Back in Haiti

Well - It's been a bit over 24 hours since I arrived in Haiti and already feeling comfortable.  My first evening while walking around the compound at New Life for Children we could hear a child having trouble breathing in her crib. I assumed her to be about 16 - 18 months old - even though her little extremities looked like skin covering bone.  I soon learned she was four years old - which made my chest ache.  I got to rock her for a bit while she breathed in medication thru a mask hoping to open her airway.  I was told she is very critical and needs to get to the States to repair her trachea/windpipe - which is too narrow to allow proper breathing.  I went to bed wondering how she would get thru the night with the congestion in her chest.  My night was without mosquitos but a clan of roosters made themselves known. 
The weather is actually tolerable and quite enjoyable compared to the 20 degrees I left in Chicago.  The surroundings here at NewLife are so pleasant.  At any time you can hear the children laughing and having fun.  I spent the majority of the day in an office going through the children's files as I am hoping to be an asset here in enhancing the existing sponsorship program.  As many of you know - that was what I felt so blessed to do at Marie's House of Hope and many wonderful relationships developed between the children and people in the states.  It's something that is so important to me.  I desperately want these children to know that they are cared for and loved and there are people willing to make sure they receive food everyday, have a bed to sleep in at night and an opportunity to go to school.  I'll be working hard when I get home to see how I can make that happen.  If you could see their little faces and mannerisms - you would, too!

I met an amazing man from Brazil today. He came to Haiti after the quake and made a decision that he would feed 5000 a week.  He has been doing just that.  He showed me a short video he made that showed the children in line with big bowls of food.  I started crying - of course - and just wanted to follow him out of here and help him.  I am planning to return to Haiti and he readily agreed that I can come with him one day to a tent city and "set up" the kitchen.  He was so dedicated and emotional when he said, "There is no way to even explain to you how I feel when I see these children's faces as they walk away with food when they may have only had 2-3 meals that week."  I have wanted to do that since the quake and didn't know how or where - Now I have a way! He has the Brazilian UN workers go with him and said that it's usually a very peaceful experience..  Now he is going to add a movie and worship time when he goes for after dinner.  He was totally amazing.

It's been a little different sitting and going thru files - but it's also exciting to feel like I am doing something that will expand the ministry.  Tomorrow several of us are going to a tent city with Miriam (the founder of this ministry) as she has been receiving emails and calls from people saying that the young children getting raped in the night has gotten much worse and that 12 year olds and older are walking around pregnant. It just makes me sick.  I'm sure this will be an experience to report.

Most of the children here at New Life come from the interior of Haiti. Miriam has medical teams that go into the interior several times a year and set up an open air clinic.  Those children that are near death she brings back and nurtures them back to life.  She has been told that cholera has gotten worse at a location she is familiar with, so she is hoping to go by helicopter on Tues. to take medications. 

As the one year anniversary approaches since the quake, I wish I could say that Haiti is "all new." --- It is so discouraging to learn of how little has changed.  The thought of sleeping in a tent for a year with no electricity, running water, dependable food supply with small children and the fear of being abused in the night is just about more than I can comprehend.  Some tent cities are just asking for a generator, at this point so they can have some form of light - which would help for protection as well.  

I hope any who are reading this will say a prayer for these innocent people.  It is difficult to keep positive when the needs are overwhelming.  But may I say again and again how much I appreciate every one of you who have been SO supportive.  I would like to say there isn't much more to be done -- but I feel restless with the desire to go and do! 

I plan to go and see the girls and friends at Marie's Grace House of Hope this week and can't wait to give away as many hugs and love as I can.  I will try to blog thru the week if the internet is available and I don't go techno. brain dead - both are always a possibility.

I'm staring at my dusty feet and worn out body - but just glad to be here.  It's easy when you know you have so much at home....what must it be like to never know!  Much love!

Back in Haiti