Updates
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Updates |
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Earthquake Update from Hope House
So many of you ask "How can I help?" After prayer, money is needed most! Jan 17 info about Marie Majors and Grace Mission from Jim & Patty Meyer:
Here is the latest information I have to offer. The detailed information below is written by Patty and contains one of the most important events of today for us anyway--actually speaking to Marie via cell phone. Before you get to that however I want to thank each and every one of you for all you are doing--praying, giving, encouraging us and others, etc. I keeps us going each day. And each day has been very busy and draining. I booked a flight into the Dominican leaving Chicago on Sunday the 24th ariving on Monday AM in the Dominican and there we will meet a bus and driver (we hope) and head to Haiti. We have been assured that they will at least get us to the boarder of Haiti. There is a small group of pastors and medical people going and I am joining them. The goal is to get to Port au Prince and we will be traveling along the road that is being used by relief agency's to get food, water, and relief supplies into Haiti. We feel confident that we can get to Marie's. More on that later. Here is Patty's information from the day.
From Patty: Everyone: I JUST HUNG UP FROM MARIE! You can imagine my elation. I was like screaming in the phone and we both talked at once. I can confirm their safety. Marie was hesitant to share any of the negatives with me. She knows my emotions. But she knew more than I thought SHE would know of the tragedy because of no communication system there.
She says that she and the girls continue to sleep on the ground across the path from her house along with many surrounding people who are afraid to return to their homes - even those untouched. (Chris Greeno - That includes the Deacon's family! They are all OK!) She said that food wise - "You know me, Patty, I find food!" Although later she did say there is no where to get more food right now. She sounded very "up" and said, "I knew you would already be figuring out how to take care of us. I told the girls, don't worry Patty is busy at work!" I explained the outpouring of people asking how to help and those intending to contribute. I told her she was on the front page of a local newspaper and her orphanage was mentioned in the Wall Street Journal. She screamed and said, "You mean I'm famous now?"
She explained that they have blankets tied to trees for shade during the day and they sleep on them at night. All the people who live at her house are safe as well. Namely Patty - my special little girl. I also asked about the three little children that are sponsored by the Mazza's, Ashley's and Campbells - who are with the Give Me a Chance Program - they are SAFE, too. Marie's brother, Perilou, lives down the lane from Marie and I had heard her brother had been hurt. She explained that he was with a little boy and girl from her school when the house collapsed. The children were killed and that Perilou is OK - but "looks like a monster face".
I assured her over and again how many prayers are lifted up for the orphanage and the people of Haiti. I also got to speak with Fedner - He is the remaining boy from her original orphanage who is 20 years old. He told me to tell Pat and Dan Thomas (Ben's parents - his sponsor) that he is ok and that he loves them. Chrisnell - also a young man who was once part of her orphanage returned about six months ago and he lives at the orphanage as a security person for the girls. He knows a few words in English, but kept repeating, "ok, ok, ok!"
I can't describe the joy I felt hearing her voice. She said most Haitian are living in the street because of the after shocks and fear to return to their homes.
So - finally a concrete update that everyone affiliated with both orphanages and neighbors are alive. Well - as far as these loved ones go, the "rescue" part seems complete...now we continue our efforts to "rebuild".
Jim booked a flight to the Dominican Republic today and will work his way over to Haiti. He is going with a small medical team who he has only met through networking and spoke to on the phone. His purpose is to access the situation so our response to needs is appropriate and corresponds to their priorities.
Our contact person, Debbie is still struggling to find a way to get her team back to the States. They are trying to go through the American Embassy, but when they arrived their the line was veryyyy long. I might have already told you that - and don't want to take the time to read through all the emails - forgive me. She said fuel is so scarce and is needed to run the generators/cars - They bought a gallon of diesel on the black market for $25.00.
On CNN last night they had footage about the Caribbean Grocery collapse and the woman rescued after 50 hours. This is the most American like grocery store I am aware of. They actually have carts you push like we do here. Marie and I have gone there about three times when I have had extra money for her to treat herself to some "American" food. She always goes for the cherry cheesecake. Another personal connection for me to see it in rubble.
Obviously the conditions in Haiti are still total despair. But - we must rejoice over every positive thing we learn. Together we will make the "list" grow longer and longer as the days enfold. I will continue to keep you up to date!
Words are insufficient to describe my thanks,
Patty
Thanksgiving to each of you who has contacted us via whatever means and for your response to this catastrophe.
Jim Meyer |