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
