Les Cayes Limbo

Over the past 15 hours, we have learned a lot but are still staying put in Les Cayes for now. We've been able to glean many facts from a variety of sources... friends and family abroad, as well as a surprising amount via email with people throughout Haiti (and even in Port-au-Prince).

First, there's the basic facts (which I put up front because they speak to why we are staying put for now):
- Phones are worse than last night... but email/online communication seems to be solid.
- Many roads are impacted... but at least one road is passible so people can get out of the Southern Department (where we are) toward PAP and the rest of the country.
- The regional airport resumes some flights tomorrow (only domestic flights)... and it's booked solid for now.
- Financial institutions and most stores were closed today... though I did have a chance to go grocery shopping.

So basically, Les Cayes is okay... but today it operated like it was Sunday. I want to make this clear before anyone worries too much about us.


Of course, even more important are the people. We are lucky that as far as we know the organizations we have partnered with have had no fatalities. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for their loved ones. In fact, many from our part of the country are just trying to get a hold of their families in Port-au-Prince. We've tried to do what we can to help... but it's extremely difficult to connect with the capital... unless you know someone with internet.

Our connections have told us of the great devastation first-hand:
- The injured in the US Embassy... some who have spent hours to dig themselves free with broken legs and are awaiting evacuation...
- The hundreds bedded down for the night in a hotel parking lot because there is no other place to go...
- The basic necessity of clearing bodies before they become a problem in days to come...


As you may gather, there has been little to do but try to collect information. International aid organizations are still figuring out their game plans and so very little is moving around within the country, as far as I can tell.

In the meantime, we are safe and sound. And we won't know about our return until it is determined when commercial flights can resume. Just be aware that we have been able to contact our travel insurance company and to register at the embassy (thanks to those who helped).

Our new friend here (who was ironically State-side for an exam when all this happened) is keeping a blog of his time in Haiti with some useful links (take a bow, Lee): http://leeinhaiti.com/

So check that if you want some news links. If you want further personal impressions... that'll just have to wait for another time.

But keep the emotional support coming... we definitely appreciate it.

-Ryan