Report from Haiti II

Well, Daddy arrived safely in the Dominican Republic where he preached morning and night at two churches. He returned to Haiti yesterday with three medical teams, one of which he is a part. Thankfully, we were able to talk to him a few times before he left. He mentioned some things that might be helpful to those of us here who would like to lend aid to Haiti: 1) Tents are 'gold'. The living conditions of the dislocated families are horrendous! Some live on tarps spread on the ground, others in cardboard boxes, and others live in 'communal homes' which consist of four sticks and a tarp thrown across to protect from the sun. They do everything around their homes, and when I say everything, I mean everything. Daddy says tents would make the situation much better. We must keep in mind that Haiti's rainy season is coming upon us and many of the people have chosen to make their homes on the dry river beds due to the soft sand. This will not do! 2) Protein drinks. Rice will not nourish a body, just keep it alive. Things like Ensure, etc. would at least give them some nutrition without the need for refrigeration. Also, these shakes are individually sealed so there is no chance of contamination during the handling or cooking which is vital for such an unhygienic place.

Those are some of the more practical things we discussed, but I also asked him about the condition of the children in Haiti, particularly in reference to the thousands of orphans the country has. If any of you have seen Mr. Phillips posts on UNICEF's influences in Haiti, know what he says is right. Daddy saw it first-hand as well. Whenever Daddy asked anyone in Haiti about adoption, they shied away from the subject as if it was taboo, or they had no idea about the process altogether. The reason for this is twofold. Firstly, UNICEF has a distinctly anti-American Adoption agenda and as they have significant sway in Haiti, their agenda is widespread. The ordeal with the ten American missionaries who were imprisoned was a joke. We all knew they were not sex-traffickers! But after that incident, Haitians and their foreign helpers alike avoid helping orphans leave Haiti, whether for medical treatment or adoption. Secondly, many in Haiti live of off the mercy-system. They have orphanages which bring in a good income. Losing the orphans would mean losing their livelihood. Despicable, I know, but it is the truth. Now, I realize there are good missionaries and good Haitians with a true desire to help, and help they do! But the reality remains that a fair number of orphan-care workers are not what they seem. That is why it is difficult to adopt! And why we who lend our aid must be cautious in how we do so.

I expect more updates to come along soon! Communication with Daddy while he is in Haiti is minimal, so it might not be for a while. In the meantime, please keep him and the other workers in your prayers.