Many people have asked for the specifics of how to contribute to my May trip to Haiti. Below is the mailing address for Converge PacWest, the sponsors of this trip:
Converge PacWest
C/O Jeff Ashlock
1440 W. Roberts
Fresno, CA 93711
All you need to do is put "Steven Swihart-Haiti" on the memo line to dedicate the money to my particular fund raising efforts. Below, I will attach an e-mail that I got about what we are doing:
Greetings and thank you for your involvement in our Haiti project.
After the devastating earthquake which displaced millions and brought the tragic death of an estimated 260,000, our plans were placed on a short hold. As we watched reports of the destruction and the international aid efforts, we quickly discovered that we would have been more of a burden than a benefit by rushing in on our scheduled February dates. We are now back on track and scheduled to be in Haiti May 6-14.
Many of you have been curious to know what has transpired in the last 8 weeks and I wanted to fill you in. Converge Worldwide immediately set up a relief fund. Pastor Withny, who was in Port au Prince during the quake, made his way home to New York safely. He went back for the entire month of February and, along with a couple of Haitian partners, took part in relocating many families to safe places outside Port au Prince, provided food and medical supplies to schools, orphanages, and hospitals, and converted the 1 by 1 Haiti office and home in Port au Prince into a medical clinic to host teams arriving from the U.S.
All of the donations to the relief fund went immediatly to meet specific needs in Haiti, and are continuing to do so.
Upon his return to New York, Pastor Withny began working with our teams and the leadership at Converge PacWest to plan for our our return. The town of Maissade, about 75 miles north of Port au Prince,with a population of around 8,000 was inundated with people escaping the quake zone. Pastor Yoyo reported that homes that previously had 6 or 8 people were jammed with 15 to 20. The Melchizedek school had families lined up begging to let their children enroll, and they could not accommodate all of them. The feeding center, which last August was serving about 120 meals a day to the poorest children, must be inundated with hungry families.
Most of the families in Maissade relied financially on other family members living and working in Port au Prince. Almost 100% of the goods arriving in Haiti came through Port au Prince. The devastation of the quake was just the beginning of the suffering that is part of life in Haiti, and is now magnified.
I am happy to say that our plans are still the same. Our goal is to build the Boaz Home for boys on a piece of property we purchased right next to Ruth's Home for Girls. Rather than doing a one-time relief project in or near Port au Prince, we felt that it was better to continue the ministry we began years ago, in a town where we have strategic relationships to carry on the work all year. And this is especially important as the need in Maissade is greater than ever.
Again, thank you for your financial involvement, your support for the children, your prayers, and your friendship. There are still many immediate needs, and there is the ongoing expense of running the two orphan homes and feeding center. If you would like to help, there are a few ways you can be involved:
1. You can pray for successful and safe trips for our teams going in May
2. You can help sponsor a few new team members who still need to raise funds
3. You can sponsor a child at the Melchizedek School
4. If you sponsor a child already, you can send a small gift to your child. We will be happy to hand deliver it for you
5. You can make a donation to help with project costs so we can complete the boy’s home
6. You can make a specific donation to the feeding center, school, Ruth’s Home for girls, or Boaz Home for boys
If there is anything you would like to do, please feel free to contact me. If you make a donation, make your check payable to Converge PacWest and a tax deductible receipt will be sent to you.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Saturday, March 27, 2010
A Return Trip to Haiti!!! May 6th-14th
Believe it or not, I'm headed back to Haiti. This time with my father, like what was originally planned! The trip is for seven days. We are to be helping to build the Boaz Home, a boys home, in Maissade. I am so looking forward to working with my father! Now for the fever pitched pace of raising funds for a trip that happens in six weeks! Yikes!
We leave Miami on May 7th and fly back on the 14th. If you would like to help, let me know! I am also going to try and help out medically wherever I am able.
Thanks for reading,
-Steve
We leave Miami on May 7th and fly back on the 14th. If you would like to help, let me know! I am also going to try and help out medically wherever I am able.
Thanks for reading,
-Steve
Finally, my thoughts on Haiti
Finally, after being back for a month, I have time and brain power enough to relay my thoughts about the trip. I always have a hard time with it. Many things come to mind. I will lay them all out here.
First, a boy's life was save that may not have been if we weren't there. So thank you to all who contributed to the trip. Your contributions may have seemed small to you, but to this boy, it meant his life, to his mother it meant not having to endure more hardship without her son.
He was brought to us walking, the first time. I was pulled over to look at him due to my peds training as a nurse. He was able to walk, jump, all the things someone with an acute appendicitis should not be able to do. Also, his pain was not located to the right lower quadrant. After my assessment, and that of my new friend, Dr Dave, he was sent on his way with instructions that if the pain got worse or it was located over the right lower quadrant of his abdomen, that he was to be brought back to us. He was brought back. only about two hours later. Without a CT scan like we do here, we had the OR doctor come over. He did and agreed it was appendicitis.
This child would have, like most Haitian children with appendicitis, died at home. The appendix, when inflamed, causes the pain. Once burst, the pain subsides for a little while as the infection starts. Once the infection starts, it is very difficult to treat. Usually the patient gets septic and dies if not treated.
My thought is this: from a spiritual stand point, Jesus said that we will always have the poor amongst us. He also healed the sick, many times before they could hear what he had to say. Physical healing is just as important as spiritual in many ways. It shows compassion, it extends life, it gives hope. Even people who are not "spiritual" can touch another's life. When that happens, many doors of a heart can be opened. God could even use that person to give them hope, that they can trust others again. All I have to say is this: go out, listen to your heart, help others.
There is a reward in doing this. That reward is not physical. It cannot be held or seen. You cannot put it on an award shelf in your library. But it is in your heart, it WILL change you...for the better!
Others that were changed were many young boys with hernias, a young boy with an eye infection. He actually came through my line and I consulted with Jennifer, an ophthalmology assistant. He had an eye injury a little while before, maybe a month or so. Jen called her MD boss in Connecticut and barely caught him. He told her what to use. The atropine part, she paid for on her own in Cap Hatien from an ophthalmologist there. Pastor Withny made some calls and picked it up in town the next day. She had brought the antibiotics on her own, just in case. By the next day he could already see fingers while, the day before, he could only see hands waved in front of his face!
There were many things we just didn't have the time or ability to do. Luckily, where we were set up as a hospital, we met many people that were also there to help. The grounds/ buildings we used were owned/operated by the Baptist General Conference of Haiti. Supporting them, and with their own respite care compound, was Hospital Haiti Appeal. They are a group out of the UK. They had originally come to have a respite care, taking in children with disabilities, working with them and their families. We ended up using their outbuildings as post-op recovery rooms and they used the Surgical Building for spinal injury rehab, taking many patients from a hospital in Milot.
The hospital in Milot, Sacred Heart, operated by a group called CRUDEM, was quickly and by default, the best hospital in all of Haiti. They had a smallish hospital already there and quickly turned one of their buildings into a pediatrics ward. An open space was turned into a field hospital, full of Army tents. Before we left, a new helicopter was donated to them with a couple German pilots on loan as well. We ended up staying about 10 feet from that hospital. I went over a few times to the peds ward and spent time with the kids with amputations, broken bones, etc. All were from the earthquake area. I will always remember the "Mayor", a girl of five or six years, walking around like she owned the place with her tiny walker, soliciting smiles and laughs from all her constituents. Or the nurse from St Luis that was going around to all the kids at night, playing lullabies on her flute, being followed like the Pied Piper.
The Haitian people are beautiful. Their spirits are tough and giving. They deserve better than what lot they have been given. They need to grow from the inside. They need the ability to grow their own food, not being undercut by free or cheap rice, etc.. If you believe in Human Rights, Haiti cannot be ignored. Your neighbor that lost their job cannot be ignored either, don't get me wrong. The difference between your neighbor and the Haitian people is that your neighbor has a much better chance here in America then the people of Haiti do in Haiti. $100 to your neighbor is groceries for a week. $100 to a Haitian family is food for a few months. Which is the better investment?
I will always have great memories of the group I went with. I knew no one when I went. I was the only one from Idaho. There were people from Ohio, New York, Florida, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Texas, California, and Nigeria.
Please e-mail or comment if you have questions. I am working on a presentation that I can give in various churches and organizations. Haiti must not slip out of the international spotlight or out of our hearts!
Thanks for reading,
Steve
First, a boy's life was save that may not have been if we weren't there. So thank you to all who contributed to the trip. Your contributions may have seemed small to you, but to this boy, it meant his life, to his mother it meant not having to endure more hardship without her son.
He was brought to us walking, the first time. I was pulled over to look at him due to my peds training as a nurse. He was able to walk, jump, all the things someone with an acute appendicitis should not be able to do. Also, his pain was not located to the right lower quadrant. After my assessment, and that of my new friend, Dr Dave, he was sent on his way with instructions that if the pain got worse or it was located over the right lower quadrant of his abdomen, that he was to be brought back to us. He was brought back. only about two hours later. Without a CT scan like we do here, we had the OR doctor come over. He did and agreed it was appendicitis.
This child would have, like most Haitian children with appendicitis, died at home. The appendix, when inflamed, causes the pain. Once burst, the pain subsides for a little while as the infection starts. Once the infection starts, it is very difficult to treat. Usually the patient gets septic and dies if not treated.
My thought is this: from a spiritual stand point, Jesus said that we will always have the poor amongst us. He also healed the sick, many times before they could hear what he had to say. Physical healing is just as important as spiritual in many ways. It shows compassion, it extends life, it gives hope. Even people who are not "spiritual" can touch another's life. When that happens, many doors of a heart can be opened. God could even use that person to give them hope, that they can trust others again. All I have to say is this: go out, listen to your heart, help others.
There is a reward in doing this. That reward is not physical. It cannot be held or seen. You cannot put it on an award shelf in your library. But it is in your heart, it WILL change you...for the better!
Others that were changed were many young boys with hernias, a young boy with an eye infection. He actually came through my line and I consulted with Jennifer, an ophthalmology assistant. He had an eye injury a little while before, maybe a month or so. Jen called her MD boss in Connecticut and barely caught him. He told her what to use. The atropine part, she paid for on her own in Cap Hatien from an ophthalmologist there. Pastor Withny made some calls and picked it up in town the next day. She had brought the antibiotics on her own, just in case. By the next day he could already see fingers while, the day before, he could only see hands waved in front of his face!
There were many things we just didn't have the time or ability to do. Luckily, where we were set up as a hospital, we met many people that were also there to help. The grounds/ buildings we used were owned/operated by the Baptist General Conference of Haiti. Supporting them, and with their own respite care compound, was Hospital Haiti Appeal. They are a group out of the UK. They had originally come to have a respite care, taking in children with disabilities, working with them and their families. We ended up using their outbuildings as post-op recovery rooms and they used the Surgical Building for spinal injury rehab, taking many patients from a hospital in Milot.
The hospital in Milot, Sacred Heart, operated by a group called CRUDEM, was quickly and by default, the best hospital in all of Haiti. They had a smallish hospital already there and quickly turned one of their buildings into a pediatrics ward. An open space was turned into a field hospital, full of Army tents. Before we left, a new helicopter was donated to them with a couple German pilots on loan as well. We ended up staying about 10 feet from that hospital. I went over a few times to the peds ward and spent time with the kids with amputations, broken bones, etc. All were from the earthquake area. I will always remember the "Mayor", a girl of five or six years, walking around like she owned the place with her tiny walker, soliciting smiles and laughs from all her constituents. Or the nurse from St Luis that was going around to all the kids at night, playing lullabies on her flute, being followed like the Pied Piper.
The Haitian people are beautiful. Their spirits are tough and giving. They deserve better than what lot they have been given. They need to grow from the inside. They need the ability to grow their own food, not being undercut by free or cheap rice, etc.. If you believe in Human Rights, Haiti cannot be ignored. Your neighbor that lost their job cannot be ignored either, don't get me wrong. The difference between your neighbor and the Haitian people is that your neighbor has a much better chance here in America then the people of Haiti do in Haiti. $100 to your neighbor is groceries for a week. $100 to a Haitian family is food for a few months. Which is the better investment?
I will always have great memories of the group I went with. I knew no one when I went. I was the only one from Idaho. There were people from Ohio, New York, Florida, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Texas, California, and Nigeria.
Please e-mail or comment if you have questions. I am working on a presentation that I can give in various churches and organizations. Haiti must not slip out of the international spotlight or out of our hearts!
Thanks for reading,
Steve
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
First few days in Haiti
Its been very eye opening! Can't wait to tell you more about it after dinner. Sorry, Just a teaser update!!
-Hungry Steve
--
"No trees were killed in the sending of this message, however a large number of electrons were horribly inconvenienced."
--
"No trees were killed in the sending of this message, however a large number of electrons were horribly inconvenienced."
Friday, February 12, 2010
Changing perceptions
The kids seated behind me on a flight from Phoenix to Ft Lauderdale were obviously flying for the first time. They were marveling at the cars as they watched them turn to the size of small toys, then disappear from view. The brother exclaimed "the sky is higher than the clouds?!", as we steadily climbed above the white fluffy ones now below us.
I am hoping that my perceptions will change as well. I've flown countless times. I've lived many years and witnessed poverty and suffering first hand. Noted, it has been in small doses. Nothing like what I am sure to witness in Haiti.
Speaking to my father on the phone last night he told me that people offered their children to him. These parents wanted what I want for my children. Health, happiness, opportunity, a better life. It's what those parents that gave their kids to the now imprisoned Baptist missionaries were hoping for. Am I ready for that?
I only have one way to find out. We live in so much priviledge here. When was the last time you had to think about the water you brush your teeth with? Or if your son was going to be deaf because he has had too many ear infections that went untreated by antibiotics?
The US has given close to $200 billion dollars in Haiti over the last 40 years, and what do they have to show for it? Extreme wealth for a few corrupt politicians and extreme poverty for the rest. There really is no "middle class". All we can do is help the medically needy and extend opportunities for learning. Until their government takes action, or they are cut off, it will only get worse. This earthquake had just highlighted the problems that everyday Haitians face everyday.
Haiti needed this spotlight to hopefully expose the corruption and hopefully put an end to it. Until that happens, the money that is now going in to the country would be better used as toilet paper when the next crisis happens and the the world's media attention deficit disorder kicks in.
My evolving theory is as follows: we, as part of the "civilized", wealthy world, largely ignore situations like Haiti. As a country that is used to such a good life (and I am not blind to the ones here that are struggling), we would not dare give up our personal standard of living voluntarily. The three million or so residents of Haiti live in subject poverty because for them to live with the same kind of lifestyle we tout as our "Rights", there would be less for us. That goes for every other second or third world country as well. Yes, they also have massive corruption, etc., but they wouldn't be hard to overthrow. A lot easier than Iraq. And the people there aren't going to try to kill us with IED's either. I'm sure if they had oil, we would have done it years ago. And this way of thinking is new to me. Am I going rouge?
-Steve
P.S. More to follow (gotta change the laundry before the trip to Haiti in the AM)
I am hoping that my perceptions will change as well. I've flown countless times. I've lived many years and witnessed poverty and suffering first hand. Noted, it has been in small doses. Nothing like what I am sure to witness in Haiti.
Speaking to my father on the phone last night he told me that people offered their children to him. These parents wanted what I want for my children. Health, happiness, opportunity, a better life. It's what those parents that gave their kids to the now imprisoned Baptist missionaries were hoping for. Am I ready for that?
I only have one way to find out. We live in so much priviledge here. When was the last time you had to think about the water you brush your teeth with? Or if your son was going to be deaf because he has had too many ear infections that went untreated by antibiotics?
The US has given close to $200 billion dollars in Haiti over the last 40 years, and what do they have to show for it? Extreme wealth for a few corrupt politicians and extreme poverty for the rest. There really is no "middle class". All we can do is help the medically needy and extend opportunities for learning. Until their government takes action, or they are cut off, it will only get worse. This earthquake had just highlighted the problems that everyday Haitians face everyday.
Haiti needed this spotlight to hopefully expose the corruption and hopefully put an end to it. Until that happens, the money that is now going in to the country would be better used as toilet paper when the next crisis happens and the the world's media attention deficit disorder kicks in.
My evolving theory is as follows: we, as part of the "civilized", wealthy world, largely ignore situations like Haiti. As a country that is used to such a good life (and I am not blind to the ones here that are struggling), we would not dare give up our personal standard of living voluntarily. The three million or so residents of Haiti live in subject poverty because for them to live with the same kind of lifestyle we tout as our "Rights", there would be less for us. That goes for every other second or third world country as well. Yes, they also have massive corruption, etc., but they wouldn't be hard to overthrow. A lot easier than Iraq. And the people there aren't going to try to kill us with IED's either. I'm sure if they had oil, we would have done it years ago. And this way of thinking is new to me. Am I going rouge?
-Steve
P.S. More to follow (gotta change the laundry before the trip to Haiti in the AM)
Friday, February 5, 2010
Flight to Haiti leaves in t-minus 8 days...
Time is flying by! I board the plane for Ft Lauderdale on the 11th and out to Haiti on the 13th. Everyone I have dealt with so far from Faith Care have been to Haiti multiple times. This is a huge relief to me. They have given me wonderful advice as well.
My global phone from Verizon should be here Tuesday. The per minute rates are not cheap, but the text rates are very reasonable at 50 cents sending and 5 cents received. The phone itself is free to borrow provided I don't lose or damage it. I will try to update via text message at least once a day. (Still gotta figure that one out, looks straightforward enough)
Thanks to all for your support! So far, I can think that I may need is a small bedroll, a couple nights at the Days Inn near the Airport in Ft Lauderdale on the 11th, 12th and 21st, and a some long sleeve, lightweight shirts.
One update: from what I gather, we will be working in a hospital in Cap Haitien.
Thanks for reading and for your kind words. If you are able, please become a follower on the actual blog (if you are getting this by email) and pass along to your friends!
-Steve
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
It's coming together.
The flight from Ft Lauderdale to Haiti is taken care of. Now gotta work on the flight from Boise to Florida.
Found a different place for my travel vaccinations right around the corner. Now I just gotta schedule them.
People keep giving me money! It's very humbling.
I'll check in with you all later.
-Steve
Monday, February 1, 2010
It costs how much for a charter?!
Apparently nothing is to taken for granted. The situation is too new and fluid for that. We had to cancel the first charter due to its $30k+ cost for 20 people to go. I have no idea what is normal or what the budget is, but that apparently is not in it.
I'll keep praying and preparing...
-Steve
Sunday, January 31, 2010
It's been quite a weekend...
Well, the day and hour is approaching. Many of the items I listed are already working themselves out. There is only one day I am scheduled to work that isn't being covered so far by another nurse. Another option for getting to Ft Lauderdale has presented itself as well. Just the fun shots remain! Many phone calls to be made tomorrow:
-The Employee Health Nurse may be able to help with some of the vaccinations that are need. I learned that today!;
-Call Dave at MAF tomorrow;
-Call the local papers to see how to submit a column;
-Call the Hospital's Foundation and speak to one of the director's about what they are thinking of doing to help;
-Speak to the doctor and see what we need and can bring;
-etc...
I am so excited about going! Still lots of preparations, but it's coming together nicely!
-Steve
-The Employee Health Nurse may be able to help with some of the vaccinations that are need. I learned that today!;
-Call Dave at MAF tomorrow;
-Call the local papers to see how to submit a column;
-Call the Hospital's Foundation and speak to one of the director's about what they are thinking of doing to help;
-Speak to the doctor and see what we need and can bring;
-etc...
I am so excited about going! Still lots of preparations, but it's coming together nicely!
-Steve
Friday, January 29, 2010
I Am Amazed!
Wow, the trip is back on! And instead of being six months later, it is now over a week sooner! Yikes! Lots to do! I am excited and nervous, of course. The team is from an organization called Faith Care who was scheduled to go a week prior to our team. There needs to be much coordination in 11 days:
-Find air transport to/from Ft. Lauderdale,FL. We depart February 11th or 12th, and return February 20th. I have a couple flight vouchers for when we were bumped from a flight returning from Phoenix a few weeks ago that would cover it. The other option is Mission Aviation Fellowship, which is located here in Nampa, may be able to get me to Florida, but only if they are already going there. Dave Fyock, a director with MAF wants me to call him on Monday to discuss this option.
-Get time off work. I had already canceled my time off request for the following week that we were slated to go. The hospital is more than willing to work with me to cover the six shifts that I am already scheduled to work. I should know by Monday, February 1st.
-Get my travel shots. The CDC has just published a new list for Aide Workers going to Haiti. Of course, they aren't covered under my insurance, so I will have to come up with another $200 to pay for that. I have faith that it will all work out. People have been very generous so far!
I was very encouraged recently by many people that want to help:
-One of the Pediatricians that practices at Saltzer told me his young sons were glad that my trip was delayed so they could save up to help support me. Now that I'm going even sooner, they may not save a lot, but their heart to help was moving.
-My employer, Mercy Medical Center, has been extremely helpful in offering help in many forms.
-From my per diem job with MedNow Home Infusion: the last few patients that have finished with their therapy have donated their unused medical supplies.
******************************************************
Just a few thoughts I would like to share with my readers:
When I stop to think how my life turned out the way it has, and how things seem to just fall into place, I feel more than lucky. I feel blessed. I also feel like I'm getting away with something because I in no way deserve anything I get. Actually, the entire concept of "deserving" anything in this life is such a strange concept. If it were true, you would be forced to draw the line somewhere between what you deserve and the idea that sometimes, bad things happen.
Did I deserve such a great family? Could I have chosen them? Or was it random? Did those people in Haiti that have lost so much deserve it? Did the ones that escaped injury or death deserve to have lived? Don't get me wrong, I think I deserve a speeding ticket for driving over the posted limit. I deserve to be mistrusted if I cheat. But those are things that I choose to do, and that is a consequence. There are good consequences and bad ones, to be sure.
I would like to offer up some thoughts that make me scratch my head in wonder:
-I have wanted to go on medical missions since graduating from Boise State Nursing in May 2007.
-I have had a heart for the people of Haiti after meeting many and seeing them in dire circumstances while I was serving in the US Coast Guard.
-I asked my dad to let me know when and if he was going back to Haiti after his trip last year. I reminded him in December, he called me a week later and said there was a trip in February.
-I applied and received my Passport in less than three weeks, and I didn't have it "expedited".
-After my trip was canceled last week, and after becoming resigned to the fact of not going for up to six months, I got a phone call yesterday with this opportunity. I had no luck trying to sign on with another relief organization.
In other words, I feel that I was meant to go. I would still love to serve side by side with my dad in the future. In fact it was he who helped this opportunity happen. I hope to come back from Haiti changed, I don't think I'll have a choice.
Thanks for listening to my ramblings. I will keep you all updated as new developments happen. Please keep me and the team from Faith Care in your thoughts and prayers!
-Your friend,
Steve
-Find air transport to/from Ft. Lauderdale,FL. We depart February 11th or 12th, and return February 20th. I have a couple flight vouchers for when we were bumped from a flight returning from Phoenix a few weeks ago that would cover it. The other option is Mission Aviation Fellowship, which is located here in Nampa, may be able to get me to Florida, but only if they are already going there. Dave Fyock, a director with MAF wants me to call him on Monday to discuss this option.
-Get time off work. I had already canceled my time off request for the following week that we were slated to go. The hospital is more than willing to work with me to cover the six shifts that I am already scheduled to work. I should know by Monday, February 1st.
-Get my travel shots. The CDC has just published a new list for Aide Workers going to Haiti. Of course, they aren't covered under my insurance, so I will have to come up with another $200 to pay for that. I have faith that it will all work out. People have been very generous so far!
I was very encouraged recently by many people that want to help:
-One of the Pediatricians that practices at Saltzer told me his young sons were glad that my trip was delayed so they could save up to help support me. Now that I'm going even sooner, they may not save a lot, but their heart to help was moving.
-My employer, Mercy Medical Center, has been extremely helpful in offering help in many forms.
-From my per diem job with MedNow Home Infusion: the last few patients that have finished with their therapy have donated their unused medical supplies.
******************************************************
Just a few thoughts I would like to share with my readers:
When I stop to think how my life turned out the way it has, and how things seem to just fall into place, I feel more than lucky. I feel blessed. I also feel like I'm getting away with something because I in no way deserve anything I get. Actually, the entire concept of "deserving" anything in this life is such a strange concept. If it were true, you would be forced to draw the line somewhere between what you deserve and the idea that sometimes, bad things happen.
Did I deserve such a great family? Could I have chosen them? Or was it random? Did those people in Haiti that have lost so much deserve it? Did the ones that escaped injury or death deserve to have lived? Don't get me wrong, I think I deserve a speeding ticket for driving over the posted limit. I deserve to be mistrusted if I cheat. But those are things that I choose to do, and that is a consequence. There are good consequences and bad ones, to be sure.
I would like to offer up some thoughts that make me scratch my head in wonder:
-I have wanted to go on medical missions since graduating from Boise State Nursing in May 2007.
-I have had a heart for the people of Haiti after meeting many and seeing them in dire circumstances while I was serving in the US Coast Guard.
-I asked my dad to let me know when and if he was going back to Haiti after his trip last year. I reminded him in December, he called me a week later and said there was a trip in February.
-I applied and received my Passport in less than three weeks, and I didn't have it "expedited".
-After my trip was canceled last week, and after becoming resigned to the fact of not going for up to six months, I got a phone call yesterday with this opportunity. I had no luck trying to sign on with another relief organization.
In other words, I feel that I was meant to go. I would still love to serve side by side with my dad in the future. In fact it was he who helped this opportunity happen. I hope to come back from Haiti changed, I don't think I'll have a choice.
Thanks for listening to my ramblings. I will keep you all updated as new developments happen. Please keep me and the team from Faith Care in your thoughts and prayers!
-Your friend,
Steve
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Huge Hole in my Heart
I just got this e-mail, so I thought I would pass it on to you, my faithful readers:
***********************************************************
***********************************************************
Hello Haiti team members and friends,
I spoke with David Yetter yesterday. He has been in contact with Pastor Withny over the last week, and we have determined that our four teams should hold off until we can be of the best benefit to the people of Haiti. There are many reasons for this.
* The airport is closed to commercial flights until at least the 29th. After that there is no guarantee flights will be allowed in.
* Santo Domingo border crossings into Haiti are closed due to traffic overload. No timeline for them to reopen.
* It currently takes over 3 hours to get just a few miles inside Port au Prince due to congestion and traffic.
* The Government is asking that no mission teams be deployed to Port au Prince at this time.
* There is no electricity, fuel, water, or restrooms to accommodate teams.
* Over a half million people have already fled the city into the surrounding countryside or to their hometowns.
* Another half million are being evacuated to tent cities on the outskirts of Port au Prince in the coming week or two.
* All government and non-governmental agencies are asking that only trained relief and trauma teams be sent in the coming weeks.
Pastor Withny is trying to get back to Haiti this coming week where his first priority is to find and relocate the families of the pastors he knows who died in the quake. He will also be coordinating relief funds sent through Converge NE to meet the most pressing needs. Although he did not say this, the obligation to accommodate 65 people for the entire month of February would severely limit his ability to move around where he is most needed.
Our plan at this time is to postpone the teams until Withny has a better idea where our help is most beneficial. It is clear that the town of Maissade, where all of our efforts have been in the past, is going to be severely impacted in many ways.
* Floods of people will be returning to the town which is already unable to provide for the current population.
* Most families were reliant on the income from family members living and working in Port au Prince.
* Many will be suffering the loss of close friends and relatives.
* Basic food supplies will be in short supply and the price will likely skyrocket.
* There will certainly be more need at the feeding center that is now feeding over 100 kids a day.
* There will likely be more orphaned or abandoned street kids, so the Boaz Home is still an important project to complete.
Our goal would be that our teams can regroup for a project to deploy within 6 months or so. We are still completely open to go wherever and whenever God leads. I am sure you feel a huge hole in your heart, as I do. My instinct is to say “let’s just go and do something!” The Southern Baptist mission group is reporting that two church mission groups have already become “victims” in Port au Prince because of the lack of food, water and transportation. They are now confined in the airport until they can get a flight out.
We want to be thoughtful and faithful in our use of our time, energy, and the sacrificial giving of those who have donated toward our trip. So, here is my last bullet point list. I want to make sure everyone knows a few facts about our project and the funds that have been given
* Money donated specifically to sponsor a team member is secure for a future trip.
* Amy is working with American Airlines to get all of the airfare credited, or at least the majority of it.
* The land for the Boaz Home is purchased and paid for.
* Money for construction of the home has been sent and is set aside in a fund for that purpose.
* Any undesignated funds given above the team costs will go immediately where most needed for relief.
* Donations made specifically for relief efforts are already being sent through Converge NE for immediate relief.
I have asked David if he can try to get fairly regular updates from Pastor Withny so we can pass those on to you. It is important to know that God is using us in Haiti, even while we are not there. We will be watching and praying for God’s guidance, and I still look forward to serving with each of you as we move forward.
God Bless!
Jeff
********************************************************
********************************************************
Well, Jeff is right. There IS a huge hole in my heart, even though I KNOW in my head that this is the right thing for right now, it still doesn't make it easier. I will still try, as a medical professional, to get there with another organized team, with possibly a return trip with Converge PacWest, when they are ready.
For all of you that donated money, like Jeff said, it WILL be put to good use. And thank you again for all your encouragement!
Signing off with a heavy heart,
Steve
***********************************************************
***********************************************************
Hello Haiti team members and friends,
I spoke with David Yetter yesterday. He has been in contact with Pastor Withny over the last week, and we have determined that our four teams should hold off until we can be of the best benefit to the people of Haiti. There are many reasons for this.
* The airport is closed to commercial flights until at least the 29th. After that there is no guarantee flights will be allowed in.
* Santo Domingo border crossings into Haiti are closed due to traffic overload. No timeline for them to reopen.
* It currently takes over 3 hours to get just a few miles inside Port au Prince due to congestion and traffic.
* The Government is asking that no mission teams be deployed to Port au Prince at this time.
* There is no electricity, fuel, water, or restrooms to accommodate teams.
* Over a half million people have already fled the city into the surrounding countryside or to their hometowns.
* Another half million are being evacuated to tent cities on the outskirts of Port au Prince in the coming week or two.
* All government and non-governmental agencies are asking that only trained relief and trauma teams be sent in the coming weeks.
Pastor Withny is trying to get back to Haiti this coming week where his first priority is to find and relocate the families of the pastors he knows who died in the quake. He will also be coordinating relief funds sent through Converge NE to meet the most pressing needs. Although he did not say this, the obligation to accommodate 65 people for the entire month of February would severely limit his ability to move around where he is most needed.
Our plan at this time is to postpone the teams until Withny has a better idea where our help is most beneficial. It is clear that the town of Maissade, where all of our efforts have been in the past, is going to be severely impacted in many ways.
* Floods of people will be returning to the town which is already unable to provide for the current population.
* Most families were reliant on the income from family members living and working in Port au Prince.
* Many will be suffering the loss of close friends and relatives.
* Basic food supplies will be in short supply and the price will likely skyrocket.
* There will certainly be more need at the feeding center that is now feeding over 100 kids a day.
* There will likely be more orphaned or abandoned street kids, so the Boaz Home is still an important project to complete.
Our goal would be that our teams can regroup for a project to deploy within 6 months or so. We are still completely open to go wherever and whenever God leads. I am sure you feel a huge hole in your heart, as I do. My instinct is to say “let’s just go and do something!” The Southern Baptist mission group is reporting that two church mission groups have already become “victims” in Port au Prince because of the lack of food, water and transportation. They are now confined in the airport until they can get a flight out.
We want to be thoughtful and faithful in our use of our time, energy, and the sacrificial giving of those who have donated toward our trip. So, here is my last bullet point list. I want to make sure everyone knows a few facts about our project and the funds that have been given
* Money donated specifically to sponsor a team member is secure for a future trip.
* Amy is working with American Airlines to get all of the airfare credited, or at least the majority of it.
* The land for the Boaz Home is purchased and paid for.
* Money for construction of the home has been sent and is set aside in a fund for that purpose.
* Any undesignated funds given above the team costs will go immediately where most needed for relief.
* Donations made specifically for relief efforts are already being sent through Converge NE for immediate relief.
I have asked David if he can try to get fairly regular updates from Pastor Withny so we can pass those on to you. It is important to know that God is using us in Haiti, even while we are not there. We will be watching and praying for God’s guidance, and I still look forward to serving with each of you as we move forward.
God Bless!
Jeff
********************************************************
********************************************************
Well, Jeff is right. There IS a huge hole in my heart, even though I KNOW in my head that this is the right thing for right now, it still doesn't make it easier. I will still try, as a medical professional, to get there with another organized team, with possibly a return trip with Converge PacWest, when they are ready.
For all of you that donated money, like Jeff said, it WILL be put to good use. And thank you again for all your encouragement!
Signing off with a heavy heart,
Steve
Friday, January 22, 2010
The Hourglass Effect
No, not my waistline. It goes something like this:
HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELP
HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELP
HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELP
HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELP
HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELP
HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELP
HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELP
HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELP
HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELP
HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELP
HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELP
HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELP
OPPORTUNITIES
NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED
NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED
NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED
NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED
NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED
NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED
NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED
NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED
NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED
NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED
NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED
NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED
I spoke to our mission coordinator, Amy, last night for a long time. Since our group does have an established presence on the ground, we still have a chance. We don't want to be a burden on the food supplies and other resources. Also, I am the only one with medical training. The people and supplies that are gumming things up down there have no plan. We don't want to contribute to the problem.
See the attached link for a story on what happens when good intentions jam up the bottle neck even more. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34958965/ns/world_news-haiti_earthquake/from/ET
Now that the seaport is open, albeit at a limited capacity, aide should be able to flow more freely, opening up the Airport in Port-au-Prince. American Airlines is hoping to restart their regular five times daily flights soon, hopefully back to full capacity by February 14 latest. We are due to fly out February 18th from San Francisco.
All the money we have been raising will be put to good use. I do hope to be able to report on the many ways it is being used live and in person. Another check was received yesterday from a coworker from my second job. I opened at least three more e-mails from people that want to donate money and medical supplies. Please keep it coming!
A couple of last items: One, I am so touched by the people that have written heart-felt responses to this blog via e-mail and on my facebook page. Thank you, that means just as much as, if not more than, donations. Related: Thanks for those who have reposted links to this blog on their facebook page and on twitter!
Two, eating 500 calories is NOT easy! I had a headache and was a real grouch last night. Now, it could have been lack of sleep in conjunction with the lack of calories. What I got out of it was that once the initial shock of the quake wore off, and hunger sets in, I can see why there is unrest. Add to that the stress of trying to provide for someone else, maybe a child or an elder or injured relative.
And this is only Day One...
Thanks for reading, and if you haven't already, please click on the "follow" button to the right. ----------->>>>
Steve
HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELP
HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELP
HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELP
HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELP
HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELP
HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELP
HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELP
HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELP
HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELP
HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELP
HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELP
HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELP
OPPORTUNITIES
NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED
NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED
NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED
NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED
NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED
NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED
NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED
NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED
NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED
NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED
NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED
NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED
I spoke to our mission coordinator, Amy, last night for a long time. Since our group does have an established presence on the ground, we still have a chance. We don't want to be a burden on the food supplies and other resources. Also, I am the only one with medical training. The people and supplies that are gumming things up down there have no plan. We don't want to contribute to the problem.
See the attached link for a story on what happens when good intentions jam up the bottle neck even more. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34958965/ns/world_news-haiti_earthquake/from/ET
Now that the seaport is open, albeit at a limited capacity, aide should be able to flow more freely, opening up the Airport in Port-au-Prince. American Airlines is hoping to restart their regular five times daily flights soon, hopefully back to full capacity by February 14 latest. We are due to fly out February 18th from San Francisco.
All the money we have been raising will be put to good use. I do hope to be able to report on the many ways it is being used live and in person. Another check was received yesterday from a coworker from my second job. I opened at least three more e-mails from people that want to donate money and medical supplies. Please keep it coming!
A couple of last items: One, I am so touched by the people that have written heart-felt responses to this blog via e-mail and on my facebook page. Thank you, that means just as much as, if not more than, donations. Related: Thanks for those who have reposted links to this blog on their facebook page and on twitter!
Two, eating 500 calories is NOT easy! I had a headache and was a real grouch last night. Now, it could have been lack of sleep in conjunction with the lack of calories. What I got out of it was that once the initial shock of the quake wore off, and hunger sets in, I can see why there is unrest. Add to that the stress of trying to provide for someone else, maybe a child or an elder or injured relative.
And this is only Day One...
Thanks for reading, and if you haven't already, please click on the "follow" button to the right. ----------->>>>
Steve
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Starting today, I will be consuming what the average Haitian is consuming.
Starting today, I will be consuming what the average Haitian is consuming.
Before the 7.0 quake ravaged our neighbor to the south, Haitians living away from the capitol city of Port-au-Prince had a rough go of it. Many fought for survival. Many more do today. I cannot go to help these people if I do not feel their pain, their hunger.
Just reading stories of what they go through isn't enough for me. I have been raised in a country of privilege, with privileges afforded to me by my ancestors. Of course there are the "haves" in Haiti, but, unfortunately, the "have-nots" are the major majority.
If I were too hungry in this country, I could find something to eat. There are many who say, "We have our own hungry here, why don't you focus on them?" Because if someone is hungry in this country, there is a food bank or soup kitchen or homeless shelter to feed, house and clothe them.
How much do I have that is of my own doing? I had a head start with a great set of parents who taught me and provided for me. I started out on my own, and when I fell behind, they graciously picked me up, deserving, or not (usually the latter). I joined the Coast Guard out of High School and many opportunities fell in my lap, I didn't have to look hard for many of them. I married my sweetheart, had two great kids with her, own our home (or, I guess the bank own it), and have two incredible jobs.
I say all this to highlight how incredibly lucky, blessed, whatever you want to call it, I am, WE are. If you are reading this, most likely you are like me, doing your best to provide for your family, feeling lucky once in a while to live where you live. I know that I tend to easily take the basics of clean water, ready meals, and basic shelter for granted. It is so easy to say that I feel bad for the Haitian people, it is another, for me, to do something about it. I choose to go to help, I choose to eat as they do, I choose to feel their hunger and thirst.
Therefore, as of today, I am on a diet of 500 calories, nothing but water to drink, and some sugared milk for desert. I remember having the little Haitian children on board the USCGC Tahoma and, while slowly steaming toward repatriation and hunger, doling out one thing that brought smiles to their faces: sugared milk. The parents were in the background singing their soulful songs and having evening prayer services.
While on the subject, I do find it difficult not to mention the state of my spirit. It is tormented by conflicting thoughts. The group I am going with is from the Baptist church. My father, with whom I am going, is still very involved in his Baptist church, the same one I was raised in. I, on the other hand, took a detour that had me going in a different direction spiritually. Years later, when I realized that it wasn't spiritually healthy, I bailed. It has left a bad taste in our mouth for church, but it really isn't about all that, I am seeing. It's about my own relationship with God. And how I need to be close to Him. I am also resolving before all of you to take a deep stock of my beliefs, my heart and my life in these weeks leading up to boarding a plane for Haiti. I think I'm gonna need peace in my heart for this one. Peace and compassion.
Signing off,
-Steve
Before the 7.0 quake ravaged our neighbor to the south, Haitians living away from the capitol city of Port-au-Prince had a rough go of it. Many fought for survival. Many more do today. I cannot go to help these people if I do not feel their pain, their hunger.
Just reading stories of what they go through isn't enough for me. I have been raised in a country of privilege, with privileges afforded to me by my ancestors. Of course there are the "haves" in Haiti, but, unfortunately, the "have-nots" are the major majority.
If I were too hungry in this country, I could find something to eat. There are many who say, "We have our own hungry here, why don't you focus on them?" Because if someone is hungry in this country, there is a food bank or soup kitchen or homeless shelter to feed, house and clothe them.
How much do I have that is of my own doing? I had a head start with a great set of parents who taught me and provided for me. I started out on my own, and when I fell behind, they graciously picked me up, deserving, or not (usually the latter). I joined the Coast Guard out of High School and many opportunities fell in my lap, I didn't have to look hard for many of them. I married my sweetheart, had two great kids with her, own our home (or, I guess the bank own it), and have two incredible jobs.
I say all this to highlight how incredibly lucky, blessed, whatever you want to call it, I am, WE are. If you are reading this, most likely you are like me, doing your best to provide for your family, feeling lucky once in a while to live where you live. I know that I tend to easily take the basics of clean water, ready meals, and basic shelter for granted. It is so easy to say that I feel bad for the Haitian people, it is another, for me, to do something about it. I choose to go to help, I choose to eat as they do, I choose to feel their hunger and thirst.
Therefore, as of today, I am on a diet of 500 calories, nothing but water to drink, and some sugared milk for desert. I remember having the little Haitian children on board the USCGC Tahoma and, while slowly steaming toward repatriation and hunger, doling out one thing that brought smiles to their faces: sugared milk. The parents were in the background singing their soulful songs and having evening prayer services.
While on the subject, I do find it difficult not to mention the state of my spirit. It is tormented by conflicting thoughts. The group I am going with is from the Baptist church. My father, with whom I am going, is still very involved in his Baptist church, the same one I was raised in. I, on the other hand, took a detour that had me going in a different direction spiritually. Years later, when I realized that it wasn't spiritually healthy, I bailed. It has left a bad taste in our mouth for church, but it really isn't about all that, I am seeing. It's about my own relationship with God. And how I need to be close to Him. I am also resolving before all of you to take a deep stock of my beliefs, my heart and my life in these weeks leading up to boarding a plane for Haiti. I think I'm gonna need peace in my heart for this one. Peace and compassion.
Signing off,
-Steve
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
WOW!!! The Humanity!
People keep surprising me! I was told today that all the money my hospital's foundation raises for the Haiti relief effort at the chamber meeting tomorrow will go to my mission (whatever that may be, still to be decided, etc)! It's amazing what you get by asking people! My cousin, who works in a local NICU, Emailed me about donating infant clothes, 20-30 pounds of it! I got a $50 check in the mail today and another inquiry where to send another $50!! I had a home infusion patient give me the leftover supplies now that her therapy is completed. It's been amazing, the response!
Please keep it coming!
Thanks, I am truly humbled to represent you all to the people of Haiti!
Please keep it coming!
Thanks, I am truly humbled to represent you all to the people of Haiti!
Monday, January 18, 2010
Humanitarian Aid Handed Out By Humans
Welcome to my blog. If this is your first time visiting, please sign up to follow, and I'll do my best to keep you informed of what I'm doing, what the Haitian people need and other ways you can help. If you are following this because you donated to the cause, then I need to say "thank you". But while I go for myself, I know that there are many of you who wish you could go yourselves. It's just not in the cards for you at this time. Trust me, I've been there. The time will come. You will be able to help. Maybe not in a poor country, maybe just your neighbor, a colleague, coworker, or a friend, down on their luck.
A bit about me, related to this particular trip at least: Last year, my father came back from Haiti, full of stories about the people there, what they did for them, etc. They went with a group associated with his particular denomination of Christianity called CONVERGE PacWest. I had always wanted to go and serve the lovely people of Haiti since I was in the Coast Guard, back in the early 90's. At that time, we repatriated a lot of Haitians, and through an interpreter, got to know a few before returning them to Port au Prince. I always felt horrible about doing that to a people that have no life in their own home country. I saw myself in their shoes, if they had any, doing the same thing.
My parents must have raised me right, because I still get a thrill from serving someone. I honestly can't point to a single event or even recall a single story pointing back to this trait. I do have memories of my grandfather serving people around him. In fact, it was my grandfather who correctly "prophesied" mine and my brother's professions at a very young age. My brother is a LAPD officer and I am in the health care field, working as a ER, Pediatric, and infusion nurse.
In December of 2009, my father called me up and said there was an opening for a trip to Haiti. I told him to sign me up and I would worry about the how's later. I didn't even have a passport. I started asking for donations and quickly donations started coming in. I used face to face, social media, and e-mails. So far, the response has been overwhelming! And this before the current devastating earthquake that added insult to injury.
We were to go and build a boys home in Maissade, Haiti. Maissade is a smaller village of about 43,000 residents. Most families live on around $200 per year. I spend more than that on coffee, and I don't drink much coffee. Two parent homes are not very common, but what is common is children living on the streets. A pastor there runs not only a church, but a girls home, a boys home, a feeding center and a school that teaches 300-400 students. Why a school? Because there is no such thing as public education in Haiti. Another cold, hard fact is that there were 380,000 orphaned children in Haiti. Before the earthquake.
We aren't sure what CONVERGE has planned for us since Maissade was unaffected by the quake and in light of all the devastation now apparent, but Lord knows, I am ready to go at the drop of a hat.
My wife would love to go with me but I told her that it would have to be after this trip, so I could report on conditions and we could go next time together. The kids would have to wait until they were older. We want to travel as a family. That can wait. This is more serious.
A bit about me, related to this particular trip at least: Last year, my father came back from Haiti, full of stories about the people there, what they did for them, etc. They went with a group associated with his particular denomination of Christianity called CONVERGE PacWest. I had always wanted to go and serve the lovely people of Haiti since I was in the Coast Guard, back in the early 90's. At that time, we repatriated a lot of Haitians, and through an interpreter, got to know a few before returning them to Port au Prince. I always felt horrible about doing that to a people that have no life in their own home country. I saw myself in their shoes, if they had any, doing the same thing.
My parents must have raised me right, because I still get a thrill from serving someone. I honestly can't point to a single event or even recall a single story pointing back to this trait. I do have memories of my grandfather serving people around him. In fact, it was my grandfather who correctly "prophesied" mine and my brother's professions at a very young age. My brother is a LAPD officer and I am in the health care field, working as a ER, Pediatric, and infusion nurse.
In December of 2009, my father called me up and said there was an opening for a trip to Haiti. I told him to sign me up and I would worry about the how's later. I didn't even have a passport. I started asking for donations and quickly donations started coming in. I used face to face, social media, and e-mails. So far, the response has been overwhelming! And this before the current devastating earthquake that added insult to injury.
We were to go and build a boys home in Maissade, Haiti. Maissade is a smaller village of about 43,000 residents. Most families live on around $200 per year. I spend more than that on coffee, and I don't drink much coffee. Two parent homes are not very common, but what is common is children living on the streets. A pastor there runs not only a church, but a girls home, a boys home, a feeding center and a school that teaches 300-400 students. Why a school? Because there is no such thing as public education in Haiti. Another cold, hard fact is that there were 380,000 orphaned children in Haiti. Before the earthquake.
We aren't sure what CONVERGE has planned for us since Maissade was unaffected by the quake and in light of all the devastation now apparent, but Lord knows, I am ready to go at the drop of a hat.
My wife would love to go with me but I told her that it would have to be after this trip, so I could report on conditions and we could go next time together. The kids would have to wait until they were older. We want to travel as a family. That can wait. This is more serious.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
