MTinHaiti

As we woke this morning to a helicopter flying overhead this morning I could not wait to run to the computer to see if there was more news about the earthquake.  I went to several online news sources and stopped at FOX news.  They had pictures and a video.  A whole crowd of Haitians were huddled around me to see the report — I only have a small alloted amount of downloading and partway through the video it stopped.  We feel so “in the dark” here.  If it were not for our computer this area would not have any idea of the devestation.  Not only do we feel in the dark but we feel helpless.  We are only 150 miles away but it might as well be 5000.  Our heart is very heavy for our Haitian family — they have mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, and children in Port au Prince.  There are tears in their eyes and concern on their faces as they are unable to have any communication with Port au Prince.  They have no idea how their families are doing or if they are even still alive.

We would like to go to Port au Prince to help and are trying to find out if that might be possible.   When this happens in the U.S. it takes several days to get set up but here in Haiti there is no government emergency help to speak of, no facilities to provide assistance — so just setting up basic relief efforts (food, water, medical assistance) will be a major operation.

The rippling effects of the quake will be far-reaching and long-lasting.  With Port au Prince being the main port of entry for all things for Haiti the effect is going to be tremendous if this city is closed down for any length of time which we suspect it will be .  The people here are already suffering and they cannot withstand price hikes or food shortages because of this.  When the hurricanes hit in September of 2008 we in the Northwest felt the effects of being cut off from Port au Prince.  Gas prices sky-rocketed and was not even available after a short while.  Food prices went way up and soon ran out and many people were starving.  Supplies could not get through and this crippled the country.

It is Mike and I’s prayer that the world’s eyes may truly be opened to the devastation and need of this country.  Many times the world has turned a blind eye to Haiti.  Pray that this catastrophe will reveal just how desperate everyday life in Haiti really is.

We continue to ask for prayer for Vogly — he is beside himself with not knowing if his mother is okay or not.  He may be headed to Port au Prince tomorrow, and Mike may go with him, to see if he can find his mother.

Thank you so much for your prayers and continue to be on your knees.  Pray that God will be glorified through such a tragedy as this.