Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Second Phase

Lousy internet connection kept me off the blog yesterday evening. It was two weeks ago yesterday that Haiti suffered a major, devastating earthquake. Response by the international community was immediate and massive.
The dust is settling and the second phase of the assistance is well underway. Taking care of the hurt and displaced survivors is the priority now. We have been working with the United Nations and other non-profits to feed, clothe and provide shelter to the thousands of Haitians who have left PaP. It is a daunting task.
The impact of hundreds of thousands of Haitians migrating home is being felt. Families are straining to welcome and assist their relatives. It is too much for many of them so they are seeking help. We are seeing a huge increase in requests for assistance from families who live near us so it is safe to assume this is the reality all over Haiti. A friend of ours who was providing for three children now has a house filled with 22. How to care for them?
The local authorities are doing what they can. Most of it financed by non-profits. It is encouraging to hear of all the fund-raising activities in the states as we all know this is going to be expensive. I just hope that the monies generated end up where they can do the most good. The biggest need right now is food. Because of shortages, prices have escalated and are beyond the means of most Haitians.
Our Doctor Cynthia DeSoi will be flying in this afternoon. She is bringing a medical team with her and they'll be busy.
I've noticed that the headlines only occasionally mention Haiti now. Journalists are heading home to cover other stories. To be expected, I guess. We pray that you will remember us as we provide for our sister and brother Haitians. May God bless our efforts.

9 comments:

  1. George Clooney's telethon update has raised $458+mil and counting...this is more like it with all those celebrities participating. But...sadly even Nicholas Cage has to suffer foreclosures on his many homes. He made the mistake of trusting his ex-business partner. He owes millions in taxes. When to trust and when not to trust????? Let us trust in God's providence. If he took care of the lilies (poppies) of the field and the birds of the sky, what more will he do for us, his children? Have faith! Elsie I still don't know how to post, and got confused by registering with google.

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  2. All the members of the Body of Christ care for each other equally. If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad.
    1Corintians 12:25-26

    We are with you all the way Father Marc, stay strong.

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  3. Father Marc,
    Thanks, as always, for your invaluable updates. It is the job of those of us in the states (and around the world) who love Haiti to make sure that the Haitian people don't fade from public view during this crisis. We'll just have to work hard (and smart) to find fund-raising and consciousness-raising activities that will keep this catastrophe in the forefront of people's minds. It's going to be a long haul, but there are many committed people within and outside of Haiti who want to help. We'll keep praying for you; please pray that we'll succeed in doing our part.

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  4. It may seem that Haiti is being forgotten by the national and international media. Please know that we will NOT allow you or our little Haitian children be forgotten...

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  5. Fr. Marc,
    Our president will be delivering his State of the Union Address this evening so that is keeping the media in the US pretty well occupied. Be assured many Americans, myself included, are keeping the plight of those in Haiti well publicized in our communities. Of course you are all in our prayers daily.

    Bob Matte

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  6. Some will forget as they become distracted by which celebrities are getting divorced or what Ms. Obama is wearing, but many truly caring people have become aware of the plight of the Haitian people and will not let them be forgotten...

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  7. Father Marc:
    Your organization, your staff, your children, and you will not be forgotten by those of us who have been touched by what has happened in Haiti. Many citizens of the world will continue to donate, collectively Haiti will prosper. God bless you.

    Ana M. Perez

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  8. Fr. Marc, be assured that our church continues to pray for you and for Haiti. I wish I could be down there, but right now I would just be one more mouth to feed. Our funds are better used by you than for an airplane ticket. Some day, however, I'll return to Haiti and Espwa. We love you. Papa Dan

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  9. You have still been front page in my local newspaper everyday this week (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada). Today was the story of a man pulled from the rubble on DAY 14!! Unbelievable!! The Haitian spirit is sooooo strong!

    Our news is reporting that our Canadian army is set up at a port in Jacmel delivering food and medical. And our Prime Minister was in meetings yesterday talking about our nations long term commitment to the rebuilding of Haiti. Canada has donated millions and more is still coming in. We are seeing every nation that is able, donating money and bodies.

    Try to hold on and be strong. Help is coming (frustratingly slowly, but coming).

    You are right, many will move on with their lives. But hopefully you will not be forgotten. I know I won't forget!!

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