Haitian Hope Mission Blog

August 25, 2011 (Marcia Aldridge)

Just heard from our sister, Kate Bryant, who reports a sunny beautiful day in Haiti. The framing for the school is complete; and they are celebrating in the streets by playing Indian baseball, taught by a young man from Trinity Church whose name is Casey. His signature smile tells me his photo is the first of a series of five posted on our blog yesterday. These kids have had a whole new world opened to them by learning basketball on Tuesday, soccer on Wednesday, baseball on Thursday, and boxing on Friday.

Tomorrow the door frames will be installed and the first sheet metal will be attached to the walls.

Lots of good food and relationships are being forged.

Lucon from Cherident and Salien from St. Marc’s, Trouin have proven to be excellent leaders.

Kate requests continued prayers as she and Pere Michaud negotiate the role of Region 13 in the educational process at St. Marc’s. The needs are great and choices have to be made.

Check out the Haitian Hope blog site to see more photos - haitianhopemission.blogspot.com

August 24, 2011  (Marcia Aldridge)

  The very best news from Haiti: all is well and everyone arrived safely. Although it continues to rain as of noon Wednesday, August 24, the Haitians have assembled 25% of the metal beams/studs for the school. During the worst of the hurricane, the Haitians braved the weather to prepare and repair the pad so the beams could be raised and bolted together. Between the deluges today, the Americans joined forces with the Haitians and real progress has been made.

  Yesterday during the very worst parts of the hurricane winds, the Virginians held a small medical clinic led by a doctor who had accompanied them. They saw approximately 35 patients and dispensed some basic medicines (Ibuprofen, etc). Ranny reports the great and urgent need for ophthalmologists, optometrists, and eye-glasses. The Reverend Kate has compiled a list of medicines that can go with the next group.

  One of the greatest gifts to the Americans is the pure water system installed by HEF (Haiti Education Foundation). Ranny says the water is perfect.

  Many of you are aware that Father Ed Adkins donated several albs, clerical shirts, and stoles for Pere Michaud. Ranny happily transported them to Trouin, where both Pere Michaud and Kate have already put them to good use.

  Thanks to all of you who continue to support this mission. Unity of mind and spirit is such a beautiful thing to witness. I’ve been promised photos which you’ll receive as soon as possible.

Peace and blessings,

Marcia

 

August 7, 2011  (Translation)

Dear Marcia,

   Hi. I am very happy to have received your email. And I await Caroline with much impatience. Please excuse me for this late response due to the fact I was with Chris McCrae for two installations of the potable water system, of which one is for Trouin. Now we that we have potable water in Trouin, I am the electrician for the system.

   Caroline can meet the teachers beginning the 26th of September. Now one thing is certain: you can plan a date for the month of September. Father Michaud and I will do everything necessary [for her]. I thank you for your financial support for St. Marc School, especially the students who are incapable to go to school. May God in his infinite love protect and bless you more and more. This Sunday, the seventh of August [we will have] an inauguration of the potable water system in Trouin. I am going to send some photos next week.

   My Christian salutations/greetings to all my friends at St. Francis, especially Gail and her family.

Salien

*As background, remember that after 6 long years of installation, the water system was finally completed in early 2011. Way back in 2006, some of the Haitian Hope team members discovered the system which had been started around 2004 by a group from Luxembourg. The Catholic Church seemed to be the recipients of the money for the work on the spring, and we helped them out with $1,000, hoping to urge a forward direction toward providing clean water to Trouin. This spring we rejoiced when Ranny Moulton returned from a trip proclaiming that the water had arrived in Trouin; however, the people were not satisfied because now they had to pay for water, and it wasn't pure enough for Americans to drink. Père Michaud, at his own initiative, asked the Haiti Education Fund (Frances Landers' group) to provide the means to purify the water. They agreed and included the water purification components in the container carrying the building materials for construction of the school. Voilà. We now have some purified water!

Haitian Hope catch-up    (Marcia Aldridge, March 31, 2011)

Not meeting in March does not mean nothing is happening with Haitian Hope.  Below is a summary of the events that have transpired and the projects soon to take place involving our friends and members of Haitian Hope.

  1) The Brunswick stew netted approximately $4,000.  Way to go Elizabeth Dunn and crew!!!!

  2) Surprises from Ranny's trip in February:

• The Canadians are building a hospital in Trouin.
• Clean water, thanks to a Luxembourg group, is available for $.10/gallon to all those in the Trouin area.
• Temporary classrooms have been erected by the Episcopal Education Department of Haiti.
• ERD repaired Georgette's house and erected a small shelter for Pere Michaud. (Georgette is the hostess for our groups who visit)
• The Chinese provided materials to erect a shelter for St. Marc School's principal, Salien Wilner.
• A latrine was built accommodating four individuals.

  3) HH (Haitian Hope) continues to provide a hot lunch for 400 students@$1700/month.

  4) HH continues to provide salaries for 12 secondary teachers@$100/month.  They have asked for a raise which we will consider.

  5) The Haiti Education Fund provides salaries for the primary school teachers@90/month.

  6) The Rebuilding and Restoration sub-committee has asked approval from Bishop Duracin, Pere Michaud, Pere Kesner Ajax (Partnership director) for the construction of school classrooms using concepts from Erecta, based in Arkansas.

  7) Gail Moulton will lead a group to Trouin April 7-11.  Accompanying her will be

• the Reverend Kate Bryant, asst rector at St. James, Leesburg, Va.
• John Mark Parker, beloved leader of the Mercer Canterbury Club
• Will Crew, Canterbury Club member and French major
• Noah Maier, Canterbury Club member and photographer
• Please pray for their safe and fruitful journey

  8) Saturday, March 26, marked the day of an extraordinary meeting in Atlanta of 17 partners of Pere Michaud's churches.  From 10-3 we shared common experiences and goals for our continued mission to our brothers and sisters in Haiti.  The extraordinary nature of the gathering was evident from the quiet and intentional passion palpable throughout the entire five hours of discussion.  We are deeply indebted to the expertise shared by the Outlook Haiti group from Lookout Mountain, TN.  They have been in partnership since 1996 and have accomplished great things.  Our meeting would not have been nearly as successful without them.   Not to be minimized in any way was the distance traveled by everyone whose one goal was, "how can I help our brothers and sisters in Haiti?"  Jim Hudson left from Florida at 4:00 AM.  Ann Aiken and Charles Mahan traveled from Chattanooga.  Henry Stribling and Mary Frances LeMat flew in from Virginia.  Marietta Choyce, Katherine Cornell, and the Reverend Katharine Armentrout came from Jasper to set up the room and provide nourishment.  And, of course, several HH members drove from Macon—Brant and Jan Frost, Steve Marlow, James Caldwell, Ranny and Gail Moulton, and Preston and I.  My hope is that all of you will come next time.  Below follows a brief description of the structure of the group:

                         Partners in relationship with Pere Michaud

 Outlook Haiti partners with St. John the Evangelist School, Petit Harpon

          Church of the Good Shepherd, Lookout Mountain, TN

          Church of the Nativity, Ft. Oglethorpe, GA

          St. Stephen's, Oak Ridge, TN

          St. Martin's, Chattanooga, TN

          Presbyterians in Florida with Jim Hudson

              Haitian Hope partners with St. Marc, Trouin:

                      Church of the Holy Family, Jasper, GA

                      St. Francis, Macon, GA

              Independent partners with St. Marc, Trouin:

                       St. James, Leesburg, VA

                       Trinity Church, Washington, VA

   9) The First Annual Haitian Hope Golf Tournament has 20 sponsors as of this writing.  More sponsors and players are wanted and needed.  Last week, you should have received information from Preston about this event to be held Tuesday, June 14^th at Healy Point Country Club, Macon.
  10) Next meeting of Haitian Hope: Sunday, May 1^st at 1:30 in the library.

 

Haitian Hope remembers...

Marcia Aldridge (January 24, 2011)

      January 12^th, 2011 marks the one-year anniversary of the greatest tragic event to have occurred to our beloved brothers and sisters in Haiti.  With the category seven earthquake resulting in the death of 300,000+ people, a new era and new life began for the Haitians as they faced the complete destruction of everything they had known.  One of the most outstanding and lasting memories will be of the men, women and children walking among the bodies, still lying in the streets, and through the ruble, left where it had fallen, as they raised their voices in praise to our God, Father of all.  What an incredible moment and witness to faith!  Bishop Duracin then set the direction of recovery and redemption with his encouraging words to his people, "Haiti, stand up and walk!"

     As if the earthquake were not enough, a cholera epidemic, not seen in decades, permeated the country killing thousands more.  In November, while the priests, Bishop Duracin, and Haiti Episcopal partners from the USA and from Canada were at a conference in Miami to discuss how to best proceed in the rebuilding of lives and country, Hurricane Tomas arrived in Trouin blowing away their tents used as shelters and bringing mudslides to the few remaining buildings.

      2010, indeed, was the year that brought Haitian Hope into its fullness as a ministry and a mission!  And what incredible love and support came from all of you during this time.  All of you recognized the overwhelming need and seemed poised to offer unprecedented donations.  From the smallest to the greatest donation, each person's generosity was gratefully acknowledged and every single dollar was used either as emergency relief for food, shelter and water (approximately $50,000) and/or as funding for the school program (approximately $40,000).  All money was restricted for use according to your request: emergency aid or general funding.  Your donation really, really made the difference in the lives of so many.  Myriad thanks go to the Episcopal Partnership program which made certain all your money went directly to specific people: our brothers and sisters in Trouin.  Below is a brief summary of how the money was used in the various circumstances where it was needed.

January: four parishioners died while worshipping in St. Marc's as it collapsed

• Haitian Hope (HH) was the first to provide emergency aid to the 500 homeless people currently residing on the fields around the school.

February: HH provided emergency aid in the face of myriad needs:

• Food and tents for the 500 displaced living on the grounds of St. Marc's
• Generator to provide electricity for all of St. Marc's area
• Materials for erection of temporary structure used for school and church
• 28 goats for 28 families to serve as means of income, milk, and meat
• Salaries continued for six teachers who were temporarily out of work

March: school reopened at the end of March; HH continued to provide funds to purchase:

• food and water for the 500 displaced victims
• Materials to construct benches for school and worship
• Portable blackboards, chalk and erasers
• Used Toyota truck to transport patients to doctors, hospital and physical therapy; and also to transport supplies from Port-au-Prince to feed the homeless

April-May: school reconvenes

• Customary donations to sustain lunch program ($.22/school day/child for 400 students)
• Continued support to provide emergency food items

June: continued support needed for food and water; school lunch program

• Ranny Moulton and team go to Trouin to assess the situation and develop a rebuilding plan for the school

July: school still in session

• Additional salaries for teachers working extended time on contracts
• Support for lunch program

August: school still in session until 8/15

• Support for lunch program
• Food for weekend teacher training

September: Cholera epidemic arrives!

• Funds for new school supplies and new uniforms for 400 students
• Preston Aldridge and team confer with Bishop Duracin about plans to rebuild the school

October: School reconvenes -10^th grade added to school!

• Monetary support for lunch program
• Teachers' salaries now paid on monthly basis

November-December: Hurricane Tomas pays a visit to Trouin and other parts of Haiti

• School lunch program and teachers' salaries paid
• Monetary help to purchase Christmas gifts for each of the 400 students

       Nothing can adequately express how much your generosity has moved me.  Without you, many of us would never have known what it means to be unified by all and with all of God's children.  Many of us would never have known the depths of generosity germinating in the hearts of all men, women, and children.  I remain in awe and gratitude for each of you.

 

Gifts of Love Project (starting November 21,2010)

Our 400 students at St. Marc’s School in Trouin are in temporary school shelters. They are still getting rice, black beans and maybe meat once a week. Many are walking miles over very rough roads that have been damaged by the January earthquake and fall rains. You and I can offer each child and teacher this year more HOPE by participating in Gifts of Love for Haitian Hope starting November 21.
   Christmas Quilt Raffle made by our own Charlene Collens -$5.00
   Merry Christmas Contribution Cards and Envelopes.
   The Gifts of Love Tree will be covered with GIFT NEED IDEAS and MATCHING DONATION NEED CARDS to use as presents.

Suggested Gifts:
• $5.00 School Supplies
• $5.00 Books
• $5.00 Toys for the St. Marc’s children
• $7.00 Shoes
• $12.00 Uniforms
• $30.00 one hot lunch for one child for one school year
• $100.00 one month’s salary for one teacher

Make checks payable to St. Francis and designate for Haitian Hope.

Please take checks to Bookstore if there is no one to take your check in the Parish Hall.

   Questions: Gail Moulton, Haitian Hope Committee Member

September 26, 2010  (Marcia Aldridge)

Below is a touching letter from Pere Michaud Fruitho, priest-in-charge of Saint Marc's in Trouin. 

Dear Father Chad, the honorable members of the vestry, the honorable members of Haitian Hope, brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ,

   In the name of the people of Trouin, I am taking advantage of the short visit of Mr. Preston Aldridge with Bishop Duracin to send you this quick note which comes from the depths of my being and from the heart of all the people in Trouin, Haiti.

   We thank you very much for having sent Preston and Tom Cook to meet with Bishop Duracin to discuss your desire to help us begin to build a durable and magnificent school which will stand as a beacon of hope for the people of Trouin.  It clearly shows your heart is not only a chasm filled with love, but also a chasm filled with generosity and mercy.  May God bless each one of you for all the gifts already bestowed upon us in Trouin; and may He give you more blessings that will continue to water and nourish those seeds you have already planted in Trouin.  Thank you for everything.  May God give back to you in similar kind. 

Your brother, Father Michaud

 

 August 6, 2010  (Marcia Aldridge)

What’s happening at Saint Marc’s eight months after the earthquake?

    Let us never forget the catastrophe of the earthquake on January 12th, in Trouin, Haiti!  As you know, after eight months, very little has been done towards reconstruction and building a better Haiti.  These folks are still living in tents.  They still can’t find jobs.  They are still traumatized.  They still lack adequate health care.   They still rely on us for emergency food.  Trouin is located in the Leogane department, considered the epicenter for the quake.  Father Kerwin Delicat, priest from Leogane, reports that between 80-90% of everything in the Leogane department was badly damaged or completely destroyed.  People remain fearful to enter any building still standing because of continued after shocks and because of the memory of those who were crushed as the buildings collapsed around them.  How do you begin a new life without extraordinary help from generous people outside of Haiti?  One of the frustrations for us as Americans is Haitian inexperience at planning for anything beyond meeting daily needs.  Because they have always faced seasonal storms, mud slides, winds, or drought, they are accustomed to facing daily the pressing need to find enough food for the family for each day.  To think beyond that is not customary.  But some good things have happened for our brothers and sisters at St. Marc’s.

   Because of your amazing and inspiring kindness, passion and generosity, Haitian Hope has been able to send $71,089 to provide emergency food; a temporary school and worship area; a truck; school lunch money; teacher salaries; uniform money; school supply money; and a few tents (most came from ERD, Red Cross, USAID).  The plans for a new school created by Tom Cook, with help from Ranny Moulton and David Stevens, have brought tentative hope that something better may come.  It’s difficult to maintain hope in the midst of so much disaster and broken promises; but I am confident we will meet our commitment to build a new school which will bring them hope and a sense of inspiration to move forward. 

   As of this week, Pere Michaud has offered to arrange a meeting with Bishop Duracin, who has already seen the plans for the school.  At the meeting Tom Cook, Preston Aldridge and Ranny Moulton will discuss how to begin the building process.  We are delighted to have this opportunity to share our dreams and to receive approbation by the Bishop, a necessity for anything to happen of this import.  As supporters of Haitian Hope, you may remain content knowing that whatever part you have played has made and will continue to make a difference in the lives of these very needy people. 

    Of course, we will now begin to meet the challenge of finding enough money to complete the construction of the school, a symbol of hope.  And you’ll be asked to redouble your efforts to find some money!  Please think of any possible way to financially help in this endeavor.  The exact amount needed has yet to be established but Tom is working on exact numbers which will be presented at the next Haitian Hope meeting: the fifth Sunday of August at 1:30. 

 

May 19, 2010 Update (Marcia Aldridge)

What’s it like after the earthquake?

      After any catastrophic event, the Haitians rebound in remarkable ways.  Their deep, abiding faith continues to amaze all of us as they begin life anew.  Of course, in Haiti, beginning again requires great patience and imagination: how does one start over with no resources and with all previous possessions gone? Our brothers and sisters in Trouin, without shelter, food, clothing or government subsidies, look to God as the only possible means of providing daily sustenance.  And God has provided for them through ERD’s donation of tents, USAID’s transport of emergency food, Catholic Relief services for medical help, and through us at Saint Francis who have provided continued emergency food supplies, school benches, and blackboards; and the means by which they could build a temporary shelter for worship and school.  One of their happiest days of late was when Father Michaud bought goats for several different families to use for milk as well as for meat.  Agreements were made with each family that they would provide St. Marc’s School with the first kid.  This project was made possible by your donations and Brant and Jan Frost’s hard work prior to Christmas; however, because of the earthquake they could not receive the goats until last month.  In the photo below, notice not only the goats, but also the tent in the background serving as a shelter until the house can be repaired.

 

April 26, 2010  Update (Marcia Aldridge)

     Haitian Hope continues to actively participate in its ministry in Trouin with education as the focus, along with efforts to meet emergency and disaster needs resulting from the earthquake.  Although reports are circulating concerning how much or how little aid is actually getting into the hands of the needy, we remain confident that Père Michaud continues to feed and shelter those people displaced by the catastrophe.  He also transports the amputees and those with broken limbs to and from the hospital where they receive therapy and rehabilitation.  Led by Père Michaud, the people in Trouin have built a temporary shelter for worship and school classes.  The kitchen is operating again and the teachers are instructing students.

     The rehabilitation and development sub-group has discussed for many hours the dilemma of how to rebuild and of what to rebuild.  We are grateful for the diligence and persistence they have demonstrated as they try to determine the best options for our brothers and sisters at St. Marc’s.  Next, they will send Père Michaud several rebuilding options for him to research and subsequently discuss with a small group of our engineers.  Rebuilding is not imminent, but it is in the near future.

     Thanks go to all of you for helping us in this ministry.  Please join us in our fund-raising efforts by continuing to bring in your donations for the Sweet Spot Relief Sale at Hephzibah Children’s Home on May 13th and 14th.  Larger items may be picked up by calling Marcia (474-5365) or Gail (474-0716).  You certainly don’t want to miss the occasion of the sale where we will not only have yard sale items, but also jewelry (Alice Bailey), baked goods (St. Francis’ fine chefs and the Fresh Market), hand-crafted items (Mark Wimer), stained glass (Janie Bruner), special plants (Cathy Dillard and Judy Sexton) and hot dogs (Alton Attaway).  Y’all come!

 

April 1, 2010  Update (Marcia Aldridge)

    After many anxious weeks following the devastation resulting from the earthquake, Père Michaud has sent a list of some priorities for rebuilding and development.  Although specific dollar amounts have not yet been established, the sub-committee for rebuilding (under the guidance of Ranny and Gail) plans to meet for a mini-conference April 12-13 to develop the plan for St. Marc’s, as it fits into Père Michaud’s perceived needs.  The list is as follows:

• Construct a rectory big enough for visitors to stay when spending time at St. Marc’s.  It also needs to serve as the priest’s residence.Provide a pick-up truck to transport people to and from the hospital or other medical facilities, particularly when emergencies arise such as women in labor who need immediate assistance, injured people from catastrophes like the earthquake when so many people had broken arms and legs.Continued food for those displaced by the earthquake.  They ask me (Père Michaud) for food every day because they are hungry and have no way to work because of their broken bones and complete loss of their property.Help the families victimized by the earthquake and those whose children were killed when the church collapsed to begin small businesses so they might survive.Help the disaster-stricken to repair their homes.
• Benches, desks and blackboards for the school which will open next week.

   He goes on to say, “We thank everyone once more who has helped us during this most difficult time.  May God continue to bless all of you.” Other news:

• In reconstructing the school, Père Michaud would like to add enough classroom space to accommodate a high school where the children in Trouin might be able to complete their education.  There are 20 ninth graders who want to go to high school.  This is a substantial increase from when we began the Partnership in 2004, when the highest grade level available at St. Marc’s was the eighth grade.  And remember, these students passed the national exams pointing out the quality of education they are receiving.  As education is our focus, we would like to encourage and support this plan.
• Please note Père Michaud has not requested that we rebuild the school nor the church.  If I understand correctly, HEF (Frances Landers’ group) will rebuild the school and Lauren Stanley has applied for a grant to rebuild the church.
• $1600 for a generator was sent March 22nd.  We are grateful to Toni Stallworth for making certain funds are sent.
• School is to open soon, possibly next week.
• $2500 was sent March 15th to build a temporary structure for church services and for school.  Karen Ebey-Tessendorf reports that the structure has been completed.

  Happy Easter!  The Lord is risen!! 

March 9, 2010    Conversation with Lauren Stanley (Marcia Alridge)

     A sous sub-group of the sub-group, Rehabilitation and Development, met Monday, March 8th to develop a proposal for assessing the structural needs at St. Marc’s in Trouin.  The four men who have agreed to spend a week (April 10-16) in Trouin are engineers and experienced contractors for low-cost housing: Harold Tessendorf, Ranny Moulton, David Stevens, and Tom Cook (from Church of the Holy Family in Jasper).  Because Bishop Duracin and Lauren Stanley (missioner) have clearly stated that all rebuilding and future development will be guided and planned by the Bishop’s chosen people, primarily Haitians, the focus of the group’s conversation centered on how Haitian Hope could best support and enhance the Bishop’s master plan (yet to be completed) for St. Marc’s.  Having explained the sous sub-group’s desires to Lauren Stanley, she offered the following comments:

• She is pleased to work with Haitian Hope because we understand the necessity of allowing the Bishop and the Haitians to do the work of rebuilding.
• Financial support empowers Haitians to do for themselves, thus preserving their dignity and self-worth.  
• When Americans, with all good intentions, go to Haiti and do the work Haitians could do for themselves, the concept of dependence and entitlement creep into their psyches and perpetuates the extreme poverty they have known for years.  Indeed, when Americans do manual labor, they rob the Haitians of an opportunity to work.  
• Given that Americans have long been known for their compassion and generosity, they want to help their neighbors.  The best way for all concerned, however, is not to do the work, but to empower the Haitians so they can work.  Giving money as gifts or grants (not loans) will achieve the goal of helping the Haitians help themselves.  
• When the Bishop is in charge, money does not fall into corrupt hands.  He and others in the Haiti Episcopal Partnership are held accountable to use any money for explicated intended purposes.  
• Bishop Duracin has asked the Partners to send money through the Haiti Episcopal Partnership in the customary way.  Other funding has been made available through ERD.
• Bishop Duracin and select engineers are creating a comprehensive plan that will meet acceptable standards and codes.  Although no buildings were designed to withstand earthquakes, they were designed to withstand the wretched destruction of hurricanes, often experienced in the Caribbean.  New plans will include construction strong enough to endure another earthquake as well as withstand hurricanes.
• Although comprehensive in nature, all plans will be individualized for specific areas and churches.
• We are urged to continue to provide funds for food and shelter for those whose homes have been destroyed until such time as they can provide for themselves.
• Reopening of schools is high on the priority list and will be effected as soon as possible.
• All teams going to Haiti are cautioned to exhibit extreme consideration for our traumatized friends.  This is a difficult time.  Although they are a resilient people, this catastrophe has proven to be the ultimate challenge.  And yet, their faith remains strong.
  
• The vision of the Episcopal Church and the bishop undergirds all plans for rebuilding and development.  First and foremost, “we will serve our people, both physically and spiritually.  The earthquake was our baptism from which will rise a new creation on holy ground.”

March 6, 2010  Letter from Pere Michaud  (Marcia  Alridge)

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

     Thank you, thank you, thank you very much....

     We are entirely grateful to the people of the church of Saint Francis for having supported us so much during these difficult times because of the earthquake.  And thank you so much for the teachers’ salaries.  May God Almighty bless the Church of Saint Francis.  

              Below is the list of priorities I have written per your request:

• 1.  Help the families victimized by the earthquake.  The parents of the two children who died in the church are in particular need of prayers and support.  In addition, there are those whose legs and arms were broken and have no means of supporting themselves and their families.
• 2.  Help the displaced in the repair of their homes constructed of wood and sheet metal roofs (sand, sheet metal, wood [2x4s], and fees for the carpenters).  This is an immediate need because it has already begun to rain.
• 3.  Food for the victims of this disaster (They have need everyday because they must eat every day)
• 4.  Construction of a rectory.

We thank you once again, our dear partners, who have helped us so much during these very difficult times.  May God bless you.

Your brother,

Rev. Pere Jean Fruitho MICHAUD

Please also note: Pere Michaud called me this morning and sent his greetings to all “his friends.”  He was ecstatic to hear that Karen Ebey-Tessendorf was in the area and will make every effort to see her.  He also mentioned that the rains had started and didn’t seem to want to ever let up.  He was also very excited to know a team of engineers would be in Trouin soon.

February 12, 2010  (Marcia Aldridge)

    Yippee!!!! The doctors came and saw 125 patients today alone. And the food scheduled to arrive tomorrow.

February 9, 2010   (Marcia Aldridge)

   Good news from ERD!  Lauren Stanley has called with great news: tomorrow (Wednesday!), five Haitian doctors with medicines and other supplies will arrive in Trouin. This help will be followed by food and some tents. Lauren wanted to make certain we all know that ERD has arranged for both the doctors and the delivery of food and tents. She is grateful for the interest, love and support of the Haitian Hope members and all the other Partners who are trying to help in the redevelopment of Haiti. A plan is in the works for better coordination of services to each of the churches in the diocese. 

February 6, 2010  (Marcia Aldridge)

     It is with great sadness that I report the current situation in Trouin.  After  living for a week in the euphoria of the promised drop by the marines, Pere Michaud tells me (and the marines have verified) no drop has taken place.  Just as we finally saw a possibility of relief for our brothers and sisters, another impediment arises.  Below is a copy of the email received from Major Noel who was about the fifth person to be contacted trying to track down the status of the drop.

Ms. Aldridge,
     I have discussed your concerns stated in your email.  I have taken
some time providing an answer to ensure that I reviewed all possible
options.  I am instructed to refer you to USAID in order to secure the
required assistance.  The military is supporting efforts that are
being lead by USAID.  Accordingly, we will respond to USAID taskings.
I regret that I am unable to provide a more comprehensive answer.
Very respectfully,
Maj Noel

     

     What makes this worse is the growing desperation on the part of Pere Michaud and our brothers and sisters.: scarcity of food, water, medicine and shelter.  We will send him money on Monday through the Partnership, but we seem to be the only ones helping.  500 people are still homeless and there does not seem to be any solution. 

     If anyone has any idea how to meet any of these needs, please help us help them.   

February 3, 2010  (Marcia Aldridge)

    Great news.  Last night at 10:55, a call came from Lt. Col Dennis Turner inquiring about whether or not a drop of the 7,000 promised meals had been effected.  He was following up on the reconnaissance mission led by Captain Warner on Sunday.  I have become deeply impressed by the diligence, perseverance and organization of OUR military, specifically the Marines.  He knew names of people and places and the details about the specific mission St Marc's was supposed to receive. 

    As I was exuding gratitude and astonishment over the genuine caring expressed by the Lt. Colonel, his response further impressed me as he said, "Well, Ma'am, they are our brothers and sisters.  We could be in the same place they are.  Caring for others is what we do."  What incredibly beautiful words.  And then, after I mumbled a few more words, he apologized for having awakened me and gave me a phone number where I can reach him if we have other questions.  We still haven't received word that a drop has been made, but I'm certain it will be.  As soon as Captain Warner contacts us, I'll contact you.       

    On another note, Pere Michaud emailed me yesterday thanking all of us for being a friend to all of them during these dire circumstances.  He must have been in Port-au-Prince in order to email.  No other details were given.

January 31, 2010  (Marcia Aldridge)

    THE MARINES HAVE LANDED IN TROUIN!  They promised to get to Trouin this morning and they did.  I spoke with both Pere Michaud and Captain Warner just a few minutes ago.  Here is the scoop: By the time the Marines arrived, all three pastors (Catholic, Episcopalian, Adventist) were anxious to meet with the Captain and explain their needs. The Marines also examined the water situation and were assured by the Haitians their water supply was adequate because of their cistern system of providing water. The Captain said he would supply some bottled water until water testing could be completed. They will bring back 7,000 MRE meals for the 10,000 people who are in the area. When asked  how many people were in Trouin, the pastors seemed to include a far reaching area beyond Trouin itself.  Captain Warner asked if I was willing for the three pastors to share the food that was delivered; and I agreed, of course.  After delivering the meals, the Marines will provide shelter in the form of tents and distribute them as needed.  So, we have begun the long road to rebuilding, thanks be to God!  

   Pere Michaud and I also talked about what he was able to purchase with the $3,000 we sent last week. He said, and the Captain confirmed, that he was able to buy rice, beans, oil and peas. The Captain also confirmed that prices for these foods are extremely high. The Captain also verified what we all thought: Trouin was not forgotten, it just wasn't in Port-au-Prince where the majority of aid and help is centered.  He was even apologetic about not getting there before now and hoped we would understand. I told him he was God's angel, and we are very grateful.

    Finally, Pere Michaud sends greetings and thanksgiving for all of you who are praying and providing his people with a means of staying alive. I almost forgot: they will also receive limited medicines, but any medicine is more than they have now. 

January 29, 2010

Second CNN iReport requesting medical aid and supplies posted by Tammy Pallot:

http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-400286

January 28, 2010   (Marcia Aldridge)

   Pere Michaud is doing ok but still in mourning over the catastrophe.  He says they have actually received a little assistance via the helicopter (unknown source) but there are way too many people and not enough supplies: food, water and medicine.  He has sent photos of the destroyed church (already emailed to you) and will send more photos of the school this weekend.  All emailing is done from Port-au-Prince.  He gets to and from PAP by Tap-Tap.

  The money we sent has arrived in PAP.  He is picking up some to make purchases of food,etc for the homeless, of which he is one.  He assured me he was able to find food to buy not only in PAP but also in Trouin!  Go figure.  Resiliency does not begin to describe these people.  

  His fiancee is helping out in the hospital in PAP but she is ok.  Although the church building is completely destroyed, the school, he thinks, can be repaired.      He has asked that we keep him and his  people in our prayers.  He thanks the good people at St. Francis for all the monetary help we have given. 

January 24, 2010  (Update- Marcia Aldridge)
Haitian Hope and the Catastrophe

No words can ever express the grief experienced by all of us as we watched and heard the news about the devastating earthquake in Haiti.  Only people of enormous faith and a resiliency unknown to us could have sung praises to God while marching through the ruins, and even while being pulled from the rubble up to ten days after the collapse of everything they had known.  

Facts pertaining to the earthquake in Trouin

-Located within the second ring around the epicenter of the earthquake (violent shaking)

-23 miles southwest of Port-au-Prince

-10 miles southwest of Leogane, which had 90% of its buildings destroyed

-St. Marc’s church building collapsed during a service, killing four people

-Most of the musical instruments were spared destruction, except for the keyboard

-St. Marc’s school was destroyed

-Kitchen is heavily damaged but may be fixable

-500 people, including Pere Michaud, are homeless and living under make-shift tents in a field next to the school

-Food is scarce

-Water has been carried from the polluted river

-Yva, having two broken legs, was transported on a door to Leogane (conflicting reports say, Jacmel), where first-responder relief officials arranged for her to go to a hospital

-Pere Michaud called during the Haitian Hope meeting (January 17) to say he was OK and the people of Trouin were praying for us

-The entire Episcopal Cathedral compound, the seminary, and the convent was destroyed

-Bishop Duracin, who stayed with the 3,000 people camped out near the Episcopal Cathedral compound, lost his residence; his wife was injured

-The entire Roman Catholic compound and its schools in Port-au-Prince were destroyed

-The Roman Catholic Archbishop was killed

-Bishop Duracin has recognized Trouin as a priority for reception of aid and funds because of the massive destruction

 

Immediate relief efforts

Episcopal Relief and Development is on the ground providing support for Bishop Duracin; distribution of all ERD funds will be determined by Bishop Duracin. The Rev Lauren Stanley has been appointed the liaison between Bishop Duracin, ERD and the Partnership. She will identify needs and relay this information to the Bishop.

As of January 24th, no relief has reached this remote village. 

Incredible Responses from others

From First Presbyterian Day School: FPD students raised $2,643 in one day by simply asking everyone to bring a dollar for Haitian Hope.  In addition, Irene Marxsen was interviewed on WMAZ and community people have generously responded by donating to Haitian Hope. 

EYC:The youth of St. Francis have offered the entire amount of profit from the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper to be designated for Haiti Emergency Relief.

From Theresa Smotherman:

On Wesleyan Campus, our club for international students, and Amnesty International are planning a benefit concert and talent show.  Three bands have donated their services and Gladys Francis (our prof from Guadaloupe) is appealing to faculty to contribute talent.  It would be nice if some St. Francis people would help or sing, or whatever.  You can get in touch with Gladys through me, or her email at school is most likely gfrancis@wesleyancollege.edu.  

From Karen Armentrout, the deacon from Church of the Holy Family, Jasper, GA:  She was to have traveled with Gail to Haiti January 16th: ... at the end of December our Outreach Committee gave us $1000 for Haiti.  So that can be the start of our relief fund.  I am going to ask them to match whatever other money we raise too.  On Thursday, January 21, they sent $2,700.  Also I’ve sent out an appeal to the short-wave radio transmitters to ask for pilots who would donate time to drop supplies in Trouin.

Tom Melville and Sandy Bush contacted Congressman Jim Marshall’s office asking for help for Trouin. Marshall has responded positively and may be able to drop envelopes of a peanut based food supplement

A donation of $5,000 from an individual who works with Deborah Wilson; and a donation of $10,000 from an individual in North Carolina who works with Thomas Aldridge have been received.  These two donations will be matched with company funds. 

Tammy Pallot made an appeal through “i report” on CNN for immediate relief to Trouin

From Frazer Lively and Wesleyan College:

Both theatre productions this semester will have donation information at the box office and will encourage patrons to donate for earthquake relief. The productions are Feb. 4-6 and April 29- May 1.  I am directing the first production. The folk and blues concert in Jan. will have fundraising for Haiti.

Joel Haywood has arranged for bridge lessons for members of the Macon-Warner Robins Bridge Clubs; he’s received several hundred dollars for Haitian Hope.

Donations have come in from everywhere.  People’s hearts have really opened to the dire circumstances of the Haitians.  If you are one of those who have contributed: thank you so very much.  If you have yet to donate, please donate generously to St. Francis (for Haiti Emergency Relief) or ERD.  With permission from the director of the Partnership program, we have sent $3,000 as a first offer of assistance.

January 20, 2010 (from Marcia Aldridge)

Both Deborah Wilson's company, GDF Suez, an international water company and Thomas Aldridge's company, PCG, a health care consultant company based in Boston, Mass have agreed to match donations from their employees made to St. Francis Church/Haitian Hope.  WOW!  Can you believe it? 

January 20, 2010  (Message from the Rev. Lauren Stanley)

Dear Friends in Christ:

On behalf of the Bishop of Haiti, the Rt. Rev. Jean Zaché Duracin, first let me say Mesi anpil, thank you very much, for your love, your prayers, your support, your generosity and your kindness. 

I know that many of you want to go to Haiti to help. Many of you already have planned mission trips, and long-standing relationships with your brothers and sisters in Christ in Haiti. Please, Bishop Duracin has been very clear about this: Unless you are a certified first-responder, now is not the time to come. Please let the professionals do their job first as they help the Haitians through the immediate dangers and relief efforts. Episcopal Relief and Development is working very hard, day and night, to get help where it needs to go. ERD is working closely with Bishop Duracin as well, who is directing efforts along with the Executive Council of the Diocese of Haiti, deciding where the most urgent needs are and how to meet them. I believe the best actions right now are to pray, to be generous in your financial assistance, and to begin praying about how you can respond in the future. If you are considering -- or had already scheduled -- a mission trip, please pray about who should go: Those who are healthy, who have specific skills such as carpentry, construction, plumbing, electrical work, to help with the first stages of rebuilding. Consider learning more Haitian Creole -- 10 lessons are available for free at www.byki.com, and more lessons can be purchased.

The Diocese of Haiti will need your help for many years. This crisis is a marathon, not a short sprint, so we must be prepared to be in this for the long haul. 

One immediate way that you can help: Please send all information to me at my email address. I am compiling it for ERD. I especially need to know about parishes in the immediately affected areas, their locations, their GPS coordinates, and the latest updates you may have received. We have a lot of information floating around out there, but I don't get all of it, and there could be vital information that I miss.

In addition, please to keep an eye on my web site, www.gointotheworld.net. Help me to ensure the information I have is correct, and help me to get more information to post.   

Please know that Bishop Duracin is counting on everyone here to work together, to help the people, and to be faithful. Together, we WILL help God's beloved children in Haiti.

Blessings and peace and many, many prayers,

The Rev. Lauren R. Stanley TEC Appointed Missionary in Haiti

Haiti address: 86 Rue Riguad Petion Ville, Haiti, WI

Haiti mobile: 011 509 3685 8329

US address; 3820 Acosta Rd. Fairfax, VA 22031

US mobile: 703-678-3892 (used only in US)

MereLaurenS@gmail.com

http://GoIntoTheWorld.net

January 16, 2010

CNN iReport requesting medical aid and supplies posted by Tammy Pallot:

http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-392548

January 14, 2010:

Pere Michaud just called both the Moultons and here (Marcia Aldridge) to assure us that given the terrible situation, he is ok.  The church has collapsed; the school rooms are cracked; 500 people are living together in a common area between the church building and the school.  There is no drinking water, little food and the 500 people are homeless, including Pere Michaud.  He will send us an email about how to get money to him as soon as he can determine how to do so.  He'll initially use the money for food, water and medicine.  Four people died, Yva has two broken legs; others have broken legs and/or arms.  There is no medical personnel in Trouin.  Pray for them.   Irene Marxsen was on the news tonight with a plea for donations to go to Trouin.  The FPD students are taking donations tomorrow from among themselves.  They will be given to Haitian Hope and forwarded to Pere Michaud. 

January 13, 2010:

Four people were killed by the earthquake during an Episcopal church service
in Trouin, about 23 miles southwest of Haiti's capital Port-au-Prince, the
Rev. Lauren Stanley, an Episcopal Church missionary in Haiti who was home in
Virginia at the time of the earthquake, told ENS.

December 2009 News & Notes

Pere Michaud's Visit, October, 2009

Team 6 Report

Haitian Hope: After The Storms

Mission Trip - Haiti, 2008

The Haitian Hope Project is a gift to St. Francis that allows us to serve our brothers and sisters in Christ. A grassroots effort to carry out God's work in Haiti, this ministry has no paid staff. All money raised goes to help those who live in and around the remote mountain village of Trouin.

Haiti is the poorest nation in the Western hemisphere, and the third poorest nation in the world. The unemployment rate is a staggering 76%, with 80% of Haitians struggling to live on less than two dollars a day. Life expectancy is under 53 years of age. As of 2006, 55% of Haitians were illiterate. Slightly more than half of the primary school age children are enrolled in school. Sadly, of those enrolled, less than 2% finish secondary school. Most families have no regular means of support. In the most depressed areas, fortunate children are those who are fed once a day.

For much of its history, Haiti has been seen “through a glass, darkly.”  After having won its independence in a slave revolution in 1840, the world’s first black republic was viewed with fear by slave owners afraid of similar rebellions. Plans and laws quickly arose to ostracize Haiti from full participation in the world market. With multiple corrupt governments and few educated leaders, Haiti has endured hardships that stagger the imagination.  Haitians, however, remain spiritually alive and hold on to hope for a better future in the bleakest of conditions.

More recently, as a result of three devastating hurricanes and one tropical storm wreaking havoc and chaos throughout the country in October of 2007, much of the world has taken a special interest in Haiti.  Most of the national debt has been forgiven.  More aid has been promised.  And, the Episcopal Church General Convention passed a resolution (A036) that urges each Episcopal church and school to partner with a church or school in Haiti.

Saint Francis became involved in Haiti after having studied the Acts of the Apostles where it became evident that all are called to serve the poor.  A formal relationship with Saint Marc’s Church and School was realized through the Episcopal Haiti Partnership in 2004.  In June 2006, the first Haitian Hope team visited our brothers and sisters in Trouin. They toured St Marc's School, which had 250 students, some of whom walked three hours one way to attend. School is not free, families must pay tuition, buy uniforms, and provide supplies. The children had no lunch. The school had no lunch program. 

In 2009, after six teams have visited St. Marc’s in Trouin, Haitian Hope provides all 400 students with a hot lunch in the new kitchen.  For approximately $75 per year, Haitian Hope also provides students with uniforms, shoes, and some supplies.  Six teachers receive annual salaries of $1,000. 

 

HERE'S HOW YOU CAN HELP....

For only $30, you can provide a hot lunch to one child for the entire school year. The hearty meal consists of goat meat, black beans and rice with goats milk. For only $75, you can provide a student with a uniform, tuition, supplies and one hot meal.  To provide for a teacher’s salary, $1,000 is all that’s needed. 

Please support these precious children of God by sending your tax deductible contribution to Haitian Hope % St Francis Church, 432 Forest Hill Rd. Macon, GA 31210.  On your check, please state Saint Francis Church as the payee and on the “FOR” line, write Haitian Hope.

     

                 
Your help is needed now more than ever.