Hibiscus Haven

Born in Nevis, I raised my three girls on Saint Croix and attended the University of the Virgin Islands and the Saint Croix Educational Complex where I studied to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. While in college, I wrote a business plan for an elderly care home that would provide services for seniors until they transitioned peacefully into eternity. And while interning at the Juan F. Luis Hospital in nursing school, I took the time to serve on as many units as possible to find my passion.

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During that time, I found myself in the palliative care unit, feeling drawn to an elderly patient with whom I was able to pray... on what I had yet to learn was her last night with us on the earth. We had an instant bond. Expecting her to be there when I returned for my next shift, I found she had left a note thanking me for my time with her and encouraging me to keep doing what I was doing. I wept in gratitude knowing that she was able to depart in comfort, knowing I made a difference in what could have been the most lonely and vulnerable time in her Life.

 

​I knew then that I felt my calling. In the years since, I have been blessed to be serving the UVI community in the HR and IT departments. I have started a volunteer group of God-fearing, compassionate friends with varied skills and expertise, to lend a hand to the Saint Croix senior community. We help with as many needs as we can for overnight stays, cleaning and organizing, bookkeeping, meal preparation, gardening, transportation, and shopping. We offer care from our hearts freely. And, we are happy to accept gracious donations for these cherished gifts of time and lovingkindness from beneficiaries and benefactors alike.

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Presently, my daughters, husband and I are enjoying the journey of seeing our large two-story home converted into this "elderly daycare dream come true" with the inspiration of one extraordinary resident, John W. Philipp. A decorated Vietnam War veteran, John came to us with a desire to live out his last years in one of our first level apartments. In order to accommodate his wellness care, he purchased air conditioning units, a motorized gate, and a generator that runs the entire household. We have been overwhelmed by his generosity and seek to honor him and his legacy here:

 

John W. Philipp, you have served your country and your countrymen throughout your precious Life. We are honored and humbled to know you and see what God has done through you to provide protection, freedom, and compassion to the world. The seeds you have sown will grow into a harvest of good in the earth for generations to come. Thank you so much for your strength, fellowship, and thoughtfulness that fuels us, as we do all we can to build on the foundation that you have helped to establish at our Hibiscus Haven. For you, we have thanked God every day. And we pray now and forever that you feel an outpouring of God's Love for you... every time you think of what your time here means to us now... and will mean to countless others in the future. 

 

Lord God we pray that all who walk with us here are blessed and kept close to You in Your Loving Arms. We pray God that You cause Your Face to smile and shine brilliantly upon us all. We pray that You bestow upon us Your Favor and Grace and Mercy. We pray, Heavenly Father, that You lift us up over Your Head like Your beloved children and gift us with Your Shalom- Your Completeness, Your Abundance of All Good Things, and Your Atmosphere of Heaven. And we pray a double portion of these blessings upon Your son, John W. Philipp, for Your Name's Sake. You Are Faithful, Lord. We thank You, Lord. Amen. (Numbers 6:23-27)