While we have been praying for the people of Haiti, our
church sent a small support team to ground zero. They left last week and we have been receiving email updates from the texts and short bursts the team has been able to relay back. They ranged in subject matter from "we're at the airport" to "we are here and slept on the dirt last night".
Below is the latest and most comprehensive update so far. It touched my heart and I thought I would share it here. Even with this description of the "new normal" in Haiti, still I can only imagine how their lives are truly upside down.
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Dear Orchard grove family,
In searching for the best way to meet needs, it seemed like going straight into the swelling tent cities would be the best place to start. Almost every open space is filling up with temporary housing made of bedsheets and blankets tied to posts of tree branches. The really fortunate have a tarp, the less have cardboard. Already these tent cities have some walkways that serve as streets and most people have a common "wall" (a sheet) with their neighbor.
Every home we went in received us graciously. We offered to pray in every home and everyone eagerly accepted. Our supplies were so limited that we had to "sneak" them in to the people we found to be most dire (not an easy job). Sadly the need far exceeds the supply. But we gave what we had until it was gone. The people were both gracious and patient but also desperate and pleading. We made a world of difference for a few, but felt like a drop in a bucket to the ocean of suffering.
Only the kids didn't notice. They still laugh. Still play. Still trust. Oh to have the faith of a child.
So much to share when we return but let me add a slice of an update from Scott Cornell...
After taking care of business the team split into 2 groups. PC, Evan and Shawn went back to the compound, picked up supplies, exchanged money, bought more supplies and met us at a tent city. Terry, Jordan and I visited a orphanage to find what foods they needed.
This orphanage is supported by a church in Garden City. There was an article in the Free Press last week on the church and their efforts. After visiting them, we went to the "City of the Sun", which is considered a slum in Haiti. We walked thru a church/school, which was damaged by the quake.
No one will go into it now, the kitchen was a separate building and was heavily destroyed. The classrooms consist of bench/tables with a chalkboard. There was still writing on the board, one was covered with physics equations. Terry prayed for the people there and we went to meet the other team at the tent city.
As we pulled up next to the city and jumped out we were passed by many Army vehicles, most of the soldiers were quick to return a friendly wave to a fellow American (we obviously stand out).
Like the other days, the first thing you see is garbage strewn all over, millions of flies, dirty brown water and then there's the odor. The small is over powering, but you just have to press on! Once spotted, the children in the city are the 1st to run and greet us, with smiles. They love attention and to play simple games. Its not long before your surrounded by kids, pulling you in every direction.
The team gathered together and found the friend of "Whitey" (our guide).
Her home in tent city consisted of blankets and sheets for privacy/protection from the sun. We came in with a large tarp and gave her a new roof and one wall. We used branches as tent poles and broken cinder blocks to secure it. She was very pleased with her new rook, we returned with rice, towels, baby wipes as well. We brought supplies hidden in a backpack so it wasn't obvious what we were doing.
Later on we helped another person with a tarp who basically had clear plastic bags up on branches. He also was so grateful for the gift.
Its deeply touching to give out these supplies, yet equally saddening when we didn't have enough for everyone.
Its amazing to see the people in the city carrying on with their lives, making do with whatever they have. Their strength is encouraging to me.
After we gave out our supplies we returned to the orphanage with 200 pounds of rice and 4 gallons of cooking oil. We stayed and interacted with the kids, playing basketball and games.
Looking forward to seeing you soon. Thank you for praying for us and for the beautiful people of Haiti.
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If you feel the pull, you can donate your God-given resources to the people of Haiti in a multitude of ways. Here are just a couple:
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