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Recovering From The Storms

We began our time in Haiti by traveling to the villages and communities east of us in the valley which boarders the Dominican Republic. The gravel road to Joineau is normally dry, but last week, it looked like a flowing river. Weeks of being saturated made the hard dirt road as soft as butter, and in no time, we were stuck in the mud.

Junior and Ronald tried pushing the Toyota free, but even the four-wheel drive would not allow us to break loose. Within a few minutes, farmers from around the area came to help. A team of hardened men lifted each tire and packed rocks underneath for traction. With everyone pushing, I was able to break loose. When we met with the Joineau director at the camp the next day, he confirmed that the road only got worse from there.

We were able to make it to Gallette Chambon and see Pastor Joel. The new church is fine, but the old structure made of palm fronds was easily taken by the storm. Pastor Joel explained that when the storm came, be put his goats and other animals in the churchyard for safekeeping. After two days of heavy rain, he returned to find that all the animals had died from exposure. A number of families had their homes damaged or ruined by the winds and rain. Pastor Joel said the greatest need is clothes, food and farming tools.

I gave money for the pastors and directors to buy the food and supplies they need.

Church leaders from the northern communities of Lestere, Haute Feiulle and Gro Moune came to Port-au-Prince to meet with me, and share news about the condition of their churches and schools. Vehicles cannot make it all the way there because one of the main bridges is out. These men were able to come by several tap taps to meet me at Pastor Luc’s house.

The church leaders told me how the floodwaters ravaged the towns and country sides of the north. Lestere, which is low lying, experienced much flooding where the families live in the rice fields. At Lestere and Haute Feiulle, 90% of the families work in the rice industry as farmers or laborers. The floods ruined the rice plants that would have been ready in October.

After the last storm, the churches and schools began housing families in their classrooms. The leader at Lestere said 150 families had their homes damaged or ruined. I gave the leaders money to take back to each community to buy food and supplies. Soon, Ronald and Junior will visit with these leaders and see what more we can do to help.

We also had the opportunity to go to Ti Goave. Pastor Brucely took us on a walking tour across the hillsides to show us the houses that he repaired, and those that still need attention. Where he could, he used wooden slats to rebuild outer walls. In some cases, the homes were in such bad condition that they had to be rebuilt. Brucely explained that with any new structures, he’s having higher foundations built so that the new homes will be protected from future flooding.

Brucely took me to the home of a widow in his church who’s home was taken by Hurricane Gustav. He said that as he was helping her gather her few possessions, the house was lifted over their heads by the intensifying winds. Afterwards, the men of the church built her a temporary shelter out of stalks from palm trees. A new foundation has been dug in anticipation of the funds I brought with me to Haiti. The woman was sincerely grateful for the help.

While at Ti Goave, we distributed food, clothes and shoes. I also brought medicine and seeds for Pastor Brucely to distribute. Farmers from the church were proud to show me the tools they bought with the money you gave.

Before we left Ti Goave, Brucely took me to the place where the main highway is still flooded. I was amazed to see that a quarter mile section of the National Route #2 was completely submerged in deep water. Boat owners were ferrying people across the stretch of road as if shuttling people back and forth from an island. It was an amazing site to see.

We also delivered a number of sponsors’ gifts to children, especially cash gifts, which the families were thankful to receive during these difficult days.

While I was visiting these communities, Kevin McGill of Brick, NJ was at the mission camp connecting the new city power supply to the camp’s electrical system. Kevin, who is a skilled electrician, laid the wire and installed the panels necessary for us to use city power when it’s available. City power comes on regularly, and is a tremendous asset for an active facility. I appreciate Kevin coming and doing such a great job.

I found that as I visited these communities and saw the work that was going on, that there is still much to do to help families recover from these storms. Your special gifts have made a tremendous impact, and your continued support is greatly needed.

Thank you for helping and for allowing us to serve in Haiti.

If you would like to view more pictures from teh relief effort, click here.