breezy Friday evening, overcast here with rain in the mountains. It's a beautiful night. Can you hear me making a big sigh? The crickets are chirping...the mosquitoes are out in access tonight it seems! It's the sounds of summer, yet it's the 2nd of November! Talking on Facetime to Hannah today, it looked cold in Ohio. Time to get the fabulous boots out, my friends living in the cold weather! I'm dashing in some nice black rain boots these days!!
I just walked inside from the veranda. The mosquitoes won; they can stay outdoors. I'll 'wave the white flag' and go inside now!

As I've continue to view more photos on internet news I continue to pray for all those who have been affected by Hurricane Sandy.

I have some additional  photos thanks to Jan Iannetta, from last week's Caracol events for Sae-A's opening ceremony, the school's groundbreaking, and the tour of the housing development. You will notice some famous faces, as many dignitaries were present to include President Martelly, President Clinton, Secretary Clinton, the "governor" of Northeast Haiti,  and ambassadors. In addition, those who have a heart for development in Haiti included Ben Stiller, Richard Branson, Sean Penn, Marie Bello, and Donna Karan. We (Hugues, Tony and Jan Iannetta, Jim MacMillan, and I) were the guests at a private luncheon with the Chairman Kim's family at our table. What a precious family! Chairman Kim is the head of Sae-A. Check out their website; quite an impressive vision for developing countries all over the world. We now see it live in North Haiti. www.sae-a.com

Here's Hugues and me with Mrs. Kim, Chairman Kim's of Sae-A wife, and their family at the inauguration last Monday.  What a wonderful lunch we shared with them.

Career Assessment testing is scheduled with the Philo class (52 students) over the next four days (Thursday, Friday, then Monday and Tuesday). Please pray for my stamina; more importantly, pray the internet stays UP! The testing will run from 7:30am - 6:00pm. 

Had a wonderful visit with the Iannetta's this past week. They headed back up north yesterday after flights cancelled Monday due to Hurricane Sandy. Our prayers are with all those affected. The photos are just astonishing that we are viewing from the internet. Our rainy season rains today paled in comparison, even though I had to move my car to higher ground due to flooding. We had an especially long rain this afternoon. 

Good night!

Here are some photos from last week's Sae-A inauguration of the ribbon cutting ceremony and groundbreaking for the school, as well as a tour of the housing development. Check out their website www.sae-a.com; very impressive company doing amazing things in developing countries throughout the world. You will notice some famous faces in the photos. As I stated in a previous blog, it was a good day for Haiti, and a really good day for COCINA. We are excited for all the opportunity this day held. Thank you to Charles, for including me. Thank you to Richard, for including Jan and Tony, Hugues and Jim. I've been busy following up with those we met that day. We were privileged to share what COCINA is doing in Northeast Haiti. Look forward to having many of those we met, come visit us in the near future at Institution Univers in Ouanaminthe.

On a separate note, I woke up this morning praying for all those along the East Coast as they are in the path of Sandy's ravish. Please let me know you are O.K., my East Coast friends and family.