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Earthquake Update from Hope House
the following are daily emails from Debbie Berquist, VOH Director for the week of Feb 14 - 20, 2010
Feb 20, 9:00 pm Hello all: Has this team only been here 1 day!!!......with the amt they have achieved it feels like it could be a week or more. It is incredible what they have achieved: ceiling lights working and tiles replaced, hardware supplies and tools all sorted out and organized, my office cleaned up, shelves repaired, new shelves set up, the damaged wall to the depot taken down..so it wouldn't fall down and hurt anyone; my toilet fixed, the BBQ fixed (yahoo 'BBQ hot dogs for dinner tomorow). The biggest part though was taking down the damaged part of the roof and shoring up the part that is still standing. They worked HARD. I was so busy answering to calls of "Debbie" from various directions and doing some housekeeping myself that I didn't get to take any pictures today of the busy beaves, except one. They say too many cooks spoil the broth but the fellows all helping with the roof, seemed to make it work....as you will see with my one loan picture. I asked Christophe to come today and he was also a big help to the team.
 Paul had the most frustrating day as he tried to deal with the Internet service which came to a halt last night and wasn't working today. Finally after a call to Ron in Washington, to get Darrell's phone number in Florida we were able to make progress. Paul called Darrell and I managed to find a phone number for Hope House ( which I accidently came across two days ago). That information helped out when Darrell managed to set up a three way conversation between Paul on his fancy cell phone, himself and a Hughesnet Tech support person in India......isn't that just incredible when you think about it!!!....modern technology does reduce the size of this world that is for sure.
At any rate they found out the problem was these guys coming with all of their fancy phones, computers, skype etc ended up exceeding our 24 limit of gigabytes and we were "cut off". Luckily we get one free reset every month, so that is why I am now able to send this message out to you.
Andy's big experience was going "shopping" with Jean for hardware supplies, soft drinks and other refreshments and changing money to boot. He got to see how the system works and the many different stops that one has to make to get everything you want.
All in all it was a very productive day....I think the fellow are pleased with the accomplishments...I can tell you I DEFINATELY am!
and that my friends is it for this fine Saturday evening....wishing you all blessings for the day.
Debbie
Feb 19, 6:30 pm Hi all: Hope you didn't miss too much the lack of report yesterday. I took a night off as Marni, who has been posting my reports for you, also took a night off so that she, a very proud mama could go to Carnegie Hall to attend a concert at which her soon a bassoonist (I think I got the instrument correct) was performing. Yesterday was a regular work day...filled with meeting, computer and paper work activities. Today however has been an experience. I was up early getting last minutes items ready for the Andy Hafer team which arrived at noon time today. We headed out extra early to the airport as I had to stop and check my apt. My landlord called last night to report that my neighbours had called him letting him know one of my doors was open. Since it was late he kindly went to check things out for me. Luckily it was a door that had a chain on it and the chain was still in place. He closed and locked the door. I didn't find anything out of order when I checked today and didn't see any markings on the door to indicate someone had tried to break in. It is a complete mystery to me as I haven't been near that door in weeks. I felt quite relieved however to see all in order.
Next it was off to the aiport...what a trip! I figured it would be busy with AA just starting its flights today, but didn't expect anything to what we found. Part of the normal route to the airport was closed off and traffic diverted to enter a new way....the traffic was HORRENDOUS. It took us nearly an hour to go 1/4 of a mile...if that! It was utter chaos as impatient drivers added 2nd and third lanes where there was only supposed to be one. Naturally this blocked off traffic going the other way. We followed the signs to the new arrival area, only to discover there was no parking. Luckily I spotted one of the porters I knew and he and two of his cronies held up traffic so I in the pick up and Joseph in the big truck could turn around and get into a parking space they also created for us at the side of the road...what a Godsend that was!!! Joel came with us too to ride shotgun on the pick up truck when we headed back and he along with Joseph kept an eye on the cars while I went to get the fellows. Those of us waiting at the arrival area were squeezed in tight like sardines in a can. It was so fortunate that Andy and his guys decided to wear their hard hats as that was the way I was able to spot them in the mob. I had everyone come out in groups of 4 and had 4 porters pushing the carts through the crowd to the trucks. A few more dollars than normal exchanged hands for the porter assitance but it was worth every penny/gourdes that was spent. All in all it went pretty smoothly and soon we were loaded up and heading out. Getting out was much easier than getting in but we got hung up again in traffice further down the road.
Back at Hope House we had lunch, followed with a bit of orientation and a tour of the grounds and then the guys set to work. There are no slouches on this team. They quickly unloaded the boxes of supplies and goodies they brought and then started cleaning up the two depots with the construction/hardware supplies that I had requested they clean up as part of their work assignment. . You will see from the pictures all of them hard at work. I was laughing to myself just looking at the huge mess that came about in no time flat.....things were strewn all over as they emptied out the one depot to clear the end so they could put up some news shelves and get items re-organized. I know it will all come together before they leave and already I see signs of progress.
The EDH power came on an hour ago and is still going strong....a bonus for us for sure! I know they will be enjoying their showers and the cool air from the air conditioners as they get cleaned up for dinner....speaking of which I will close now so I can go and attend to my work assignment which it taking care of the hungry crowd.
Another Hallmark day in Haiti and for Hope House.
have a good evening
Debbie Today was spent on the road taking care of various and sundry errands. I took an hour or so of private time to meet with Mme Nazaire the Dir of the School of Nursing in PAP. I am trying to assist a group of nurses and medical professionals from Hamilton who wish to see how they can help with rebuilding of the nursing school and aid in the advancement of nursing as a profession in Haiti. I have known Mme Nazaire for some time and I could see the weight she is carrying on her shoulders. Her own hom was ruined as well and she had to deal with the great loss of life and all other issues surrounding the total destrcution of the school. Her office is presently on the street across from the school where she has three chairs set up to recieve people coming to speak with her about the school and/or students. She still does not have an official count of which students are alive. She is slowly getting information but as people have spread far and wide it is a challenge for her.
This was my first trip downtown since the earthquake and I still cannot seem to really take in what I am seeing. I know most of you have probably already had your fill of the scenes on TV. The mass destruction is so overwhelming......one street we went down, I don't think had one building left standing on it.....there was just rubble on both sides. The clean up job itself is a humungous work, clearing all of that concrete block away. Business is sure not what it used to be in the downtown area. I think it was the first time in all of my years in Haiti that I drove along the grand boulevard Jn Jacques Dessalines in downtown PAP and wasn't caught in a huge traffic jam.
Another errand was on Delmas and I took the opportunity to stop at Mr Accra's store or at least what was left of it. I learned from the guard that he is in the US recovering from his experience of being buried in the building. He did suffer some injuries but not major ones.
The guard confirmed that his son was okay but that they did loose several employees. He had no idea when M Accra would be back in Haiti. I have had no response either from the email I sent he and his son.  remains of M Accra's store After that there were stops to drop off drugs at Food for the Poor clinic, purchase diesel fuel for the generators, get prices for some construction supplies, meal planning with the gals at Hope House and all sorts of other little chores that fill the day.
Joseph told me that his area of town had a big rain last night (we were dry as a bone in our area) and it was the piece of Plastic sheeting I had given him to take home that "saved" he and a number of his neighbours from a soaking as they all stood under it taking refuge from the rain. It will be a bonus when the Tarps arrive with Andy's team on Friday.
Speaking of that team, AA had a press release today confirming they would restart flying on Friday.....that is good news for us.
On the news today:
A lot of discussion regarding the historical visit of President of France to Haiti and on top of that the fact that their was a demonstration against Preval timed to co-incide with the visit. To make matters worse it was headed up by one of Preval's council members.
Reports of the demonstrations which took place in Cite Soleil as some protested the lack of tents,food and water.
: a new camp settlement now set up in front of the cathedral. A lot of work had been done on this camp as it had been smoothed over and levelled with large rocks and sand and as you can see everyone had proper tents.
until tomorrow...take care one and all.
Feb 16, 6:30 pm Hello all: GREAT NEWS....as I type this I am enjoying a bit of air conditioning in the office...yes that means we have EDH (Haiti Hydro) running. It was with great surprise and delight that Joel and I noted the EDH light coming on last evening. It lasted maybe 40 minutes or so but it was a good omen. Today it came on at 5:00 was on for 10 minutes, off for 5 and now back on for nearly an hour. It will be interesting to see how it goes over the next few days. Now that it is coming on and charging up the batteries we will be able to give the generators a little rest. Today was a quiet day around here as everyone had the day off for the Holiday.....which I learned from Wilner this AM, was not..it seems another announcement was given that it was not a National holiday...what a place!
I spent the day alternating between working in what I call the cave (AKA the office) because of the poor lighting and no window to the outside world and doing odd jobs about the compound so that I had a taste of the sunlight and fresh air. My office work consisted of setting up a spreadsheet to keep track of expenses and other items. That was a big accomplishment and I even managed to get the month of Feb entered to date and also some of January. Catching up with correspondence was next on the list and I made a good dint in that too.
Joel packaged milk powder this AM and then we put those sachets in the goodie bags we started to prepare to distribute to the staff at the end of Feb. along with a candle, lighter, small bar of soap and several packages of fortified rice. We will add other items before the month is out, but that is at least our start.
So all in all a good day.
Since my report is so short for the day I am including a link to the latest press release from Food for the Poor detailing their activities since the earthquake. Having visited their office several times over the past weeks I can testify to the energies the staff have put into their work and under somewhat challenging circumstances. I think you will find it interesting reading.
cheerio....a demain.
Debbie
Feb 15, 6:00 pm Good afternoon one and all: We survived the food distribution in very good order. I think the presence of two police officers at the gate was a big help. People were already lined up at the gate when Dumas, Joseph and I arrived at 7:30. Clovis was already at work getting last minute things organized.
 I got a team together to finish packing the vitamins. We ran out of snack and medicine bags and so we ended up putting them in an exam glove...one must use what one has available.. I thought it was a brilliant idea!  The university students were assigned to get the signatures of receipt for the food and give each person a piece of paper which they had to give to Clovis or Dumas to get their goods.
The distribution consisted of 5 marmites of rice, one of beans, 2 measures of oil..the measure being an empty Barbancourt rum bottle and 1 can of sardines. A marmite is a local measure and it is the size of a 112 ounce can. Each parent that came got a ration for each of the children he/she had at school. Some people were picking up for for themselves and others as well. As a consequence some folks were carting away up to 6 sacks in which they put all of their items.   They were quite a weight to carry but away they went, some carrying one or two sacks on their head and another in their hands. I actually weighed one of the bags after I tried to help a women lift it onto her head.....that was a joke. I couldn't get it up past my waste...some help I was !!! One bag weighed 19 kg or approx. 40 pounds. One 10 year old girl put me to shame as she sauntered off home after her father helped her get the sack on her head (he was carrying another one). As each person went by my door on the way out, I handed them vitamins for their child/children....enough for a month. People I have learned are the same the world over. You think you are doing a good thing and still some people complain. There were a number not happy with what they recieved, thinking they should have recieved more. Several others disgruntled that they didn't get VIP treatment because the person helping at the gate did not recognize them.
However the good far outweighed the negative and all in all it was a good day.
The BND inspector arrived a little late to supervise the distribution but he was happy with what he saw. We had enought left over that we were able to give a portion to each of the university students and to the all of the staff. We will have to organize another day to hand it out to the teachers, but the local and Hope House staff recieved their's today.
 That pretty much took up most of the day. I delivered some medical goods to Hopital Eben-Ezer and finalized some details for Dr Randy Smith's team who will work at his hospital when they come at the end of the month. Little Children of Jesus was the last stop. Mme Passe is holding the fort while Gladys is away. She had heard from Gladys and she is doing well...enjoying her time with her children.
Tomorrow is another official Holiday...despite the fact that the three days of prayer were to replace the Mardi Gras Holidays, the gov't decided yesterday to grant Tues as a National Holiday as well.....I guess out of respect for those of another belief and to give them time for their celebrations too. It kind of threw my plans for the week out of the window but that is par for the course and have got things reorganized.
On the news today:
report of Stephen Harper's visit to Haiti
expected visit of the President of France....don't remember how to spell his name...the first time a President of France has visited Haiti
announcement of a "grand spectacle" to take place at Champ Mars on Wed.
discussion regarding payment of employees not working during month of Feb, reduction in salaries of employees and their general of business closures due to damages that makes it impossible for the owners to continue. On the one hand people will be out of work but on the other NGO's and other organizations are looking for staff at all levels.
more pictures to follow in second mail....I still haven't had time to experiment with Marni's instructions. I am hoping instead for a lesson from one of Andy's team who are scheduled to arrive this Friday.......that is if AA keeps its restart date on the 19th.
Let me leave you here so I can get the next set of pictures sent.
Have a good evening.....and Happy Birthday to my brother Brad.
Debbie
Feb 14, 6:00 pm Now I can officially wish all of you a Happy Valentine's Day to start of my missive for today. My day started with a phone call at 6:30 from Wilner wishing me a Happy Valentine's Day. I even forgave him for getting me out of bed or should I say off the couch to answer the phone. I was supposed to "sleep in" today but it was well worth it to get up to have a little chat with him. He was getting ready to head to the Lodge and I then prepared to head to the school for church. I went early in order to give the fellows a ride as there was very little public transport the last three days. While they had Sunday school, I counted out more vitamins to give out tomorrow with the food. On the way home Jorel, Elysee and Dumas told me of their days yesterday in their individual churches. Jorel attended services in his from 6 AM to 6 PM.
I went and had a quick visit with Marie after church. She was resting between services at her church. I guess this AM was quite the revival as she was talking about how she had been jumping up and down in adoration of God. It has been like that in churches all over. Again today they were packed and even more so. The evangelical services continued at Champ Mars today and have been going non stop since Friday. When I turned on the television to watch some of the service, I could not help but think of the Mall in Washington on Obama's inauguration day. Haiti's "mall" Champ Mars was packed in much the same way...people EVERYWHERE, sitting on the statues, standing on cars and containers. Even during past years when Mardi Gras took place in the same area, I never witnessed so many people congregated at one time. I cannot even describe the feelings I had as I watched the memorable event. So many praising Jesus, Bon Dye, in one place at one time and in Peace after such devestation....amazing!!! The service still goes on as I type my report to you. Joseph our driver came to spend the night as he will leave early with me to help at the school tomorrow. He had just come from Champ Mars. In describing the goings on it was clear he was deeply affected by what he saw and his participation in the event. He said it took him an hour and a half to wend his way out of the crowd in order to get a tap tap to come here. He said a lot of people were fainting from the heat and emotion. There was a first aid station set up as on the radio I heard them calling for extra help to take care of the people that were arrviving at the tent for care. Unfortunately children were getting separated from their parents in the crowds. Some were up on the state waiting to be claimed by their parents.
Another event was that a number of people were circling the palace
There was more discussion of the phenomen with the sun. Some people described a huge mist descending over the palace for a period of time which made it impossible to see the palace. Then it disapated and people are saying it was the devil going out of Haiti. More people saw signs in the sun....an eagle, a hand in the air with a cross and other signs. It was also reported that only those who were "believers" were able to see these signs.
I pray that all of this energy will be used for the good of Haiti and for a future of positive change.
These three days of prayer have replaced the three days of Mardi Gras that were to take place Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. For many it is the first time in their memory that there will be no Mardi Gras festivities. The believers in the crowd claim it as a victory as only Bon Dieu could make such a thing happen.
As I said above, describing my feelings as I witnessed events over the last there days and especially today is difficult but I can say that it has only deepened my respect and admiration and affection for the Haitian people!.
Wishing you all a pleasant evening and hope your day was filled with love for those who are close to you in heart.
Debbie
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