In 1978 I met the most wonderful woman in Haiti. Her name was Anne Marie Joseph. She was about 5'8", big smile and those big Haitian cheeks that are so prominent. She was originally from a town in Haiti called Hinch and she would speak about an aunt or cousin who still lived in that part of Haiti. She would also tell stories sometimes about Hinch and what would happen to children who didn't behave.
But, I should back up. Why does this matter? While she was born in Hinch, she grew up in Gonaieves, in my father's home. In 1939, When Anne Marie was 6 years old, her mother brought her to my grandmother and asked my grandmother to take her in. Anne Marie's mother didn't have the resources to take care of her because there were so many other kids to take care in Hinch. Anne Marie, my grandmother was told, was a gentle child and a good worker and would be an asset to the house. My Grandmother agreed.
So Anne Marie was handed over to people she didn't know at 6 years old -- the Miots. There were no adoption papers because she wasn't adopted, no papers at all. Anne Marie was just a little girl being handed off to a prominent family far away from the village she knew.
It was and is common and expected in Haiti that those who had more resources would hire help to cook and clean. Maids, yard boys and cooks would not only work for you and be paid, but you would make sure that they had a room in the house and plenty to eat. Make no mistake, these sleeping quarters were quite small and seemed rather dark, the wages were low, but somehow this communal system seemed to work in some basic ways.
While Anne Marie was given small jobs to perform about my Grandmother's home in Gonaives, she was expected to dress in a clean uniform and attend school everyday, just like the other children in the house. While a bit younger, she played with my father in the house as she grew. Of course there remained a class separation between my father and Anne Marie that would continue to grow. My father would go on to be educated in France and in the United States, and Anne Marie would stay in Gonaives and finish just a basic education and continue to work for my Grandmother and/or the family. In return for her service, the family would make sure that she was cared for for the rest of her life.
In 1978 Anne Marie came to work in our house in Haiti, for my mother and father. This warm, friendly and big smiling woman came to live with us with her two children. Anne Marie was in charge, but in a gentle way. She cooked and taught my mother how to cook Haitian food, she cleaned and she washed the clothes. She helped my mother buy the food in the markets.
As kids we tried to figure out how this maid system could work to our advantage and it was Anne Marie who showed us that it wouldn't really work for us. I remember my sister calling for Anne Marie to bring her a glass of water. Anne Marie replied "yes" she would bring it to her, and then would go back to the more important tasks she needed to complete, never bringing the water. I remember Anne Marie showing us how to clean our rooms and how to clean up after ourselves -- she wasn't going to do it. Anne Marie made sure we knew who was boss, as she smiled her gentle smile.
Her children lived with us as well -- Rosella and Katherine. The oldest was sent to school each day, although she preferred to skip her lessons if she could. Anne Marie was a bit harder on her own kids than she was on us, expecting them to be clean and respectful at all times. We played with Rosella and Katherine as if they were our siblings. We taught them English and they taught us to swear in Creole. I remember Rosella (3 years old) and my brother Jonathan (4 years old) falling asleep together in his room. Rosella's black hair and skin next to Jonathan's white skin and blond hair...
Just yesterday you can imagine how thrilled we were to hear he best news from Rosella, who now lives in the States. Anne Marie survived the Earthquake! She is safe working for friends of my family, a placement my father made for her after we left Haiti. My father still sends her money each year to make up for her meager income at her new placement. How I would love see Anne Marie smile once more, and it looks like I may get the chance.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
First Responders working with Union School classmate -- JM-- My Heros!
On my way back from Indiana by way of Atlanta yesterday, I was shocked to find out that there were about 6 or so first responders on my flight. They were flying back from Haiti after finishing a 10-day mission. The Captain announced this as we were landing and I just had to figure out who had been in Haiti so that I could thank them and, of course, ask them one million questions...
Turns out, Joe, seated next to me for the whole flight was one of the first responders. I couldn't believe it. Here I was sitting next to a man who had been on the ground in Port-au-Prince for the last 10 days. How I had wished that I had known that when I first sat down.
Anyway, I was able to talk to them for just a bit and here's what I learned.
First of all, they were stationed at my old school in Port-au-Prince -- Union School. They were providing medical treatment to patients on my old soccer field a place now called GHESKIO (see earlier JM Post for details http://heartsandhands4haiti.blogspot.com/2010/01/haiti-field-update-from-jm-classmate.html).
Joe showed me pictures of the damage to the school, the classrooms, the court yard. It was hard to handle the changes the place had suffered as a result of the earthquake. It was hard to see all of the wounded laid out on the field waiting for treatment.
Then, on a whim, I asked him if he knew Jean Marc? They all nodded yes and told me how helpful Jean Marc had been in getting them fuel and supplies and translating. I looked at them in shock that they knew him, and they looked at me like they couldn't believe what I was asking.
At the end of our conversations, I thanked them for their hard work. It was hard not to cry as I did. For they are true heros.
After our exchange I went to pick up my bags from the baggage claim. As I was waiting, I saw a few children waiting at the bottom of the stairs for a passenger to arrive. I just knew that their dad had been a first responder and had been on the plane. Also, I thought it was Joe because he had skipped passed a few pictures of a couple of beautiful little girls.
After I grabbed my bag, I walked over to the little girl, hook her hand and told her "I'm part Haitian and your dad is the best!". Her eyes went wide, then she jumped up and down and ran to tell her mother what I said. I walked away and headed for a taxi; that's when I cried.
Turns out, Joe, seated next to me for the whole flight was one of the first responders. I couldn't believe it. Here I was sitting next to a man who had been on the ground in Port-au-Prince for the last 10 days. How I had wished that I had known that when I first sat down.
Anyway, I was able to talk to them for just a bit and here's what I learned.
First of all, they were stationed at my old school in Port-au-Prince -- Union School. They were providing medical treatment to patients on my old soccer field a place now called GHESKIO (see earlier JM Post for details http://heartsandhands4haiti.blogspot.com/2010/01/haiti-field-update-from-jm-classmate.html).
Joe showed me pictures of the damage to the school, the classrooms, the court yard. It was hard to handle the changes the place had suffered as a result of the earthquake. It was hard to see all of the wounded laid out on the field waiting for treatment.
Then, on a whim, I asked him if he knew Jean Marc? They all nodded yes and told me how helpful Jean Marc had been in getting them fuel and supplies and translating. I looked at them in shock that they knew him, and they looked at me like they couldn't believe what I was asking.
At the end of our conversations, I thanked them for their hard work. It was hard not to cry as I did. For they are true heros.
After our exchange I went to pick up my bags from the baggage claim. As I was waiting, I saw a few children waiting at the bottom of the stairs for a passenger to arrive. I just knew that their dad had been a first responder and had been on the plane. Also, I thought it was Joe because he had skipped passed a few pictures of a couple of beautiful little girls.
After I grabbed my bag, I walked over to the little girl, hook her hand and told her "I'm part Haitian and your dad is the best!". Her eyes went wide, then she jumped up and down and ran to tell her mother what I said. I walked away and headed for a taxi; that's when I cried.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Haiti Field Update from JM, a classmate from Union School
It is hard to imagine but we are on day 11 since the quake. The pace has not slowed down but everyday we have more resources to work with. The greatest for me has been the arrival of a dear friend Dr. Nat. Nat is the medical director of the Caris Foundation and Verena and I are close to he and his girlfriend. Nat's arrival has allowed me to be twice as productive. He is staying with me and apparently is under strict instructions from Verena to look after me and to make sure I eat.
Today Nat and I hit the ground running. We had sent out a team of Caris Foundation doctors yesterday out to some area hospitals to assess their needs in terms of medicines, equipment and doctors. None of the hospitals needed any more staff. They have plenty of medical personnel. They did need medicines and supplies. The day before I received three huge garbage bags full of medicines that had been dropped of to me by another good friend Rob. Rob and Joe are from Global Orphan Project and they have setup a 300 child orphanage. He came by our hospital because we had three orphans that we were releasing and he came to get them. It was sad in that they had lost everything but I was glad they were going to be placed at Global Orphan Project.
Based on our survey from yesterday Nat and I set out with well over $40,000 worth of IV antibiotics,and all kinds of medicines dropped off by Rob. Added in to our loot was a duffel bag full of surgical supplies dropped off to me by Jeff and Clive. That is how logistics work here. We distributed the badly needed supplies to some hospitals. We then arrived at the clinic at Diquini that needed supplies. We arrived to find that the French had setup and were now coordinating things along with the local staff. There was an orderly triage system and 100 or so French doctors, medics and soldiers on hand to help. I had not returned to Diquini since the second day after the quake. It was there that I witnessed and experienced some truly horrible things that I'd rather not remember and it was difficult to be back. However I had promised the medical director that I would return and so I did. The blue tarp where the amputations had been performed on that terrible day was still up and I tried to not even look in that direction. However this time I had returned with supplies and things at Diquini were a world better.
I had an emotional reunion with an American surgeon that I had met on day 2. I had just evacuated Verena and was leaving the airport when I met this doctor who had just flown in and did not know where to go. I immediately told him to hop into my vehicle and after many stops we arrived in Diquini. A few hours after we met we found ourselves under a blue tarp amputating legs (me just trying to stay out of his way). It was a particularly tough day for me because later that day I heard that Nadine (a great friend and terrific lady) had died under the rubble at the Hotel Montana. I could not keep it together but somehow we managed to do what was needed at Diquini and to go to yet another hospital across town late into the night. We got separated in the chaos and I had not seen him until today! Of course days later miraculously Nadine was found alive. We allowed ourselves a moment to hug as if we were long lost friends and then both had to get back to work. We exchanged contact information. A great great guy.
Nat and I were immediately briefed by the French commander that he had 18 patients that he could do nothing more for and that would need to be evacuated. He did not know how to contact the American hospital ship USNS Comfort anchored offshore. He did not even know that the American Field hospital at GHESKIO, only a few miles away, even EXISTED. I immediately established contact with our field hospital as Nat sat down and evaluated the 18 cases for evacuation. All were extremely serious cases. Two patients had severe burn injuries (over 60% of their bodies). There were spinal chord fractures, skull and facial fractures and more. As we were going over the list and coordinating with the American hospital a French medic came over, excused himself and said to disregard the skull fracture as she had just died. Nat and I received approval to bring two patients to our hospital at GHESKIO for treatment and we would try to get 8 flown to the hospital ship.
The problem was we were the only transportation. I had asked my friend David to lend me two open air flatbed trucks and he did so without hesitation. We loaded up only four of the severely injured patients into the trucks and Nat would drive them down to the docks for medevac to the hospital ship. He went because as a doctor he could argue to make sure as many as possible got evacuated. I stayed behind with the other two patients and the French promised me a helicopter to take them to our field hospital. The helicopter arrived and we loaded them unto it but the problem was the GPS coordinates that I had gotten from the American commander were not the same system used by the French. As the helicopter was lifting off and I was trying to calm down our terrified Haitian patient, I tried not to look at the tube sticking out of his chest draining blood from his collapsed lungs. The pilot leaned back and told me to put on my headsets. He shouted over the noise "Can you show me where you want me to land when we get there..the GPS coordinates are not useful". What..how? I am in the back of this helicopter trying to keep this patient calm and can't see a thing back here. Don't worry he says..a crewman slid back and attached a harness to me that attached to a metal rope that ran the length of the chopper. He then slid open the huge side door and said to crawl forward. Hold yourself here, lean out and point to it when you see the field where we can land. So I found myself, wind blasting in my face, straining to find our hospital and then from there finding the LZ which is just a small dusty field across the street from it. Somehow I manged to find it and point it out. I crawled back to my seat in the rear and was thrilled to hear the click of my seatbelt as I sat back down.
As we landed, a squad of soldiers from the 82nd secured the LZ . They rushed our patients across the street and into the sanctuary of our field hospital. After a few discussions with my new French friends I met back up with Nat who was just returning from his travels.
I don't know if the two patients I dropped off by helicopter are still alive tonight..I will check on them tomorrow. One was a woman who was 6 months pregnant. But I do know that they are under the best medical care possible and have a fighting chance.
I do know that one of the patients that Nat had in the truck will die. The American hospital ship only agreed to take three out of the four..and only after Nat begged that they take the ten year old girl. The 20 year old man was not so lucky. Nat had to return him to Diquini and back to his spot outside under a makeshift shelter.
A big thank you once again to the 82nd Airborne and to the French Armed Forces.
Send my love to all,
JM
Today Nat and I hit the ground running. We had sent out a team of Caris Foundation doctors yesterday out to some area hospitals to assess their needs in terms of medicines, equipment and doctors. None of the hospitals needed any more staff. They have plenty of medical personnel. They did need medicines and supplies. The day before I received three huge garbage bags full of medicines that had been dropped of to me by another good friend Rob. Rob and Joe are from Global Orphan Project and they have setup a 300 child orphanage. He came by our hospital because we had three orphans that we were releasing and he came to get them. It was sad in that they had lost everything but I was glad they were going to be placed at Global Orphan Project.
Based on our survey from yesterday Nat and I set out with well over $40,000 worth of IV antibiotics,and all kinds of medicines dropped off by Rob. Added in to our loot was a duffel bag full of surgical supplies dropped off to me by Jeff and Clive. That is how logistics work here. We distributed the badly needed supplies to some hospitals. We then arrived at the clinic at Diquini that needed supplies. We arrived to find that the French had setup and were now coordinating things along with the local staff. There was an orderly triage system and 100 or so French doctors, medics and soldiers on hand to help. I had not returned to Diquini since the second day after the quake. It was there that I witnessed and experienced some truly horrible things that I'd rather not remember and it was difficult to be back. However I had promised the medical director that I would return and so I did. The blue tarp where the amputations had been performed on that terrible day was still up and I tried to not even look in that direction. However this time I had returned with supplies and things at Diquini were a world better.
I had an emotional reunion with an American surgeon that I had met on day 2. I had just evacuated Verena and was leaving the airport when I met this doctor who had just flown in and did not know where to go. I immediately told him to hop into my vehicle and after many stops we arrived in Diquini. A few hours after we met we found ourselves under a blue tarp amputating legs (me just trying to stay out of his way). It was a particularly tough day for me because later that day I heard that Nadine (a great friend and terrific lady) had died under the rubble at the Hotel Montana. I could not keep it together but somehow we managed to do what was needed at Diquini and to go to yet another hospital across town late into the night. We got separated in the chaos and I had not seen him until today! Of course days later miraculously Nadine was found alive. We allowed ourselves a moment to hug as if we were long lost friends and then both had to get back to work. We exchanged contact information. A great great guy.
Nat and I were immediately briefed by the French commander that he had 18 patients that he could do nothing more for and that would need to be evacuated. He did not know how to contact the American hospital ship USNS Comfort anchored offshore. He did not even know that the American Field hospital at GHESKIO, only a few miles away, even EXISTED. I immediately established contact with our field hospital as Nat sat down and evaluated the 18 cases for evacuation. All were extremely serious cases. Two patients had severe burn injuries (over 60% of their bodies). There were spinal chord fractures, skull and facial fractures and more. As we were going over the list and coordinating with the American hospital a French medic came over, excused himself and said to disregard the skull fracture as she had just died. Nat and I received approval to bring two patients to our hospital at GHESKIO for treatment and we would try to get 8 flown to the hospital ship.
The problem was we were the only transportation. I had asked my friend David to lend me two open air flatbed trucks and he did so without hesitation. We loaded up only four of the severely injured patients into the trucks and Nat would drive them down to the docks for medevac to the hospital ship. He went because as a doctor he could argue to make sure as many as possible got evacuated. I stayed behind with the other two patients and the French promised me a helicopter to take them to our field hospital. The helicopter arrived and we loaded them unto it but the problem was the GPS coordinates that I had gotten from the American commander were not the same system used by the French. As the helicopter was lifting off and I was trying to calm down our terrified Haitian patient, I tried not to look at the tube sticking out of his chest draining blood from his collapsed lungs. The pilot leaned back and told me to put on my headsets. He shouted over the noise "Can you show me where you want me to land when we get there..the GPS coordinates are not useful". What..how? I am in the back of this helicopter trying to keep this patient calm and can't see a thing back here. Don't worry he says..a crewman slid back and attached a harness to me that attached to a metal rope that ran the length of the chopper. He then slid open the huge side door and said to crawl forward. Hold yourself here, lean out and point to it when you see the field where we can land. So I found myself, wind blasting in my face, straining to find our hospital and then from there finding the LZ which is just a small dusty field across the street from it. Somehow I manged to find it and point it out. I crawled back to my seat in the rear and was thrilled to hear the click of my seatbelt as I sat back down.
As we landed, a squad of soldiers from the 82nd secured the LZ . They rushed our patients across the street and into the sanctuary of our field hospital. After a few discussions with my new French friends I met back up with Nat who was just returning from his travels.
I don't know if the two patients I dropped off by helicopter are still alive tonight..I will check on them tomorrow. One was a woman who was 6 months pregnant. But I do know that they are under the best medical care possible and have a fighting chance.
I do know that one of the patients that Nat had in the truck will die. The American hospital ship only agreed to take three out of the four..and only after Nat begged that they take the ten year old girl. The 20 year old man was not so lucky. Nat had to return him to Diquini and back to his spot outside under a makeshift shelter.
A big thank you once again to the 82nd Airborne and to the French Armed Forces.
Send my love to all,
JM
Saturday, January 23, 2010
The Joy of Hearts and Hands
So, I guess I should back up a bit, I need to tell the story of the name Hearts and Hands for Haiti. I think the story is important because it explains a bit about the goals.
To understand the heart part, you have to know my partner in this organization, you have to know Joy. The best way I can explain Joy, is to say that she has a heart that can hold the world. She can hold the little stuff and she can hold the big stuff and it all seems to fit inside her heart. How she does this? I don't know. She can start a non-profit (shunem.org) to offer care and compassion to missionaries recently evacuated the many corners of the world, find a home for a family who has just moved to Indiana, and then turn around and ask you the question that opens you up, makes you cry, but in a gentle way, and when you most need it. I'm in awe of her capacity to love the best and the worst in people, especially me.
But there are other hearts as well in this initiative. A few days ago, one of my friends from my hometown, Jack Condon, sent a sizable check to Hearts and Hands. Jack has been working with Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Wilma victims in the aftermath of the hurricane and here is what he said to me:
My Katrina (and Wilma) experience was as a Sr. Leader running a call center and coordinating assistance for customers who had lost or destroyed property during those storms. As a company, we approached the response with a great deal of compassion and the intention to help. One thing that experience taught me was how little things in a time of crisis can make a difference.
So, does that mean that I'm the hands of the operation? Well, not really. I think of the hands as the missionaries that are on the ground in La Gonave and Port-au-Prince, the hands of the many people who have donated to and raised money for to Hearts and Hands, and the hands of the many people who have offered to go to Haiti help rebuild. When the heart is directing the hands, the result can't be anything but beautiful...
So, Hearts and Hands for Haiti, that's what this initiative is called and it's about bringing many hearts to work with many hands
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Hanover, Massachusetts Rocks!!
As most of you know, we have created an initiative called Hearts and Hands for Haiti as part of a non-profit Shunem Ministries (shunem.org). Our focus is on getting supplies and much needed help to missionaries that we are connected to who run an orphanage, school and hospital.
Anyway, as we continue to network, field requests for help, we had to pause yesterday. A good friend of mine wanted me to know that her son was baking for us! He decided to hold a bake sale to support the work that Hearts and Hands is doing in Haiti. Here is a picture of our youngest fund raiser and the sign he made for his Bake Sale at Hanover Hockey!! Hats off to Christian Morris!! You are the best!
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Good news and Bad news
So much happens everyday, it's just mind blowing. The news is great and the news is horrific. Here are just a few of the events that we have learned about.
We learned that 26 Orphans from an affiliated missionary were flown out of Haiti through Missionary Flights International. How wonderful that these children will have access to the care that they need here in the States.
One of our missionary friends, a woman I went to school with while in Haiti (and whose story is posted on this blog) made it back to the states with her children. They traveled through the Dominican Republic in order to get out of Haiti safely. Her husband, however, remained behind determined to continue to help care for the injured and get supplies to those in need.
But the good news is sometimes overshadowed by the still-developing reality in Haiti. This morning that experienced yet another "aftershock" of 6.1, sending people screaming into the street.
In addition, one of our missionaries lost his wife and he is in intensive care in a hospital in Miami.
So much work to do...
We learned that 26 Orphans from an affiliated missionary were flown out of Haiti through Missionary Flights International. How wonderful that these children will have access to the care that they need here in the States.
One of our missionary friends, a woman I went to school with while in Haiti (and whose story is posted on this blog) made it back to the states with her children. They traveled through the Dominican Republic in order to get out of Haiti safely. Her husband, however, remained behind determined to continue to help care for the injured and get supplies to those in need.
But the good news is sometimes overshadowed by the still-developing reality in Haiti. This morning that experienced yet another "aftershock" of 6.1, sending people screaming into the street.
In addition, one of our missionaries lost his wife and he is in intensive care in a hospital in Miami.
So much work to do...
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
More requests for help...
The requests just seem to keep coming. At this stage of the game we are still working to connect our networks with those of others. One person can't be everywhere, but I keep thinking that these requests will be filled either by our missionaries or someone on the ground who will get them.
So, here's the latest on the ground in both English and French...
Dear all,
I just received a mail from a school in Haiti I have been supporting fo many years in Les Cayes (Roche-a-bateau). The organisation is also active in other parts of the country.
Can anybody help them transport food from CAM to PETIT GOAVE? We have 500 children in Cité Soleil who have received no help since January 12. Can something be done for them? Thanks for any information or idea.
Martine
Bonsoir Madame de Montmollin,
Les mots nous manquent pour exprimer ce que nous ressentons tellement le nombre de victimes et les dégâts sont considérables. Je sais que vous avez des proches et des amis là-bas, j'espère qu'ils sont saufs. Nous avons une petite école que nous supportons à cité soleil; elle est détruite par contre il y a 500 personnes réfugiées dans la cour depuis le 12 janvier et qui ne sont pas encore secourues. Je me débrouille pour diligenter un transfert de nourriture via une agence du nom de Cam à Petit Goâve. De là, quelqu'un peut aller le prendre avec un camion.L’heure est au drame! Mais l’heure est aussi au partage et à la solidarité!
Notre trésorier est revenu des congés de fin d'année la semaine du 4 janvier et a vérifié le compte et un dépôt de 890.24 $ us y a été fait.
Nous sommes très sensibles à votre support et générosité. Depuis le séisme, la communication avec Haïti est extrêment difficile et je n'arrive pas à entrer en contact avec notre coordonnateur à Roche-à-bateau, pour lui envoyer de l'argent au profit de Judeline et Christella.
Meilleures salutations et beaucoup de remerciements encore.
So, here's the latest on the ground in both English and French...
Dear all,
I just received a mail from a school in Haiti I have been supporting fo many years in Les Cayes (Roche-a-bateau). The organisation is also active in other parts of the country.
Can anybody help them transport food from CAM to PETIT GOAVE? We have 500 children in Cité Soleil who have received no help since January 12. Can something be done for them? Thanks for any information or idea.
Martine
Bonsoir Madame de Montmollin,
Les mots nous manquent pour exprimer ce que nous ressentons tellement le nombre de victimes et les dégâts sont considérables. Je sais que vous avez des proches et des amis là-bas, j'espère qu'ils sont saufs. Nous avons une petite école que nous supportons à cité soleil; elle est détruite par contre il y a 500 personnes réfugiées dans la cour depuis le 12 janvier et qui ne sont pas encore secourues. Je me débrouille pour diligenter un transfert de nourriture via une agence du nom de Cam à Petit Goâve. De là, quelqu'un peut aller le prendre avec un camion.L’heure est au drame! Mais l’heure est aussi au partage et à la solidarité!
Notre trésorier est revenu des congés de fin d'année la semaine du 4 janvier et a vérifié le compte et un dépôt de 890.24 $ us y a été fait.
Nous sommes très sensibles à votre support et générosité. Depuis le séisme, la communication avec Haïti est extrêment difficile et je n'arrive pas à entrer en contact avec notre coordonnateur à Roche-à-bateau, pour lui envoyer de l'argent au profit de Judeline et Christella.
Meilleures salutations et beaucoup de remerciements encore.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Hi Everyone, This request just came in to all of us:
HI, I am Ma-Luschka Colindres a teacher from Union School working with 5 other teachers giving first aid to the wounded. Thus far we have only had the chance to carry one orphan to Nos petits freres et soeurs at Tabarre we have seen that the orphanages are at full capacity. This is a state of emergency so empty homes or large tents could be temporarily considered to collect the kids from the hospitals and the streets to care for them until a formal structure is put in place. The longer the wait is the more damage will be done. We are 6 teachers in Petion Ville willing to give a hand and help with immediate response. 34550890 / 34840689 Ma-Luschka Colindres, Steve Kirby, Michelle Deardoff, Meaghan Balzer, Bruno Allard, Sabrina Limage.
HI, I am Ma-Luschka Colindres a teacher from Union School working with 5 other teachers giving first aid to the wounded. Thus far we have only had the chance to carry one orphan to Nos petits freres et soeurs at Tabarre we have seen that the orphanages are at full capacity. This is a state of emergency so empty homes or large tents could be temporarily considered to collect the kids from the hospitals and the streets to care for them until a formal structure is put in place. The longer the wait is the more damage will be done. We are 6 teachers in Petion Ville willing to give a hand and help with immediate response. 34550890 / 34840689 Ma-Luschka Colindres, Steve Kirby, Michelle Deardoff, Meaghan Balzer, Bruno Allard, Sabrina Limage.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Progress so far...
Hearts and Hands for Haiti (H&H4H) seems to be growing quite fast and I can't tell you how exciting this is. We have over $2000 raised and counting. People are donating on line, people are dropping off and mailing checks to Joy and me. (Hearts and Hands for Haiti http://apps.facebook.com/causes/433147/13530475?m=71bb3202).
It's mind boggling. So many people want to help and I'm so thankful.
So what's next? As the fundraising efforts continue, we are working on what we can do short term and what we can do long term. Reliable communication is key here. We need to know which stories/needs are real and which are not. Our donors are trusting us to safeguard their investments in Haiti. As such, we need to make sure that when we jump into a project and help out, that the information is real and reliable.
As such continuing to strengthen our communication networks by making sure that our contacts have the communications systems they need including computer equipment, phones with necessary satellite links, will be critical and will be part of our short term strategy.
So, even as we continue to use our existing networks to move people and supplies, we are working on a parallel effort to gather gather and distribute communication equipment. While it's helpful to have the TV cameras and reporters to show us the rescue efforts, soon these reporters will turn to other stories around the world. Also, we need to remember that the stories streaming in from reporters in Haiti are largely from people who may not understand the culture and the language. Gaps in understanding could lead to needs not being met and we need to be there to fill in these gaps.
Yesterday we learned through our networks that a schoolmate from Haiti is working to get filtration equipment to Port-au-Prince from Cap Haitian. So, we are working to find him a truck...
With a Warm Heart and Warm Hands for Haiti,
Cherie
It's mind boggling. So many people want to help and I'm so thankful.
So what's next? As the fundraising efforts continue, we are working on what we can do short term and what we can do long term. Reliable communication is key here. We need to know which stories/needs are real and which are not. Our donors are trusting us to safeguard their investments in Haiti. As such, we need to make sure that when we jump into a project and help out, that the information is real and reliable.
As such continuing to strengthen our communication networks by making sure that our contacts have the communications systems they need including computer equipment, phones with necessary satellite links, will be critical and will be part of our short term strategy.
So, even as we continue to use our existing networks to move people and supplies, we are working on a parallel effort to gather gather and distribute communication equipment. While it's helpful to have the TV cameras and reporters to show us the rescue efforts, soon these reporters will turn to other stories around the world. Also, we need to remember that the stories streaming in from reporters in Haiti are largely from people who may not understand the culture and the language. Gaps in understanding could lead to needs not being met and we need to be there to fill in these gaps.
Yesterday we learned through our networks that a schoolmate from Haiti is working to get filtration equipment to Port-au-Prince from Cap Haitian. So, we are working to find him a truck...
With a Warm Heart and Warm Hands for Haiti,
Cherie
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Experiencing the Digital Divide
I headed over to Somerville's community meeting last night for the Haitian Relief Effort. They were set up with consolers, information on where to get help. It was great to see community members: the mayor, the superintendent of schools, school committee members and the Haitian Coalition leaders.
I have to say, though, that I felt out of place.
While, like the many Haitians in the room, I too have friends and family in Haiti and I am awaiting news, it's different.
I have an iphone and most of the Haitians walking around don't. I have a facebook page and am connected to my family and friends in Haiti who have satellite links in Haiti. They don't. I have access to pictures of friends working on the ground, pictures of friends homes that have collapsed and, for the most part, I know who is missing and who is found and I am confident that I will know more in the days that follow. They don't. The best they can do is to watch CNN continually and search for their family and friends, something that one of the trauma support members encouraged them not to do because she said some of the images were too distressing to ingest over and over, especially for their children.
As I walked around the room showing a few people my facebook page where I had information on family and friends in Haiti, information on where clinics were being set up and what was needed, others in the room looked at me and smiled and nodded. It reminded me of the time when my mother, a nurse running a clinic on Montaigne Noir, Haiti, tried to convince her clients, whose children had malaria, to get rid of all standing water so that mosquitos wouldn't keep breeding and spreading more malaria. They thought her idea a bit strange since they knew that mosquitos are flying insects, not swimming insects. They nodded at her, smiled and turned away.
I felt as if I was experiencing a different reality, and I was...
I put my name on their volunteer list and left, not sure of how my information could be of any use to anyone.
I have to say, though, that I felt out of place.
While, like the many Haitians in the room, I too have friends and family in Haiti and I am awaiting news, it's different.
I have an iphone and most of the Haitians walking around don't. I have a facebook page and am connected to my family and friends in Haiti who have satellite links in Haiti. They don't. I have access to pictures of friends working on the ground, pictures of friends homes that have collapsed and, for the most part, I know who is missing and who is found and I am confident that I will know more in the days that follow. They don't. The best they can do is to watch CNN continually and search for their family and friends, something that one of the trauma support members encouraged them not to do because she said some of the images were too distressing to ingest over and over, especially for their children.
As I walked around the room showing a few people my facebook page where I had information on family and friends in Haiti, information on where clinics were being set up and what was needed, others in the room looked at me and smiled and nodded. It reminded me of the time when my mother, a nurse running a clinic on Montaigne Noir, Haiti, tried to convince her clients, whose children had malaria, to get rid of all standing water so that mosquitos wouldn't keep breeding and spreading more malaria. They thought her idea a bit strange since they knew that mosquitos are flying insects, not swimming insects. They nodded at her, smiled and turned away.
I felt as if I was experiencing a different reality, and I was...
I put my name on their volunteer list and left, not sure of how my information could be of any use to anyone.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Note from a friend who survived the collapse of the house she was in in Haiti
This note just in from my friend Susie Weaver Day in Haiti. She was in highschool when I was in middle school. She was a student physical ed coach for us at the time and we thought she was so cool:
I basically stayed on the property. No where to go for help & so many screaming, people walking, singing..on the streets...it was horrible. I couldn't leave as I didn't want any one coming thinking my parents were inside the house or myself. I had not contact..lost my phone..found out nothing was working anyway...I did not make contact with denny until 9pm that night...He came with Micah...We hugged..cried!!! It was so good to see them!!
My parents home is demolished. Unliveable.
Dear Friends & Family,
We are overwhelmed with the out pouring of love shown in many different ways. We are sorry not to respond to each as we have hundreds of emails and fb messages. Denny & I sat together for a moment late last night trying to read w/ tears in our eyes...It is totally unbelievable here yet we know we have a God who is bigger than all of this and He is taking care of us..TRUST/FAITH takes on a hightened meaning in our lives. My children are overwhelmed...Micah keeps saying..& who says there is no God...realizing..who do we think we are making all these plans..busy, busy...have everything..can be taken away just like that!!!
We wanted to send out an email to everyone giving some update on us and the situation. My parents are safe. They had left Haiti on Monday for a very short trip to Florida with plans of returing today. This is a miracle in itself because it has been a long time since they left together & this was our first time house sitting for them. I was staying at their home in Petionville during the day and Denny with at least one of the kids at night.
I was at the house alone and started cooking dinner for Denny & Micah. The rest of the family were all at school for practise and Denny was coaching too. I knew they were all outdoors. Thankfully!! I left the kitchen to go to my dad's office to call my sister in law, Linda to give her my parents number in Florida. I had just talked with my mom...it was her birthday on the day of the Earthquake!!! As I was talking to her the terrible rumbling, violent shaking started throwing me on the floor across the room & right away the ceiling, walls, rocks, boards came crashing down blocking the door. I got hit with stuff to my right side mainly with minor cuts, scrapes, bruises to my right arm, head and back. I thought my arm was broken with all the swelling & appearing crooked...very limited movement. I kept talking to my sister in law who was not there...we got cut off right away but it felt like my life line...then realizing not...I began praying out loud...I kept my mind focus...knowing I needed to get out..looking up saw that my dad's iron window had broken loose at the top from the rock...I dug my self out...& climbed up on stuff and out.
We are overwhelmed with the out pouring of love shown in many different ways. We are sorry not to respond to each as we have hundreds of emails and fb messages. Denny & I sat together for a moment late last night trying to read w/ tears in our eyes...It is totally unbelievable here yet we know we have a God who is bigger than all of this and He is taking care of us..TRUST/FAITH takes on a hightened meaning in our lives. My children are overwhelmed...Micah keeps saying..& who says there is no God...realizing..who do we think we are making all these plans..busy, busy...have everything..can be taken away just like that!!!
We wanted to send out an email to everyone giving some update on us and the situation. My parents are safe. They had left Haiti on Monday for a very short trip to Florida with plans of returing today. This is a miracle in itself because it has been a long time since they left together & this was our first time house sitting for them. I was staying at their home in Petionville during the day and Denny with at least one of the kids at night.
I was at the house alone and started cooking dinner for Denny & Micah. The rest of the family were all at school for practise and Denny was coaching too. I knew they were all outdoors. Thankfully!! I left the kitchen to go to my dad's office to call my sister in law, Linda to give her my parents number in Florida. I had just talked with my mom...it was her birthday on the day of the Earthquake!!! As I was talking to her the terrible rumbling, violent shaking started throwing me on the floor across the room & right away the ceiling, walls, rocks, boards came crashing down blocking the door. I got hit with stuff to my right side mainly with minor cuts, scrapes, bruises to my right arm, head and back. I thought my arm was broken with all the swelling & appearing crooked...very limited movement. I kept talking to my sister in law who was not there...we got cut off right away but it felt like my life line...then realizing not...I began praying out loud...I kept my mind focus...knowing I needed to get out..looking up saw that my dad's iron window had broken loose at the top from the rock...I dug my self out...& climbed up on stuff and out.
I basically stayed on the property. No where to go for help & so many screaming, people walking, singing..on the streets...it was horrible. I couldn't leave as I didn't want any one coming thinking my parents were inside the house or myself. I had not contact..lost my phone..found out nothing was working anyway...I did not make contact with denny until 9pm that night...He came with Micah...We hugged..cried!!! It was so good to see them!!
My parents home is demolished. Unliveable.
Friends had taken the rest of the kids & 2 other boys we usually take home, to our house on the mountain. We had no damage to our home. Just somethings fell and broke. Our maid, Tali..please pray for her. she was here alone..worried sick about us and her family. Made her way down the mountain to my parents home. She took one look at me and broke into a Hysteria state. Calming her down..I was able to give her food out of my truck...to take to her family. She was afraid to go see as she felt the house had fallen....We have not heard from her. Please pray.
Sleeping is very difficult for everyone. Every noise, movement...we jump up. The after shocks are very scary. The first 2 days we felt them often with some bigger ones. Last night I felt at least 3 with stuff rattling in our home. I don't think I slept at all. I wanted everyone out of the house...but Denny calmed me down...Micah took a sleeping pill last night...he usually has no trouble..Noah has a hard time too. But the kids are all great and working very hard to help. We are sleeping all of us in the living room..with the front door wide open.
We have not hd much sleep. Wednesday the kids and Denny worked on getting what they could out of the house. It is very dangerous...but it doesn't seem like nothing else has given way. We also sought medical help for me as I had an open gash on my head...a mission team here said it was to the skull...I fot that taken care of. My arm nothing could be done as so many were more injured thean I..and no xray..but praise God..I am moving it more and more. It was just badly bruised and very painful but better now.
Sleeping is very difficult for everyone. Every noise, movement...we jump up. The after shocks are very scary. The first 2 days we felt them often with some bigger ones. Last night I felt at least 3 with stuff rattling in our home. I don't think I slept at all. I wanted everyone out of the house...but Denny calmed me down...Micah took a sleeping pill last night...he usually has no trouble..Noah has a hard time too. But the kids are all great and working very hard to help. We are sleeping all of us in the living room..with the front door wide open.
We have not hd much sleep. Wednesday the kids and Denny worked on getting what they could out of the house. It is very dangerous...but it doesn't seem like nothing else has given way. We also sought medical help for me as I had an open gash on my head...a mission team here said it was to the skull...I fot that taken care of. My arm nothing could be done as so many were more injured thean I..and no xray..but praise God..I am moving it more and more. It was just badly bruised and very painful but better now.
Today Denny went to go find water and Diesel and see if a store is open to at least get milk. We are okay for now on food. Was able to salvage too from my parents home. They are not giving city electricity. So we use our gen for a few hours aday..thus we can be on internet. After a few hours our invertor crashes and we have nothing. don't know how much this will last. We have filtered water...some containers left but have a firend that can filter water for us.
We are keeping close tabs on what the Embassy communicate with Americans. Our mission too is in close contact and to them we look for decisions. They are evacuating non essential personal from the Embassy. I have been hearing that some American families have left and some leaving today. Please pray for us in regards to what to do and when. We have so much to take care of. Our house is all in an upheavel..but thank goodness we have a home to come to. We want to go help people...we may go down to the school today as they are using it for patints...surgeries will be done in the school chapel. The Haitian workers and their famiies ahve taken shelter on the campus. An orpahage lost their place and are living on campus. The b-ball court is used for the injured. They need translators and workers..So we want to go.
Our mission campus last I heard has about 1000 patients taking refuge on campus needing urgent medical care. Supplies have run out & they are trying to find a way to get supplies in. I heard there has been a lot of aid coming in. Early this morning we heard planes and helicopters...
We have many friends..many people we know...who have either lost their lives or someone they know. Common buildings we go into colapsed killing and traping many people. The stories are unbeliebable. So far we know of 2 of our students who lost their lives and parents too. I'm sure more to come.
We can not get TV in our home..so we are not seeing the coverage. Out and about we see the devastation..people walking aimlessly...blank faces...it's terrible. We see pics on Face book.
To see Natalie's pics if you are not on fb go to www.flickr.com/photos/natouday You will see pics of my parents home.
We can not get TV in our home..so we are not seeing the coverage. Out and about we see the devastation..people walking aimlessly...blank faces...it's terrible. We see pics on Face book.
To see Natalie's pics if you are not on fb go to www.flickr.com/photos/nato
Also, if anyone would like to send money to help especially people on our mission compound and others who need it desperately you can go through www.crossworld.org At the end of the article you will see a place to click for giving.
Just heard from Denny. He is in a long line waiting to get gas. He is with friends so not by himself. It is choas. Pray for safety as the looting has started. Good news..one for our friends worked at the hotel getting people out last night until 2am. Many organizations are there helping. It's one of the nicest hotels here and many of the dignitaries stay there holding many conferences...they pulled 5 people out alive. Our neighbors, the Bakers..their family owns this hotel and are missing cousins and other family at the hotel. The hotel is Montana. You may have seen it on CNN.
Well, sorry I'm rambling..but I don't know when I will be able to get another email out. Wanted to be in touch with everyone. Feel free to share this.
My parents will be staying with my brother, Mike in Orlando until...???? They can not move back in their home.
In His care,
Susie &Danny,
In His care,
Susie &Danny,
Hearts and Hands for Haiti is an initiative that, together with my best friend, Joy, we created just three days ago.
We are linking it to her non-profit -- Shunem ministries, because Shunem.org has the networks (bases, planes and vehicles) in place that we need in order to get supplies into Haiti. Will it work? Will we be able to get planes in and supplies distributed? I believe so. We already have requests in and are working to get supplies out. I will report on our efforts, successes, and failures here as we try to reach out to those we are connected to on the ground in Haiti.
I will also share with you a stories from my childhood and a few stories from my father, a native of Haiti. Through this blog I hope to better connect you to Haiti, a place of unbelievable joy and sadness...
--Cherie
We are linking it to her non-profit -- Shunem ministries, because Shunem.org has the networks (bases, planes and vehicles) in place that we need in order to get supplies into Haiti. Will it work? Will we be able to get planes in and supplies distributed? I believe so. We already have requests in and are working to get supplies out. I will report on our efforts, successes, and failures here as we try to reach out to those we are connected to on the ground in Haiti.
I will also share with you a stories from my childhood and a few stories from my father, a native of Haiti. Through this blog I hope to better connect you to Haiti, a place of unbelievable joy and sadness...
--Cherie
Hearts and Hands to Haiti (Shunem.org)
Dear Friends,
As many of you may have heard, after the earthquake struck Haiti at about 5pm on Tuesday, many were crying out for help all that night. Amazingly, there were also reports of singing. People were singing throughout that dark night, even as aftershocks continued to rock Port-au-Prince. To me those two sounds together, crying and singing, show the very great need for help, but also show the strength a people who have endured so much.
This Earthquake has been felt around the world and the Earthquake in Haiti has left those of us with Haitian roots numb with grief. We wait for news of friends and family. The rubble-covered streets in the news are the streets I grew up on, where I went to school – Union School, and where I shopped in the market - the Iron Market. As many of you know, my dad grew up in Gonaives, Haiti and Haiti is where my father and mother met and fell in love. My parents worked separtely and together providing aid to Haiti in the 60s, 70s and 80s. My father as an engineer designed and built roads, bridges and dams for Haiti. My mother as a nurse worked for Albert Schweitzer Hospitals before establishing her own clinic on Montaigne Noir.
My parents gave much to Haiti and now I believe it is my turn. But, what can I do? What can we do?
First, because its easy, donate money to one of the many organizations providing relief including the Red Cross, Partners in Health, Save the Children etc. It’s fast and easy to do (redcross.org).
Next, join me in supporting H&H4H (shunem.org). H&H4H is a small organization, with a big network that also needs donations (shunem.org) Here are the details…
Hearts & Hands in Haiti (H&H4H) is an emergency initiative that Joy and I created to be part of Shunem Ministries, a 501c3 non-profit that provides support and care to foreign missionaries. Shunem is managed by my best friend Joy Vermilya Alcock and her family – the Vermilyas, people I have known for 30 years when we all lived in Haiti.
Using Shunem's missionary networks we can get relief, medical care, and supplies to missionaries and relief workers who are already in Haiti and who have networks up and running. These missionaries have bases, planes to fly, and vehicles to transport supplies. They run orphanages, clinics, and schools throughout Haiti. These missionaries were committed to Haiti before the earthquake, and they will be there long after the TV cameras leave. They know the people, the culture, the language, and the situation on the ground, and are already leading the relief efforts at this time. (Shunem.org)
All contributions are tax-deductible and checks should be made out to Shunem Ministries, with "Haiti” or H&H4H" designated on the memo line. 100% of donations will go to Haiti. Send to: Shunem Ministries, PO Box 1422, Noblesville, IN 46061. Please help get this word out. We need all hearts and hands now…
Sincerely,
Cherie Miot Abbanat
L'Union Fait La Force
As many of you may have heard, after the earthquake struck Haiti at about 5pm on Tuesday, many were crying out for help all that night. Amazingly, there were also reports of singing. People were singing throughout that dark night, even as aftershocks continued to rock Port-au-Prince. To me those two sounds together, crying and singing, show the very great need for help, but also show the strength a people who have endured so much.
This Earthquake has been felt around the world and the Earthquake in Haiti has left those of us with Haitian roots numb with grief. We wait for news of friends and family. The rubble-covered streets in the news are the streets I grew up on, where I went to school – Union School, and where I shopped in the market - the Iron Market. As many of you know, my dad grew up in Gonaives, Haiti and Haiti is where my father and mother met and fell in love. My parents worked separtely and together providing aid to Haiti in the 60s, 70s and 80s. My father as an engineer designed and built roads, bridges and dams for Haiti. My mother as a nurse worked for Albert Schweitzer Hospitals before establishing her own clinic on Montaigne Noir.
My parents gave much to Haiti and now I believe it is my turn. But, what can I do? What can we do?
First, because its easy, donate money to one of the many organizations providing relief including the Red Cross, Partners in Health, Save the Children etc. It’s fast and easy to do (redcross.org).
Next, join me in supporting H&H4H (shunem.org). H&H4H is a small organization, with a big network that also needs donations (shunem.org) Here are the details…
Hearts & Hands in Haiti (H&H4H) is an emergency initiative that Joy and I created to be part of Shunem Ministries, a 501c3 non-profit that provides support and care to foreign missionaries. Shunem is managed by my best friend Joy Vermilya Alcock and her family – the Vermilyas, people I have known for 30 years when we all lived in Haiti.
Using Shunem's missionary networks we can get relief, medical care, and supplies to missionaries and relief workers who are already in Haiti and who have networks up and running. These missionaries have bases, planes to fly, and vehicles to transport supplies. They run orphanages, clinics, and schools throughout Haiti. These missionaries were committed to Haiti before the earthquake, and they will be there long after the TV cameras leave. They know the people, the culture, the language, and the situation on the ground, and are already leading the relief efforts at this time. (Shunem.org)
All contributions are tax-deductible and checks should be made out to Shunem Ministries, with "Haiti” or H&H4H" designated on the memo line. 100% of donations will go to Haiti. Send to: Shunem Ministries, PO Box 1422, Noblesville, IN 46061. Please help get this word out. We need all hearts and hands now…
Sincerely,
Cherie Miot Abbanat
L'Union Fait La Force
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