I just received another update from my friend Nancy, who lives full time in Haiti. She is stationed at the Matthew 25 guest house/turned clinic in Port au Prince. As Haiti begins to fade from the media outlets, Nancy's note was a much needed reminder that it is way too early to stop thinking about Haiti and how you can help.
Hi all, So much is going on. I thank you for all your donations, prayers, offers to help, etc. Sorry, but I cannot answer each of you individually. I have been working at Matthew 25 in Port au Prince. It's now a "hospital" as well as guest house. We have many tents in back housing medical personnel, journalists, etc. In the yard next door, there are approximately 2200 people, plus our inpatients, amputees, etc. I will try to respond to the most-asked questions.
What can we do to help?
Monetary donations are most important at present unless you have already purchased tickets to come. We ordered food yesterday for 30 orphans for 30 days from Haiti Relief. The cost was $629 US. There are so many other needs such as medicines, tents, rebuilding/fixing houses, etc. If you would like to assist the Haiti disaster relief efforts I am working on , donations should be sent to Jane Zander, N8898 Devine Rd, Portage WI 53901 asap because some people are coming in the near future who can bring cash. Banks are up and running but will only give out a small sum and the lines are long. We have a group that wants to come help.
What can we do?
First, you must check on flights. I heard yesterday that all American flights are on hold until Feb 20. I don’t know what affect that will have on flights booked before the earthquake. If you do find a flight, make sure you know where you are staying and if they have room for you. Previous reservations may no longer hold true as the building may not be safe or may not even be there. Carpenters will be needed but remember that most houses were constructed of cement and they are severely cracked and may not be repairable. If your trip is confirmed, bring a tent and money for food. Guest houses are overwhelmed. Food is available but expensive.
Are there jobs available?
Now the focus is follow up care and how to set up tent cities, etc. Many people are living under sheets. The rainy season will come. We need to get them to permanent tent cities. Most workers are being sent to outlying areas because the Port residents have been advised to leave the city. Consider working in the area you are accustomed to visiting if you have been here before. Many are leaving the city traumatized and injured.
How are you personally and your school, kids, etc?
Everyone was affected in one way or another. Many of our staff lost family members but we are all well. But the earthquake did not hit St Marc. Geologists from the US are saying there’s a 90% chance, in the next month, that Haiti will have another 5.0 or greater earthquake. We have had approx 55 aftershocks in the past 2 weeks over 5.0. Haitians are living in their yards for fear of entering into their houses, and rightfully so. We, too, at Matthew 25 are sleeping in tents in the back yard as the house has been damaged. We plan to open the school at St Marc next week, God willing.
How's the city?
Chaotic! Lots of medical personnel, meetings, etc., etc. Some food riots when there isn’t enough food to be distributed and many must go away hungry. All in all, it’s calm though, all things considered. The Haitians are a most-resilient people. We go for a little walk in the a.m.’s before work starts and it's rare to not be greeted by a smiling resident with a happy BON JOU! May God give them the continued strength to get through another day.
What can we do to help?
Monetary donations are most important at present unless you have already purchased tickets to come. We ordered food yesterday for 30 orphans for 30 days from Haiti Relief. The cost was $629 US. There are so many other needs such as medicines, tents, rebuilding/fixing houses, etc. If you would like to assist the Haiti disaster relief efforts I am working on , donations should be sent to Jane Zander, N8898 Devine Rd, Portage WI 53901 asap because some people are coming in the near future who can bring cash. Banks are up and running but will only give out a small sum and the lines are long. We have a group that wants to come help.
What can we do?
First, you must check on flights. I heard yesterday that all American flights are on hold until Feb 20. I don’t know what affect that will have on flights booked before the earthquake. If you do find a flight, make sure you know where you are staying and if they have room for you. Previous reservations may no longer hold true as the building may not be safe or may not even be there. Carpenters will be needed but remember that most houses were constructed of cement and they are severely cracked and may not be repairable. If your trip is confirmed, bring a tent and money for food. Guest houses are overwhelmed. Food is available but expensive.
Are there jobs available?
Now the focus is follow up care and how to set up tent cities, etc. Many people are living under sheets. The rainy season will come. We need to get them to permanent tent cities. Most workers are being sent to outlying areas because the Port residents have been advised to leave the city. Consider working in the area you are accustomed to visiting if you have been here before. Many are leaving the city traumatized and injured.
How are you personally and your school, kids, etc?
Everyone was affected in one way or another. Many of our staff lost family members but we are all well. But the earthquake did not hit St Marc. Geologists from the US are saying there’s a 90% chance, in the next month, that Haiti will have another 5.0 or greater earthquake. We have had approx 55 aftershocks in the past 2 weeks over 5.0. Haitians are living in their yards for fear of entering into their houses, and rightfully so. We, too, at Matthew 25 are sleeping in tents in the back yard as the house has been damaged. We plan to open the school at St Marc next week, God willing.
How's the city?
Chaotic! Lots of medical personnel, meetings, etc., etc. Some food riots when there isn’t enough food to be distributed and many must go away hungry. All in all, it’s calm though, all things considered. The Haitians are a most-resilient people. We go for a little walk in the a.m.’s before work starts and it's rare to not be greeted by a smiling resident with a happy BON JOU! May God give them the continued strength to get through another day.
To support Nancy and her ministery, you can make a donation directly to Touchstone Ministeries.
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