The Wesleyan University of Haiti - School of Nursing Science

We've been on LaGonave just over a week now, in advance of the opening of the nursing school.  When we arrived, the building renovation was far from complete; many, many people were working feverishly to get their various jobs done.  The level of excitement was palpable.

There were potential students to be tested, walls to be painted - inside and out, new screens to be made and installed on the windows, electrical wiring to be re-worked, new tiling to be laid on the steps and all the floors throughout the five rooms that will be used for the classes at this time.

Would we make it?????

(Above) One of the tilers is covering the concrete steps.

The outside building walls are looking lovely.

The wall on the street side was being raised.

The tile boss cutting tile, other workers installing, painting and doing electrical work.

Chairs labeled with "nursing school" in creole.

1st classroom, ready for orientation tomorrow ( Tuesday ) morning at 9:00.  White board to be mounted first thing tomorrow and outlets to be completed at the same time.

These sharp young people, plus three others, will be starting class on Wednesday morning.

The first trimester schedule of general education classes includes Bible, English, computer skills, general biology, critical thinking, world civilization and etymology.  

We're down to the wire.

I heard the tile boss tell Mis ("mis" means "nurse" in creole ) Janice not to worry -

 the building would be ready in time for the dedication at 7:30 Wednesday morning.

And, you know - I think he just might be right! 

It begins at Ortlip

Many of you have been praying for us!  Thank you!  Your prayers for our safe and productive travels en route to Haiti -  including a wonderful several travel days with precious old friends and playing tourist in the Everglades soaking up the culture there J,

good flying weather, fair and considerate customs agents in Port au Prince, and safety moving through that crazy city – were so beautifully answered.  We spent last night at the Ortlip Ministry Center close to Mourie on the coast northwest of the capitol. 

Ortlip from the sea

Yesterday morning, we were all packed up and ready to board the Breezy Sea

( lobster boat given to the mission by a supporter in Canada – the Wesleyanna is in dry dock for re-caulking and painting) for the trip to LaGonave, when circumstances changed our plans. 

This is one thing that we learned early on as missionaries in this culture.  
           Stuff happens, plans shift ….. quite often  
                        ….. and one learns to go with the flow.

So, we rethought our day and have been enjoying an extended time at Ortlip instead of in and out, overnight.

More time to enjoy Sè Lousani’s good cooking!

More time to get to know Janice Cotrone, dean of the new nursing school, who is also participating in a doctoral program in nursing practice at Indiana Wesleyan University.  Much of her assignment load is on line and this unplanned time – devoid of lots of folks who can’t resist distracting her from her studies! -  is actually a gift to her.     Larry is also a gift to her, because she is not quite as savvy on the computer as she is at building a nursing school program – and he has been a willing helper as she has struggled with the technology with a sketchy internet connection.

                                                 

For Marty, all of the above and in addition, time to work on lesson plans without the joy-filled distraction of renewing acquaintances on LaGonave,  just yet.  And, additional study of Haitian creole at the sweetcoconuts.com website and the ever present creole phrase book. 

Studying with all the important items nearby - bug spray, water and sun glasses!

And, designing this blog post … slow going with that sketchy internet connection.

For Larry, time to work on development of his responsibilities for the nursing school and even some peace and quiet time which is manna from heaven for Fre Larry.

The distractions ARE here, however  …..

          

The beautiful setting of this place – the lure of the sea – the tantalizing sight of sailboats on the horizon. 

Larry seeking out the scads of beautiful, vibrant tropical fish.

Wonderful snorkeling at the reef beckoning.

Ahhhhh….

This morning, rested from our travels, we cruise over to LaGonave on The Breezy Sea …

                                                               .... maybe.....

8 days and counting!

WHOOHOO!  This day finds us in high gear!  One week from tomorrow, we will leave the upstate on the first leg of our return trip to LaGonave, Haiti!

This Global Partners assignment is with the brand spanking new School of Nursing, The Wesleyan University of Haiti on the island of LaGonave.  Once again, Larry will be teaching computer.   Marty will be teaching a foundational Bible class.

The nursing school has been the dream of several visionaries for years.  One, Janice Cotrone, is the prime mover and make-it-happen guru.  An RN herself, Janice took the ball and ran with it when it became a real possibility a couple years ago, with the establishment of the new Wesleyan Hospital.  She is still running, now with the goal clearly within reach.  With several years of living in Haiti under her belt as a missionary nurse, Janice has contacts on the island; and, as a doctoral student at Indiana Wesleyan University, she has contacts in a well-respected nursing school in that American university.   Add very enthusiastic cheerleaders in her husband and son, boundless energy and vision, a beautiful can-do attitude and - best of all - a realized and accepted call from God along with His enabling, Janice is accomplishing a Herculean task.

Janice Cotrone, RN, Dean
School of Nursing, The Wesleyan University of Haiti

And, it looks like the Lord is honoring the vision.  Just too exciting!   With the partnership of Indiana Wesleyan University; several student scholarships provided by Compassion, International, as well as some given privately; faculty from IWU, Taylor University, medical and academic professionals,  the first freshman class of 30 is slated to launch October 1.  When this group finishes in four years, they will be prepared to sit for boards in the states as well as in Haiti.

"Without a (God given) vision, the people perish."  (Proverbs 29:18) 

The vision of The Wesleyan University of Haiti,        

with its fledgling school of nursing, is becoming 

the reality -  

                                                      and the people, Lord willing,  

                                                                 will not perish

                                                               but will flourish!