Dumplist of Updates

Internet was slow last night and we've been extremely busy figuring out our best options for what to do until we can return home... so you get a mid-day update instead.

We've been staying at the headquarters for Hope for Haiti in Les Cayes for the past two nights. Which helped since our stay may be prolonged and financial insitutions have been largely closed since the earthquake.

Here's what we know about PAP...
Roads are busy but passable to PAP. Not only did a couple we know make it to PAP, but buses are starting to load with people and donated supplies who seek their families or to help in general. The UN had their food supplies looted today as supplies thin, though the airport is now receiving relief efforts and we hope this will change. Some of the biggest issues are food, water, and removing the deceased from the streets. Medical supplies are also rapidly runnigng out. For example, Hope for Haiti began a trauma center in Petionville in PAP... and has identified all medical supplies, many food and other emergency supplies, as well as clothing for the injured as huge needs. So if you can find a place to support that is sending physical aid, that is also needed (I think Los Angeles sent a rapid response team). I'd check online (though a few I know are Hope for Haiti, Partners in Health, Catholic Relief Services, among others).

In Les Cayes, things are gearing up for continuing to receive the displaced and injured. The hospital is already swamped despite being 140 miles away from PAP. The UN, CRS, Rotary Club and others are mobilizing to erect a temporary city for the displaced. Many here have donated additional clothing or money to PAP through their churches or the radio station, and Red Cross is holding a big blood drive. But Les Cayes is not without it's share of challenges. Gas is becoming short... which effects not only transportation, but electricity. So we expect that general electricity will be replaced by generators in many sections of the city... and the batteries that are already in place. This means we'll likely be moving from our cushy location soon... and will update you as soon as that happens.

Currently, we are trying to help and consider options with a fairly mobilized group of American engineers and missionaries. We are uncertain if we still have the option to head for PAP soon, but we at least know where and who to work with if we do.

In the meantime, I just literally received our first text of any kind in two days just a few minutes ago. We still expect communication to be difficult... but if the lines get fully re-established, we may be able to add more time and communicate with the phone tree as we are able (again, things are very busy here in gathering information, remaining prepared, and providing what little help we can while we do so).

So... please know that Jess and I are still safe and I will post again, if the internet gods are willing.