Oct 20,2008

I have some pictures from the hurricane season, courtesty of Caroline. these were basically from late August to late Sept. the pic's kind of speak for themselves.

upper left is a woman and her children who lost everything when their house was swept away. the husband is out looking for food at this time, this is how they were living. Part of the hurricane relief money received by Gary/Caroline went to take care of this family. they received food, a place to stay (thru a years rent money) and the money to start a small business to take care of themselves. Gary and I talked about how different people do different things to help. Their idea, and I agree with it, is to take a few people and get them back on their feet, as opposed to feeding many for a short while. Upper right is a picture of the brother and nephew of one of the Haitian workers for the mission here, Pierre. His brothers home was destroyed in the flood of Gonaives and his son was badly injured when he was crushed by a tree when they were swept away with it. It is a real miracle they survived. The small boy had a crushed leg and broken pelvis and is still recovering. His father, Pierre's brother, is HIV positive and his outlook is not good. Care for HIV pt's here is available but they would rather forego care as opposed to admitting they have it. Pierre will likely have his nephew to take care of in the not to far off future.

Middle left is a picture of a house that had a tree fall on it. the tree was removed by machete over a long time. the family has others to care for them at least for awhile. Middle right is a picture of the bridge at Mountrois. If you notice the railing on the right it is straight. The railing on the left....isn't. The support for the bridge was swept away by flooding. A replacement military type bridge was constructed and is in place now. Unfortunately temporary replacements become permanent here. We pray they will fix (replace) the damaged bridge before next hurricane season. If not the temporary replacement will go in the next bad storm.

Bottom left is a house that was swept away by flood waters. The family (to my information) was swept away as the house collapsed and has not been found.

These things are typical of what happened nationwide during the hurricanes. They were repeated hundreds of times all over the country. Families are living with other members of their family over all the country. Displaced persons are everywhere. But, life goes on here. They don't let disaster or death keep them from looking for tomorrow. For many, that is all they look forward to.

I hope this helps put a face on some of the disasters that have happened here. Life is finding it's "even keel" here. It is more difficult, harder for many here, but Haitians keep on keepin' on. You have to admire them for it. They find a way. Maybe not the best, or perfect way. But a way. bye for now.