Dear Friends and Family:
I just hung up from Jim and am so relieved and pleased to report that he has safely made it to the orphanage! He said the trip was very long and he hasn't slept for many hours, but it went much smoother then he ever imagined!
He didn't arrive until dusk so wasn't able to see clearly due to darkness setting in. They didn't travel through Port-au-Prince, but more on the outskirts. He said that there are bricks everywhere as most everyone's security brick wall is down. (nearly everyone in Haiti has a very high wall of brick surrounding their land with wire or broken bottles cemented to the top ledge to prevent or for sure discourage robbers or the like from entering their property!)
He said as they neared Bon Repos - the town of Marie's and Debbies, he didn't even recognize where he was with all the walls down and houses damaged. Thankfully, he said there were more buildings standing in that area.
He visited briefly with Marie, the girls, and neighbors of Marie's who we have come to know and love. He tried to assure them that things will get better. He said the girls looked sad, but some smiled here and there. He said when he arrived they were all gathered in this little section getting ready to "bed down" and trying to be close together under a tin roof Marie has constructed in case of rain. He said the land is on a slant and that if it rains they are going to be soaked. He commented that it was "really bad" and that they are going to have to do something soon.
Jim and Shawn were going to spend the night at Debbie's mission where there is running water and electricity through a generator. He was exhausted and said that he may try to email later or would call tomorrow.
I'm very thankful to all of you for your thoughts and prayers and help in so many ways during a very stressful past two weeks. The madness continues-but in good ways-as many offers to help and provide continue. I am so proud and touched by the response of people to this disaster.
I will keep in touch with you as I hear from Jim. It will be so great to have him on the ground loving and serving those in such need!!
Also-I understand the Impact For Jesus website has a BLOG you can visit for updates, as well. Jim nor I made it, or know to access it-but hey-we're OLD!
God Bless - Patty
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