News from Haiti arrives by; letter, email or phone...today it was by phone. We are trying to discover exactly which parts are needed for the F-250 Super Cab to start. The mechanic, who speaks English, lives and works in Port au Prince...lives under a tarp and relies on his cellphone for contact. However, his phone is "not in service" which means he has no place to charge it...today.
I spoke with Hanania...Dorothy's clinic administrator and jack of all trades...Edrick this morning. They are both well and safe as are all the others that work for Dorothy...a blessing. Hanania said that there have been no Cholera patients coming to our clinic in Pister...they would have to be turned away for lack of antibiotics anyway...that area is clear of it. However, her personal doctor has treated 600 patients so far and 20 have passed away. The hospitals are refusing Cholera patients...they are being sent to a school gym by the hundreds and are being treated by hundreds of doctors and nurses from the US and elsewhere.
Everyone washes everything with Clorox mixed with water and all drinking water is made safe with Clorox as well. The election results will be posted on December 20th to determine for sure who will be in the run-off election. Depending on the outcome there may be more riots in January but right now everyone is "calm."
Hanania and Edrick both sound very good and wanted me to pass their greeting along to their friends in Michigan and elsewhere who are following the blog.
Apparently it is known who took the items from Dorothy's home but their name will not be given out...out of fear. The home has been made more secure and someone stays there overnight.
Sorry to skip around so much...Edrick says the truck's water pump has begun to leak so we'll pick one up tomorrow and send it down along with whatever parts we know they need. Hanania said anyone thinking of coming to Haiti might want to wait until after January and the election results. Her daughter is growing fast and just fine.
Please keep Dorothy and her capable staff in your prayers as well as the people of Haiti who struggle each day with difficulties that we can only imagine...unless you've been there to see for yourself.
Staton
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Limited news emerging lately
Spoke with Dorothy for 30 minutes this week but she's heard nothing from Hanania other than when the break-in took place several things have turned up missing. It happened on a Sunday morning so someone was keeping an eye open for their opportunity.
Apparently the entire solar system, which was stored inside, was removed...2 panels, batteries, inverter, charger, small generator, TV, VCR, and DVD player also are missing. Her computer, copier and office items weren't discussed. The brand new washing machine has its own room and appears safe.
Don't be confused about the solar systems...the one at the clinic is intact. Times are very difficult in Haiti, for everyone. Hanania has moved out of her family home...lots of family moved in from Port au Prince (10 in all) so she moved across town near where Edrick lives.
D.F. and Edrick went to PAP to get the truck fixed...no luck but it still cost $400 and nothing changed...Edrick thinks they need a glo plug so we'll get working on that when we learn more.
Dorothy was shocked at how extensive the tent cities are...it takes 8 hours to drive the 90 miles south to PAP and the tarp/tent cities are "everywhere"....it's "incredible" and such very unsafe living conditions.
She shared that the elections won't be settled for some time and no one is happy with the candidates or the supposed winners. Voting stations in the north were destroyed in areas otherwise considered safe in the past. Dorothy compares the scene in Haiti to the situation in Nineva in Johah's time...I think she's right.
Soaring Unlimited has it's annual meeting today and you can expect a newsletter very soon from them...we need to find room in our hearts for those we know and love in Haiti and those who serve the Lord there. Cholera is cured with antibiotics but the clinic is out and so is much of the country.
Good news? Well just imagine how bad things would be if the hurricane season struck Haiti full force instead of a glancing blow, no pun intended.
Staton
Apparently the entire solar system, which was stored inside, was removed...2 panels, batteries, inverter, charger, small generator, TV, VCR, and DVD player also are missing. Her computer, copier and office items weren't discussed. The brand new washing machine has its own room and appears safe.
Don't be confused about the solar systems...the one at the clinic is intact. Times are very difficult in Haiti, for everyone. Hanania has moved out of her family home...lots of family moved in from Port au Prince (10 in all) so she moved across town near where Edrick lives.
D.F. and Edrick went to PAP to get the truck fixed...no luck but it still cost $400 and nothing changed...Edrick thinks they need a glo plug so we'll get working on that when we learn more.
Dorothy was shocked at how extensive the tent cities are...it takes 8 hours to drive the 90 miles south to PAP and the tarp/tent cities are "everywhere"....it's "incredible" and such very unsafe living conditions.
She shared that the elections won't be settled for some time and no one is happy with the candidates or the supposed winners. Voting stations in the north were destroyed in areas otherwise considered safe in the past. Dorothy compares the scene in Haiti to the situation in Nineva in Johah's time...I think she's right.
Soaring Unlimited has it's annual meeting today and you can expect a newsletter very soon from them...we need to find room in our hearts for those we know and love in Haiti and those who serve the Lord there. Cholera is cured with antibiotics but the clinic is out and so is much of the country.
Good news? Well just imagine how bad things would be if the hurricane season struck Haiti full force instead of a glancing blow, no pun intended.
Staton
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Dorothy's home for Thanksgiving - 2010
Good news and bad news...first the good. Dorothy wrote that she is thankful to be home with family for Thanksgiving, a precious time that gets short-changed during her busy summers. She will host a baby shower for her grandson's baby today.
Hanania emailed Dorothy last Monday that someone broke into her house and they have not heard what was taken yet...possibly one of the generators. "Things are terrible over there...we need to pray the elections come out okay on Sunday (today) when they are scheduled...they have 19 canditates vying for the Presidency."
She wishes everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
Staton
Hanania emailed Dorothy last Monday that someone broke into her house and they have not heard what was taken yet...possibly one of the generators. "Things are terrible over there...we need to pray the elections come out okay on Sunday (today) when they are scheduled...they have 19 canditates vying for the Presidency."
She wishes everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
Staton
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
2010 Soaring Update & Photo tour of Cap-Haitien
Good news...Dorothy is back in Lansing, tired but safe and bearing news of strife, death, disease, riots, election turmoil and the ravages of Cholera. So, where to begin?
There are approximately 12,000 UN troops in Haiti charged with keeping order in a nation of several million and Cap-Haitien has over 300,000 depending on who does the counting and how many refugees have migrated there from Port au Prince. The Cholera outbreak, not yet defined as an epidemic, is blamed on certain UN troops from Nepal and according to D.F. their compound is based along the Artibonite river about 40 miles south of Cap. The septic/sewage holding tanks for this camp overflowed into the river and shortly thereafter it was determined that folks living downstream from this camp were becoming ill with Cholera and blamed the Nepalese soldiers for bringing Cholera to Haiti.
The UN denied the possibility for several weeks but now is beginning to study the possibility after riots have broken out targeting the UN troops...regardless of where they are from. When we were there in February we knew that Canada, Brazil, Portugal, Bolivia had troops in place in Cap. The outrage has led to street fighting, death by gun shots from the troops as they put down rioters who have burned police stations, money transfer stations and UN vehicles. To fight the troops Haitiens have dug 3' wide and 4' deep trenches across city streets...camofladged the ditches and waited for UN tanks and troop trucks to plunge their front axles into them and become trapped and subject to barrages of rocks and other missiles.
Sadly, people have died as a result of the protests that mean to drive the UN out of the country. A French epidemiologist has been summoned to determine the source of the Cholera outbreak and Dr. Paul Farmer has taken an active role in trying to bring medicines and reason to the solution of the deadly disease. Haiti has not had a case of Cholera for over 100 years. Cholera migrates in water that has been poluted by fecal matter, few Haitiens make a practice of washing their hands after toilet activities (sound familiar?) and rivers are often the source of drinking, bathing, and sewage disposal waters.
D.F. reports that entrepreneurs are selling paper face masks to folks on the street in the belief that the mask will prevent Cholera. Wrong! Cholera is not an airborn disease. Take the time to research how it moves from person-to-person and how lethal it is.
D.F. also reported to us yesterday that people who have died from the disease are left in the street, they aren't allowed to be buried in the cemetaries, people are terrified of touching a victim and the government is not taking an active role of any kind.
UN trucks are being burned...the trucks are full of food for the poor...food that was frequently dispensed at the clinic whenever it could be obtained. BUT there is more...there are 19 persons running for the office of president and the election is Nov. 28th. Mr. Preval is term-limited and can't run and some have speculated that there are forces afoot that might rather see the elections postponed, yet again, they were to have been held 18 months ago.
Cholera needs to be treated with antibiotics and special salts to help rehydtrate victims...it can be treated successfully but antibiotics are scarce and so are the salts. No cases of Cholera have been reported at the clinic, yet but the main generator needs repair so water can be pumped. The solar is working nicely, praise the Lord and all staff and loved ones associated with D.F.'s work are safe.
However, the clinic is running on prayer, not fumes, not money...it's been so successful in meeting the needs of the area that the demand has exceeded the most optimistic expectations and the funding. Soaring needs help and fast so that the clinic doesn't deplete the funds dedicated to tuition, uniforms, books, and shoes for the cadre of orphans that D.F. helps each semester.
Dorothy was able to get the first flight out of Cap on MFI...the government came through with heavy equipment, with UN protection, to clear the roads...they removed the burning tires, filled the ditches, removed the welded car frames that were strung across the narrow streets and hired people to sweep up the broken glass that was everywhere. Will the truce last? Only time will tell.
Like to help? Please specify that your gift go to the "clinic at Soaring Unlimited". FYI the water well at the clinic is safe and so is the well across the road.
I'm going to try and post a large file of photos that were taken by Susan Rakoczy who lived at Dorothy's last spring while waiting for her home to be readied in Cap for herself, husband and children. She has captured the essence of the beauty of the children and their parents that can only be described as precious. These photos were taken earlier this year before all the disease and trouble. She is on her way back right now to supervise the well drilling team from Minnesota. Please pray for her family and all those who have impacted our lives over the years and for the country of Haiti.
View the photos that Susan took by checking the "Links" heading and clicking on "Children & Susan..." the reason for staying connected.
Submitted by;
Staton
There are approximately 12,000 UN troops in Haiti charged with keeping order in a nation of several million and Cap-Haitien has over 300,000 depending on who does the counting and how many refugees have migrated there from Port au Prince. The Cholera outbreak, not yet defined as an epidemic, is blamed on certain UN troops from Nepal and according to D.F. their compound is based along the Artibonite river about 40 miles south of Cap. The septic/sewage holding tanks for this camp overflowed into the river and shortly thereafter it was determined that folks living downstream from this camp were becoming ill with Cholera and blamed the Nepalese soldiers for bringing Cholera to Haiti.
The UN denied the possibility for several weeks but now is beginning to study the possibility after riots have broken out targeting the UN troops...regardless of where they are from. When we were there in February we knew that Canada, Brazil, Portugal, Bolivia had troops in place in Cap. The outrage has led to street fighting, death by gun shots from the troops as they put down rioters who have burned police stations, money transfer stations and UN vehicles. To fight the troops Haitiens have dug 3' wide and 4' deep trenches across city streets...camofladged the ditches and waited for UN tanks and troop trucks to plunge their front axles into them and become trapped and subject to barrages of rocks and other missiles.
Sadly, people have died as a result of the protests that mean to drive the UN out of the country. A French epidemiologist has been summoned to determine the source of the Cholera outbreak and Dr. Paul Farmer has taken an active role in trying to bring medicines and reason to the solution of the deadly disease. Haiti has not had a case of Cholera for over 100 years. Cholera migrates in water that has been poluted by fecal matter, few Haitiens make a practice of washing their hands after toilet activities (sound familiar?) and rivers are often the source of drinking, bathing, and sewage disposal waters.
D.F. reports that entrepreneurs are selling paper face masks to folks on the street in the belief that the mask will prevent Cholera. Wrong! Cholera is not an airborn disease. Take the time to research how it moves from person-to-person and how lethal it is.
D.F. also reported to us yesterday that people who have died from the disease are left in the street, they aren't allowed to be buried in the cemetaries, people are terrified of touching a victim and the government is not taking an active role of any kind.
UN trucks are being burned...the trucks are full of food for the poor...food that was frequently dispensed at the clinic whenever it could be obtained. BUT there is more...there are 19 persons running for the office of president and the election is Nov. 28th. Mr. Preval is term-limited and can't run and some have speculated that there are forces afoot that might rather see the elections postponed, yet again, they were to have been held 18 months ago.
Cholera needs to be treated with antibiotics and special salts to help rehydtrate victims...it can be treated successfully but antibiotics are scarce and so are the salts. No cases of Cholera have been reported at the clinic, yet but the main generator needs repair so water can be pumped. The solar is working nicely, praise the Lord and all staff and loved ones associated with D.F.'s work are safe.
However, the clinic is running on prayer, not fumes, not money...it's been so successful in meeting the needs of the area that the demand has exceeded the most optimistic expectations and the funding. Soaring needs help and fast so that the clinic doesn't deplete the funds dedicated to tuition, uniforms, books, and shoes for the cadre of orphans that D.F. helps each semester.
Dorothy was able to get the first flight out of Cap on MFI...the government came through with heavy equipment, with UN protection, to clear the roads...they removed the burning tires, filled the ditches, removed the welded car frames that were strung across the narrow streets and hired people to sweep up the broken glass that was everywhere. Will the truce last? Only time will tell.
Like to help? Please specify that your gift go to the "clinic at Soaring Unlimited". FYI the water well at the clinic is safe and so is the well across the road.
I'm going to try and post a large file of photos that were taken by Susan Rakoczy who lived at Dorothy's last spring while waiting for her home to be readied in Cap for herself, husband and children. She has captured the essence of the beauty of the children and their parents that can only be described as precious. These photos were taken earlier this year before all the disease and trouble. She is on her way back right now to supervise the well drilling team from Minnesota. Please pray for her family and all those who have impacted our lives over the years and for the country of Haiti.
View the photos that Susan took by checking the "Links" heading and clicking on "Children & Susan..." the reason for staying connected.
Submitted by;
Staton
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Haiti Videos
Videos are now live for your viewing, go to Haiti Videos.
Thank You Staton for making these videos available for our viewing! There is a link on the right for future viewing as well.
Now there are 15 videos to date, April 16th!
Thank You Staton for making these videos available for our viewing! There is a link on the right for future viewing as well.
Now there are 15 videos to date, April 16th!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
First photos from Haiti team
Here's a link to the Soaring Unlimited website showing photos taken by Cyrus Sibert the Haitian board member who worked with us a couple of days...enjoy. Go to Soaring Unlimited Blog
Monday, February 15, 2010
Monday: We're back!
Happy to report that the Haiti VIM Team is back in Michigan, safe and sound. A more detailed report will follow. Many thanks to the contingent that met us at the airport in TC, even though our flight was delayed for over 1 hour.
There are so many stories to tell and memories to share as well as photos and video. This was a magnificent team that worked together to meet rather difficult objectives despite the inevitable pitfals that missioners run into such as flat tires, lost luggage, and road conditions that defy description at times.
We were blessed with warm, friendly and loving Haitians in our midst each day and will never forget them...children, adults, earthquake victims, teachers, professionals, Dorothy's staff and shopkeepers.
Staton
There are so many stories to tell and memories to share as well as photos and video. This was a magnificent team that worked together to meet rather difficult objectives despite the inevitable pitfals that missioners run into such as flat tires, lost luggage, and road conditions that defy description at times.
We were blessed with warm, friendly and loving Haitians in our midst each day and will never forget them...children, adults, earthquake victims, teachers, professionals, Dorothy's staff and shopkeepers.
Staton
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)