My heart is in agony as I write this update, for many reasons, our world is in turmoil but mostly for our friends in Haiti.

I am unable to tell you how they are feeling, whether they are losing hope, or how they are beholding. The only thing I know is that I am sick to my stomach, and I feel helpless and hopeless because there’s nothing, I can do for them.

They are not safe in the area if gangs are in charge. People are unable to stay in their homes because of robbery and killings. It has gotten to that extreme in the city, neighbors against neighbors. They are hungry and they are scared because there’s not an end in sight. No one is coming to their rescue. 

There is a song in Kreol, O sekou, o sekou, ki les ki pou sove-m, o sekou.  Translates as…Oh help, oh help, who will save me, oh help.

Our babies are waiting for schools to open this year and so far, nothing. Every time I speak to Pastor Paul, they have had to delay the opening date. Can you imagine living like this? I am from Haiti, and I cannot imagine that kind of life.  I came to the U.S. quite young, and I remember the beautiful Haiti and after Papa Doc died, the country took on a new image. The kind that eats away at your souls, day by day, one person at a time.  I asked myself, how did things get to this extreme? 

The story of Haiti is one that is hard to believe. Famous people used to visit and have properties in Haiti. The stories I’ve heard about how we gained our independence.  Outsiders have criticized Haitian because of their insolence, their desire to be free. Other countries have taken advantage of Haiti, beginning with France who made them pay ransom for their freedom.   

Don’t get me wrong, the people are not without faults. They fight over the presidency. Every president, after Papa Doc came and stole from Haiti. Left us with less resources to move forward. Every time there’s an election, one group refused to accept the president so that becomes a problem. Also, the assassination of the last elected president.  Guns made their way into the streets, stolen and hidden by Ton-Ton Makout. Young men and women who wanted power and control are using those guns (that should not be used by civilians) to kill each other and innocent civilians, bystanders. That was before the shortage of gas and the high prices of  food. Now they have cholera to worry about.

We sent them a barrel of food, but it cannot be delivered because of the gas crises, the conditions in the streets, and mostly security.

I sent them a transfer,  hoping that Pr. Paul can make it  to the bank. The lines are out the door because they only open three days a week. You just have to keep on trying and you must get there extra early. Crossing city lines are not safe because the gangs are controlling everything.