Haiti Update #2: August 21, 2021

Greetings in the name of our Lord. The Team has had a busy first day, but are doing well and are excited for tomorrow. They were up very early and on their way to Port-au-Prince by about 0700 hours EST. Customs could not have gone better and they were on the tarmac in Les Cayes by about 1330 hours. A pastor and 6 translators transported the team to their church and then to meet with Dr. Johnny at his clinic. The Team will be staying with Dr. Johnny and his family in their compound which is very secure with a walled perimeter and locked gate. Our team has settled in a separate upstairs living quarter.

I have included a map which I hope helps you track locations as the team moves about because they will be on the move tomorrow. The plan for tomorrow will include 3 stops. They will leave the compound at about 0700. First stop tomorrow is at the Les Cayes hospital. It sounds like not much is remaining except a small section that is being used as an area for staging Med Evac and treating emergencies, but the team will assess need and space.

Second stop is Samaritan’s Purse field hospital which became operational to treat patients today. In traveling to Les Cayes, our team exchanged greetings and contact information with medical personnel going to help Samaritan’s Purse. Later, Doc Sherry got a call asking about the large supply of crutches our team had in tow. Second stop is to share some crutches with brothers and sisters at “Sam’s Purse” before moving on to Jeremie (north-west end of the island) which has more damage than Les Cayes and is only about an hour and 40-minute drive. If things go as planned, the team will see patients at/from Jeremie’s local hospital tomorrow.

Lines of communication with the team became more difficult almost immediately when they got on the island. Dr. Sherry did get a quick call through late this evening. If I don’t send out a daily update, it is because I have not heard from anyone and cannot report to you. When that occurs, I will get information to you as soon as I have some to give. Keep praying and keep the faith!

Prayer Requests:

• Plenty of clean drinking water. Temperature is about 100 and, of course, no air conditioning anywhere; therefore, hydration is going to be important

• The safety and health of the team

• Strong, collaborative relationships and bonds among the responding NGOs

• Prayers for Haitians and the island of Haiti

• Ministry opportunities