In our fourth installment of our blog dedicated to telling you the story of Susita, a young Dominican girl supported by Moosa Creek Nursery, we inform you of changes in our plans and keep you updated with the latest news in the Dominican Republic. Within the last month we’ve been watching as violence escalates on the border of the Dominican Republic and Haiti. As tensions rise between the two countries we realized security issues are jeopardizing our proposed trip. This violence follows the death of an elderly couple that was murdered during a burglary. A group of Dominicans retaliated against Haitians on the border between the two countries. While we began worrying about our own safety I was reminded that there are hundreds of people that endure this fear and violence every day. This violence is directed to targets solely because of race. This is the type of environment that Susita lives through every day.

While the struggles that I experienced growing up seem so small in comparison to brutality and crippling effects of poverty and racial violence. In this holiday season I think it is important to take a step back and be thankful for all the blessings we have. There is no way for me to imagine the struggles Susita goes through each day but it brings me hope and perseverance to think about her strength.  While the violence in the region has increased and safety is a legitimate concern we are not deterred from our mission and are working hard to share with you the story of Susita. We hope that you will continue to support Moosa Creek Nursery’s mission to bring you the truth about the healing of effects of reforestation in the developing world.