As we headed for the airport, there were a number of uncertainties. Where were we going to sleep? What were we going to eat and drink? Will we be able to buy food and water for our orphanages? How were the Haitian people going to treat us in a time of desperation? So many questions without any real answers, however, one question that we could answer was “why”. We wanted to do everything we could to help our children and Friends in Haiti.
As we drove through the streets of Port-au-Prince, is became quite clear to us, that this was an overwhelming and devastating event that happened here just 12 days prior. This quake had no bias. It paralyzed the rich, the poor, the powerful, and the weak. Our eyes became fixated on the destruction; our hearts were breaking for those that lied beneath the rubble, and our minds were stuck, overwhelmed, and unsure of how we were going to carry out this task. Fortunately, we were not alone in this endeavor.
Many of our orphanages and ministries were severely damaged and no longer suitable for occupancy. Fortunately, at the last minute, we dedicate almost all of our luggage space to tents, rope, and tarps. We were able to set up temporary shelters for our orphanages, a church, pastors, and the parents of Good Samaritan.
We also took down some money to use to buy food and water. God on the other hand had a different idea. He constantly gave us direction and provided three different avenues to attain food, water and supplies. We spend the next three days gathering and distributing God’s bounty. When it was all said and done, we secured and distributed over $100,000 worth of food, water, and supplies. We were unsure of what some of the supplies even were, until our translators shared with us how critical it was to get them.
We also had no intention of getting into the medical supply business, but again God had other ideas. He provided over 150 cases of medicine, vitamins, and first aid supplies. Unfortunately it was all labeled in Spanish. After almost deciding to take them back, we decided to call a friend of ours Dr. Jude. It turns out that he was working at a clinic very close to one of the poorest sections in Port-au-Prince and they were in desperate need of medication. So we packed up two truckloads of medical supplies and took them to his clinic. Oh, and if you were wondering, unknown to us before the call, Dr. Jude is fluent in Spanish.
Through the generosity the church, the community, and God hookin us up food and supplies, we were able to use the money that we took down for renting a new facility for the Good Samaritan orphanage. We were also able to hire teachers and buy school supplies, so the kids can finish out their school year. And provided financial aid to the orphanage for their on-going expenses.
Needless to say we were all humbled. Humbled by the fact that God choose us to carry out a small part of His vision. Humbled by all the love, prayer and support we received from our families, the church and the community. But maybe most of all, we were humbled by the Haitian people. They are people of faith, people of honor, and people of Hope. Here are two quotes that we will soon not forget: As Pastor Nathan pointed to a 10’x10’ ripped canopy, he said with great joy and content in his heart, “This is my home now, and I thank God for it” and when I asked Dr. Jude what will he do with all this medication, he raised his hands and said, “Dear brother, what is freely received, is freely given.”
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