February 21, 2011

Haiti:

Haiti suffers the worst infant, under-five and maternal death rates in the Western Hemisphere.  Put simply, the vast majority of rural Haitians either have scant access to health care or they cannot afford it.  Northwest Haiti Christian Mission’s maternity center offers not just a safe and clean place for mothers to deliver their babies, but also offers 24/7 care from a professional staff of nurses, midwives, and an OB/GYN.  NWHCM staff deliver more than 80 babies a month.  In addition to routine deliveries, NWHCM’s maternity center offers care for high-risk patients with pre-eclampsia and eclampsia, as well as infant care and post-partum care for mothers and infants.  It also serves as a first-line ER, where staff primarily treat lacerations, burns, dehydration and congestive heart failure.

Spiritual Prep:

My spirit is stirred with all the help coming to make Run Mark Run a success for another year.  Last year we started with just and idea and you responded with a resounding, Go For It!  We did and you responded with your donations.  It is really our first day of the push and you have already responded.  Lord, I thank you for the hearts you have nurtured inside of these readers and supporters.  We are grateful for what you have done out of love for your creation.  Thanks for the spirit of generosity your have given us to give back in your name.  This I pray in Your Name, Amen

Training Prep:

Ran a couple of miles to work the foot a little and did weights late afternoon.  Up’d the weight on some exercises and can feel it.  I am at a meeting and they are having a polar bear run in the morning.  Expected to be brisk.  Probably will show to support and will do 3 easy miles.  Need to find a way to schedule the swim again.