Happy New Year 2013

As we begin our 9th year of existence, I am anxious to say “Happy New Year” to all that have come to know the Center of Hope (Haiti). No, the years have not gone by fast. On the contrary, it seems as if we have been on a never ending journey where time seems to be incidental. I am anxious because in this new year, we need dedicated friends now more than ever.

We started with a dream for an orphanage and school to help make a difference in the lives of the children in Haiti. Over the years, we have purchased land, built buildings, dug wells and purchased furnishings, fixtures and equipment – all with donations, big and small from people from around the world. We have also dealt with work stoppages, poor construction, lawsuits, theft and thugs, and the lethargy that seems to exist everywhere in government. Today, we have that orphanage and we have that school. Moreover, we have 27 children and 15 staff members in Haiti, including teachers, administrators, security officers, maintenance men, and cleaning people. In October 2012, we hired a full time Executive Director based in the United States and a fulltime Executive Administrator based in Haiti. Our goal now is to open the orphanage to children and to complete the school building currently under construction. We have come a very long way and yet are so far away from having realized our dream.

This year we have everything on the line. Yes, for that we are so very happy. We are also so very anxious because we do not know where we will find the financial resources to achieve our goals. We have used Face Book and Google to get our cause before tens of thousands of people. Yet, only a mere fraction have acknowledged our existence. Although hundreds have “liked” our Face Book page, only a few have made a donation. Thousands have visited our website, but only a few have made a donation.  Yet, we have come this far due to the generosity of a few.

I am anxious to say Happy New Year to you because you have already taken the first step by reading this blog.  I remain anxious for you to become a friend by making a donation in support of our work in 2013. Then you can join me in being anxious for more donors and donations.

James