Did some research for additional Missions down in the Caribbean Islands. It turns out there is a group called Servants in Faith and Technology (SIFAT). They have helped to develop Clean Water technology to provide clean water for people in remote areas. The thing about Haiti is that they are plagued with Cholera which is spread through the water. This technology is life saving for this impoverished nation. The equipment needs to be transported into some of the remote areas, perfect for a General Aviation Airplane. There are several other groups that are actively working in this area and I am sure they would appreciate additional help. Haiti is a little further down the Caribbean chain of islands and so this mission would need additional planning to get there. United Methodist Church Global Ministries (link UMC Missions) also have several missions going on in Haiti. One is for Goat farming and there is also one for Hog farming. These missions help people feed themselves and their communities. As a veterinarian I might be able to provide some guidance. It has been a while since I have given advice on goat or hog farming so I would have to "bone up" on some of their diseases as well as current practices. Should be able to tour a couple operations as well as attend some continuing education to bring me up to speed. The cool thing about goats is that they can provide milk and meat and live off of very poor quality vegetation. They can be hardy and easy to work with unlike larger ruminants that require stout fences and facilities and can be dangerous to handle.
Well I can't believe its May already… I was just getting used to April. This past weekend was packed with things going on. It was Cinco de Mayo, the Kentucky Derby, locally the Paddle for the Boarder was also going on.
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| Alli and Mark Hamm it up for the Camera! |
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| Getting ready for the Paddle |
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| Mathew, Randy, Susan, William all in a row! |
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| Beautiful Sky and Trees |
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| My forward view for 7 Miles!!! |
The weekend started with an early morning 7 mile paddle between North Carolina and Virginia portions of the Dismal Swamp Canal (hence the name "Paddle for the Boarder").
The event was well organized, they provided a light breakfast and some water for the trip as well as a very nice lunch at the end. All the people were great and the weather was spectacular! The Lord knew what he was doing when he put this place together! It is beautiful. Kathy (my wife), Alli (my daughter) and her husband Mark were tired at the end but seemed like they were pleased with their accomplishment. Randy ( a Fly Buddy) and his girlfriend Susan (fellow Seeker) were there with their son's Mathew and William. Brad (also a Fly Buddy) was there with his girl friend Tammy. Although they got there a little late, they caught up to us by the end ( a tribute to Brad's experience as a water Sports enthusiast). We all got a little wet with with canal water as well as some sweat. The wildlife and the vegetation was spectacular! It was warm but not stifling. It was sort of hard to get just the right rhythm going but after the first 45 minutes Kathy and I were able to keep the Kayak in a relatively straight line… I would swear that that thing was "pulling to the right"… maybe it was just me! We stopped (only once) at the Virginia Boarder for a photo-op. It seemed that we were more "driven" to get to the end this year. Oh well, it was a great work out!
The event was well organized, they provided a light breakfast and some water for the trip as well as a very nice lunch at the end. All the people were great and the weather was spectacular! The Lord knew what he was doing when he put this place together! It is beautiful. Kathy (my wife), Alli (my daughter) and her husband Mark were tired at the end but seemed like they were pleased with their accomplishment. Randy ( a Fly Buddy) and his girlfriend Susan (fellow Seeker) were there with their son's Mathew and William. Brad (also a Fly Buddy) was there with his girl friend Tammy. Although they got there a little late, they caught up to us by the end ( a tribute to Brad's experience as a water Sports enthusiast). We all got a little wet with with canal water as well as some sweat. The wildlife and the vegetation was spectacular! It was warm but not stifling. It was sort of hard to get just the right rhythm going but after the first 45 minutes Kathy and I were able to keep the Kayak in a relatively straight line… I would swear that that thing was "pulling to the right"… maybe it was just me! We stopped (only once) at the Virginia Boarder for a photo-op. It seemed that we were more "driven" to get to the end this year. Oh well, it was a great work out!
After the Paddle was over we ended up over at Randy's house for Tacos and a chance to watch the Derby. It is always a treat to see the horses. They are such athletes, built for speed and endurance. It always amazes me watching God's creatures run… its a thrill to watch such speed and determination to get to the end. It looks like "I'll Have Another" will be the one to watch for the triple crown. I will be looking forward to the third Saturday in May for the running of the Preakness in Maryland. This race is a little longer and favors the horse with endurance. I think this horse will do well as he came from behind to win the Derby. We shall see!
Well, its off to work. Pray for this project and for the mission we choose to persew. Bye for now, Robin
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