HAITI NOW MAKES WIRELESS TABLETS

This is news I just found that is too good to wait.  I just have to blurt it out.  Two Haitian companies are making wireless tablets!  The brand names are Surtab and Handxom.

There are multiple reasons this is fabulous.  First, it is a business people do not associate with the "poorest country in the hemisphere," or any of the other epithets that depict the country as way behind.  It is first-rate technology in demand from Haiti, a source of pride.  Second, these tablets are selling at a price that is more affordable than those marketed from rich countries.  Venezuela just ordered 10,000 tablets.  Buyers will include people in Haiti and will certainly have a stimulating effect on business development, education, health, safety and security.  Third, the reports out about Surtab detail a modest level of employment but really good pay by Haitian standards.  It paves the way for better employment standards for other industries like the garment industry.

This development, of course, is one that could be a factor in building relationships with partners in  Haiti.  We may want to explore how to assist in making tablets available to our friends there . . . then learn to write and speak to them in Kreyol.

Here are some articles with more details.

Chicago Tribune

The Guardian

Caribbean Journal

--kjl

THIRSTING FOR LIVING WATER IN HAITI

“The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, . . . ”  Isaiah 61:1 & Luke 4:18

Ralph Jean-Mary and Carline Paul-blanc have both told us that Haiti can be liberated from captivity to poverty and disease, and brought out of its prison of darkness by Haitians.  The good will and charity of Americans must work -- with, not instead of -- those whose home is in that country.  This admonition is founded in scripture and it guides the Forest Hill Church's Haiti mission in its quest for a partnership of servanthood.  

I think our calling is to help Haitians to free themselves from the captivity of dependence on  others, especially  Americans whose charity is often toxic.  That will require years of patience commitment and collaboration.  Both we and our collaborators will be transformed.  Yes, Haitians can teach us some things about living better lives.

I want to tell you about an organization -- one of a growing number -- that is transforming lives in the Central Plateau of Haiti.  It is meeting the thirst for clean, life-giving water and for life-giving schools to people in remote villages.  Consider thoughtfully how it uses these critical needs to build human and community capacity for freedom from dependence on absentee donors.  

Haiti Outreach Video (9 minutes)

Haiti Outreach website 

Collaborating With Rotary Clubs To Build Schools

The Newest School In Rankit

Hosting Visitors & Work Teams

With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.  Isaiah 12:3

BREAKING NEWS!

Right now we are learning about a new medical practice being developed by a Haitian doctor in Pignon.  She is someone I met last summer and who I visited in October.  Her vision for a clinical practice is what we heard from Ralph Jean-mary from the very beginning.  We will hear much more about Dr. Roberta Sterling and Life Spring over this summer from Carline and others in our planning group.