01/17/10

Since the earthquake, many people have emailed me asking how we are doing, what they can do to help etc.

As of now, we are all doing well. I heard that the gas prices here have already started to go up a bit. Other than that, I haven't seen any shortages yet, but then, it's still pretty early. As for our food situation, we fortunately just ordered food from Sam's in Florida and the boat arrived while we were home for Christmas break. When we arrived, we split everything up and brought it all home. My roommate and I both have enough food to last until the end of the school year. Just to be safe, I went out yesterday and stocked up on powdered milk. Yeah, I know many of you cringe at the thought of drinking powdered milk, but I have not only gotten used to it, but like to have a nice thick glass. Yeah, it's full cream milk and delicious. I bought two big cans of it...a total of 5.5 pounds (dry weight) so you can imagine how much milk that will make...about two big glasses...ha.

These last few days have been pretty hard on those in the community. We have seen the effects on our students, the people in our church and our aides at the school. Many of them had family and/or friends in Port au Prince and have received some good news and some bad news. Some have lost loved ones while others haven't heard anything at all. Many people are trying to get a seat on a bus to go to PaP from Port de Paix. I heard the other day that it's getting quite expensive to get a seat especially when the price of gas is taking off. Many from PaP are also coming here to be with their family. We have a student here who was living at home for a short period while her entire family had gone to PaP. She was living at home by herself from Tuesday until Friday wondering if they were ok. I cannot imagine how difficult that time was. I cannot imagine the fear and anxiety I would feel if I were in a position of not knowing if my entire family was ok or not. Fortunately, for this student, her family is doing well. That time had to have been horrible for her. Many others aren't so lucky. My aide told me on Saturday that she keeps calling her cousin but no one is answering. She said it was hard to make those calls...it is hard to leave a message on their voicemail not knowing if they are going to hear it. She said that when no one answers you know something is wrong. It's hard to see so many people hurting all at the same time. During church today there was a lot of crying and tears. Our pastor most likely lost his sister there. They aren't sure just yet, but know that her house collapses, and the school that she works at also collapsed. I don't know that I would have too much hope after hearing that.

So, as for us, we are safe here. However, if you would like to pray for something, please pray for healing, peace, love and hope for those who have been affected by this and who are hurting.

If you are wanting to help, I would suggest Missions of Love. We personally know the doctor that sent the following email to us. Many of you have asked if we need help. I am very grateful for your concern, but help is needed in Port au Prince....not so much here in PdP at the moment.

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"Gentlefolk,

A nightmare beyond your wildest imaginings is unfolding in Port-au-prince, Haiti as I write you this fervent plea. Hundreds of thousands dead, many more seriously injured and dying as we speak. The medical and surgical implications are beyond description. The needs would seem insurmountable, yet, as always in the past, Americans will be touched to be of help and surely help will come again in this horrible situation.

Here's a list of actual supplies and meds we need immediately. Beyond that, money in any amount will buy much needed meds in Port-au-prince IF they are available.

Materials:
Dresssings of any type (tape, gauze, Kerlix, ace bandages, roller bandages, ABD pads, 2x2s, 4x4s, bandaids, perineal pads)
Plaster or fiberglasss splinting materials
Syringes with needles, (2.5 to 10cc, 20g. to 25 g.)
Alcohol /Betadine pads or wipes
Betadine solution
Surgical instruments (i.e., suture removal kits, procedure kits)
Burn dressings
Silvadene cream
Vaseline

Meds:
Topical antibiotics (Neosporin, Gentamycin, etc.)
Antibiotics, any (amoxicillin, tetracycline, cephaloxin, ciprofloxin, sulfa-TMX)
Painkillers, any (Tylenol, acetominophine, ibuprofin, naproxen)

Deliver any medical supplies or meds to
Reflection Of Christ Church
200 Main St Hartford, KY

or in the Florida area to
Dr Johnson at 621 Morning Cove Circle, Palm Bay FL 32909

Or phone us for a pickup at your place: (270) 315-7284 or (270) 315-7489.

Donate Online
http://www.missionsoflove.org/


We're sending in $2000 cash with Dr Cenord Guerry, who flies in tomorrow with Vanessa Carpenter of Angel Missions Haiti to mobilize their clinic on Rue Delmas to its maximum ability to intervene, triage and treat the thousands of wandering wounded. But many thousands more will be needed over the next several weeks.

I'm going down with a team of 14 and hope to carry many duffel bags of supplies and medications in with us on Jan 31st.

Please send any donations marked "earthquake relief" to MISSIONS OF LOVE, Inc., PO Box 292, Hartford, KY 42347. You'll receive a receipt for tax purposes.

Please spread the word in your church, workplace, friends, neighbors, etc. to help in any way they can. God bless all! Dr Bob and Betty"