Deep thanks to everyone who has or will be supporting the shelter project in the Central Plateau.  So many of our long-established partnerships are in this region, and our families, teachers, and clergy are directly affected.  As you know from the estimate I passed along earlier, each shelter is estimated to cost just under $30,000 for a dormitory, sanitation block, and cooking area.  Sufficient funds have been sent so far to almost complete one or to get a good start on all three.  Thank you again, and many thanks to those who are considering the project.

If you have experience with micro-loans in your Haiti project, could you let me know?  Some of you I know about, but some I may have forgotten.  I will pass your name along to a person who is interested in finding information to share about those who have used an existing organization such as Fonkoze OR had help establishing a formal arrangement with assistance and advice from Episcopal Relief and Development or another source OR created the arrangements on your own.

Under the category of good things to do to celebrate the season, I’ve sent off my orders for family coffee and chocolate to Singing Rooster. Their turnaround and shipping is fast — you might just have time for a Christmas order, or at least a New Year’s treat. Molly at Singing Rooster http://www.singingrooster.org, has sent back a special offer for all:

Very best wishes for a Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and a lovely every other winter holiday celebrated in our big Friends of Haiti family!

Yours,