Sunday, December 1, 2013

November Updates

Hi,
I hope all my friends had a great Thanksgiving!
The week prior to Wendy’s leave for Haiti on November 15 to 23, we went to Wal-Mart to buy some gifts to my mother in Haiti, including an electrical iron and ironing board and other little materials for the kitchen. Though I was able to stay in touch with my family and friends in Hinche by phone, it was very nice for Wendy to take a video of me to show to my mom in Hinche so she could have a better idea of my life here in there US. That week Greg ( Wendy’s husband) took me to school every day, and he also took me to DR Smarth, who is a Haitian doctor working in Inova hospital in Sterling. Wendy had already made an appointment for me before she went to Haiti. I had some blood work done, then one week after DR Smarth called to let us know the result of my tests:everything was normal with me (Happy !!!!!)
November 23, Wendy came back from Haiti, with some Prestige (Haitian beer) that my mother sent me with other items, and also a video of Wendy, my mother, and other family members together in my home in Haiti!!!

My First Thanksgiving in the US
I had a great Thanksgiving with the Dotson’s family including Wendy’s sisters and sons. It was also nice to have a chance to meet one of Wendy’s sisters ( Judy) for the first time during the Thanksgiving. We had a fun time together; we did a White Elephant gift exchange...I got chocolate pretzels. Then we had a big meal with lots of turkey and wine. It was really a wonderful time for me here!!!

My English Classes
My English semester has been going very well; it will reach the completion on December 19. In just two days, (Tuesday, Dec 3) I will have to take the Bridge Test, which will be used as a placement test for the academic classes for the next semester. I will have the result one week after taking this test, the result will determine the right level for me to start with the credit classes next semester which will start early in January.

It’s very good now that all my friends in the US can stay in touch with me and learn about how things are moving for me here through this blog!!
Thank you very much to all my friends, for continuing to support me, with anything that God puts in your heart!! May God richly bless you and your family.
( Helping me is helping a whole family and people in Haiti)
Regards,


Gladias

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Hinche, Haiti meets Ashburn,VA

Hi Friends!

Welcome to our Blog!  We write this to help friends keep in touch with Gladias and his project to become a Nurse Practitioner in the US, then return to Haiti to serve the people.
We've had a great couple weeks at "LaKay Dotson" since his arrival on August 17th.

10 Things Accomplished:
• Testing accomplished for school- Gladias starts Intensive English Sept 10
• Oriented to NOVA campus
• Became bus-ride independent
• Obtained cell phone: Gladias' number is 703-964-7486
• We figured out how to buy & use an international calling card to call Haiti
• Gladias getting familiar with Dotson home life, very good at washing dishes!
• Opened a US bank account
• Visited 1st US city: Philadelphia!
• Visited 1st American Hospital
• Made 1st Haitian friend!  (Mr Louis Jean, from church)

Gladias' Top 5 Favorite Moments the First week:
"Downtown Philadelphia seemed full of life & made me happy"
"When Wendy's not here, Greg makes me feel happy in the house"
"Awesome to meet Stephen and David, the Dotson sons"
Going to the MALL!  ("WOW")
Seeing my new college, Northern VA Community College

Top 5 Strange things:
"All the cars are nice?!"
"Nobody is walking around in the street?!" (very quiet suburb, we lie in!)
The Fort McHenry tunnel thru Baltimore-- "we're really under the river?!"
The aisle in the supermarket for pets, including Pet Toys!?
Taking the elevator to the eleventh floor where Stephen lives in Philly


Top 5 Things Needed for Success:
1) Prayer/Encouragement!  Big thanks to foks who have texted, sent cards, and emails.  It means a lot to us all, as this is a project is a step of faith that it's the Right Thing to Do-- not because the budget is already provided!  

2) Tuition and Book funds.  Biggest material need by far!.  Fall tuition was paid by Dotsons but we have 2 more semesters after this, for the school year! (Spring, Summer)...but we believe it's coming!!  Tax-deducatible donations can be made at the  I have a Dream Foundation website  .  If noted "for Gladias Sainvil", 100% goes to educational support of Gladias.  Any help, small or large, is SO welcome and will add up!

3) A solid bike in good condition, men's hybrid or road/commuter bike, plus Bike Helmet &  Lock

4) Winter Clothing in good condition, of course--(as we all know, Haitians always like to look their best!)  Sweats, sweaters, slippers, winter boots, long sleeve shirts.

5)  Friendship & Social Opportunities:  Please visit our home if you're in the area; we live in Northern VA, minutes from Washington Dulles airport.  We have room for guests and would love to see you.  If you're within bus or train ride away and can provide the travel fare, Gladias would LOVE to visit YOU, and more of the USA!

6) Follow our Blog!  It is wonderful to know folks are out there who want to follow and support our project!  Plus, the stories should be fun!  We are having a wonderful time.

... Let's all pray and believe together for life in Haiti, our own hearts, and the Haitian people, including Gladias, to grow in opportunities, success, and in God's Grace and Blessings. Be Well and God Bless....and thank you!

From Gladias and the Dotson Family