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Here are some things to note about the past 24 hours here in Haiti.  I’ve listed them by number, but that doesn’t imply their order of significance.  It just means that's when it came to mind.  I don’t intend to be overly dramatic.  I am only stating things as I know them to be.  As I know more, I’ll try and pass info along.

 

1)  I have been sick in bed all day.  I had a fever of almost 101, nausea, stomach illness, aches and pains.  Its been going around the group- a couple others on the team got it as well.  We did medical clinics on Monday and Tuesday of this week so there’s no telling what we picked up.  I’ve taken cipro and some other stuff.  The fever is slowly coming down.  Hoping by Saturday to be well.

2) We are out of gas in Cayes.  I think we’re about out of diesel too.  All the RMI vehicles were filled yesterday and I don’t know if there’s a stash of gas we have on hand but either way, that will only last so long.   Apparently town was basically shut down at 1pm today.   It should be reopened tomorrow for business as usual.  They just may be closing early to try to conserve what resources we have.  I’m not sure.   And I’m not saying this is cause for alarm yet.  I’m just stating the facts.

3) Our team of Drs and Nurses worked all day today at the Clinic here in Cite Lumiere. Trauma patients are being transported from Port to here.  The Dr from our team who came and checked on me and brought me my medicine said that it was pretty rough stuff.  The patients really need an orthopedic surgeon…and a miracle.  The hospital is already short staffed and it was a true blessing to have them there.  Despite the tragedy, good things are happening as well.

4)  Despite what the media is apparently reporting about Cayes, for the moment, all is well here.  We are not in ruins. I repeat we are NOT IN RUINS.   One home collapsed and other buildings have a few cracks in them.  No one died as a result of the quake.  My advice?  Get the news you need but don’t let the media brainwash you.   Use discernment with what you hear and know when to turn the news off.  The truth is tragic enough, you don’t need their drama.  Instead of spending hours watching the same thing over and over again- the news isn’t going to get any better- spend that time in prayer.  Pray for the things I mention here and for the things I mentioned in my last post.   I personally think that’s a much better use of time. 

5)I saw my friend Jenn today.  She is the one working in Christianville who I mentioned in the last post. She came to Cayes to try and find some supplies.  Things are still horrific where she is.  They are hoping to have some aid supplies delivered soon and to reopen the clinic on Tuesday.   Sometimes I feel very lonely here, especially during this time when post others have family and loved ones to go home to at the end of the day. It was good to see her familiar face and to physically see that she was OK.  She said there is a medical team staying at the Guest House there in Christianville.  Currently, all 27 of the team and missionary staff are sleeping outside on the porch on mattresses, afraid of sleeping inside. She said that most of the Haitian staff was traveling together on a tap-tap through Port when the quake happened.  It flipped the truck.  One staff member was knocked unconscious and when she came to she was the only in the truck. All others were gone.  She doesn’t know if they escaped or if they all died and got carried away.  I can’t imagine.  Port and the surrounding areas are still experiencing a lot of tremors and after shocks.  Jenn suspects anywhere from 3.0-5.0 in size.  She is also concerned about rain.  If it rains, there are major potential hazards for rock slides and mud slides, which could severely handicap an already devastated area by shutting of all roads in and out of the area.

6)  Its raining in Cayes.  I am praying that it is ONLY raining in Cayes.

7) As of this afternoon, our team was most likely going to be able to fly out Monday on MFI (Missionary Flights International).  As of tonight, a relief agency flying supplies in from the Bahamas will most likely be able to transport them out tomorrow.  They can only transport 24 and there are 49 short term missions team members total who need to get out.  If there is a problem and they can’t get out tomorrow, another aid plane will be here in a few days and can transport them, or whoever else doesn’t make it on the plane, then. 

8) Although Jacmel is on the Southern Coast a fairly good distance from port, they have received lots of damage.  The town is in ruins and they are receiving little to no aid; everything’s being sent to Port. 

9) RMI’s Board of Directors had a conference call tonight to discuss ways that we can be directly involved in the Relief Effort.  I am looking forward to being involved.

10) I still haven’t talked to my friend in Port.  I don’t know if he’s alive or dead.  Pastor Jean (one of our staff) heard from his children today and they are safe and well.  His son’s wife’s sister didn’t make it though.  Madame Moise, the lady who works in the kitchen at my house, heard from her son today and he is well.  She is relieved beyond words.