The Best Laid Plans . . .

The original post date for this blog was July 8, 2011.

I had great intentions to update this blog with pictures and video as the school year wound down, thinking I would have more free time on my hands. That didn't happen. Then, I thought I would update it early in the summer when I didn't have to think about school at all. That didn't happen either.

I've finally been home for a week after some wonderful vacationing, and I have committed myself to getting a handle on my blogging.

First and foremost, I want to add pictures and more video from my trip in March. After that, I want to fill you in on some developments in regards to my next trip to Haiti.

In the black and white photo at the top you see Sophie. She was 4 years old in March when I took the picture. Her grandmother Rita is a good friend of Gertrude's, and I met Rita and Sophie back in November . I had agreed to sponsor Sophie for living expenses and for her schooling in the fall. Unfortunately, I received word in late May that Sophie had died. I was distraught to hear the news and contacted Gertrude to find out what had happened.

Constipation happened. CONSTIPATION. In this country, we can go to any drug store and find shelves lined with options to deal with this situation: Ex-Lax, Duralax, Miralax. And that's just a few for adults. I'm sure there are options for children; or, parents simply make an appointment with the pediatritian for a prescription suitable for children.

But, in Haiti--and other places like it--first-world options are not so readily available, and constipation becomes a killer.