Global Community Connection: Haiti

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I helped lead groups from the St. Dunstan’s church in Dover, MA in humanitarian visits to Haiti, the first being months after the 2010 earthquake devastated the country. On my first visit, we helped a church and school in Cap Hatien by refurbishing classrooms, building and fixing furniture, painting and other maintenance needs. Later, I co-chaired an effort to raise funds and construct a new school for more than 200 students, which opened in 2016.  The devastation and the poverty was overwhelming. But somehow, the children were upbeat and optimistic.  Every morning they would enter the bright blue gates of the school, and their lives and expressions, and personalities would change instantly. With huge smiles, they embraced their day excited to be safe and ready to learn. Knowing we made a difference in these children's lives was immensely gratifying.