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Haitian luger?
Sorry, just wanted to get your attention.
But while on the subject, I just thought I'd mention John D.'s (Administrator & LugerForum Site Owner) charitable project in Haiti. If you've heard about the recent earthquake, you'll realize that now is a great time to get involved. If you've never donated before, now would be a great time to start. No matter how much you give, you get a great feeling. It's like buying stock in "hope". http://www.rennwish.org/index.htm http://www.rennwish.org/images/espwa/aam.sized_1.jpg |
Update...
Just found this:
http://pwojeespwa.blogspot.com/ Looks like they're OK... for now. Tuesday, January 12, 2010 Earthquake 2 The news from Port-au-Prince is very bad. Few could get through as the cell phones are either not working or the lines are jammed with everyone attempting to call. Heard from Andy Topp who is down here with a group helping out another orphanage in the area and they are all well. The focus right now is to help our sisters and brothers in the capital. Getting in and out of Port-au-Prince may not be possible as I've heard that the road has become impassable. As all of us down south depend on food shipments (and all other commodities) from Port-au-Prince, this could become a major crisis for us. Please do what you can for the Haitians and keep us all in your prayers. Two more tremors Wow. Just finished with two more tremors that felt much like the first one right after the earthquake. Don't think the folks down here will sleep well tonight. |
My thanks Jack....
P-A-P is pretty much a mess, but, like all of you - most of my news is coming from the press... I had the opportunity to get a notice from one of the folks at Pwoje Espwa - and all is OK there... I've been trying since yesterday afternoon/evening using Internet, phone (land, cell) and some social networking sites Even my Digicel (my cell phone & # for Haiti) phone won't go through.. OK - mostly - I know nothing.. I've heard that one of the schools we built is fine - as well as the 600+ children in that orphanage (according to Marc - the "kids are a little shaken up by the whole thing" (he has a dry sense of humor ;) ).... The other two story school, the other orphanage, the villagers and the children we are support (in our "family to child" programs) are in other districts - and as of now, I have no news about.. I suspect downtown Cayes suffered the most damage in that region, as well as some of the mountain villages in the Petite Riviere area - but, I have no way of knowing for sure? While it's been a long night for Jen & I - I know it was a longer night for those in Haiti.. I will also add this.. I can not tell you how incredible your words and support means - not really to Jen and I and Project Rennwish - but rather, to those folks in Haiti who are "living this nightmare"... Your pledges and financial contributions - each of them - is gratefully acknowledged and most thankfully received... More than you may know... I think it's best to keep that momentum up as, once we find out what is needed most (food, water, medical, equipment, etc. ) - then and only then can we decide how to make the largest positive impact during their time of crisis and the ensuing aftermath... My sincerest thanks to all.... John |
John D,
Our prayers and thoughts are with you and the kids in Haiti... please keep us up on any news you receive on conditions at your project. kind regards, John S |
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Terry and I will pray for the kids and everyone to be safe or at least safer... |
Hi John and Ed..!
John - I'm so sorry I missed your phone call, but it is no less appreciated - both in words and in deed.. My sincerest thanks!! As well - Ed.. Honestly, my first reaction was to hop on a flight into PAP, but, even if I were able to get into PAP, I don't think there is a way to get to our projects in Les Cayes?? Anyway - I wouldn't drag you down to Haiti with me - unless, of course - you really want to go?? As well - I heard that the cell phone network now works into Port au Prince, and they are trying to repair the cell infra-structure, so I may have real news later.. If I do - I will post it here, OK? My sincerest thanks for your thoughts and prayers for all the people in Haiti right now... John |
Finally - Adrien (one of the Rennwish folks in Haiti) was able to grab an internet connection... His area has no phones (and since my Haiti number is tied to that same area - I have no phone into Haiti...)... So - here are snippets of his long e-mail - but, in short - all our kids are OK..!!! Thank you - thank you... Thank you.... OK - I'll share my thoughts I sent to him when he has a chance to reply about what we need to do to assist those in Haiti...
Thank you all who posted in thies read, or read this thread, or have supported Rennwish... "Dear Brother How are you doing? By our side we are fine but yesterday in Haiti we had an earthquake by 5 pm and it lasted for 1 minute , it did not make a lot of damage in les Cayes but in port-au-prince it broke a lot of buildings, a lot of people die. People that leave in les Cayes are victim because they have their family leave at port-au-price. Now in Haiti there are a lot people crying for their close family they are lose and until now we don’t know the number of death and Injured people we have. They searchers and the investigators keep seeking for the death and injured people. The mothers and the children are doing okay but there is one of the mother’s has a cousin died in Port –au-prince at that event. We have many relatives and friends in Port-au-prince so, We don’t know how many victims we have because we don’t have any way to communicate, phone does not work. In our area, there are some wall of some houses that failed down. There are some deaths in les cayes and a lot of injured people in hospital in les cayes and there is not enough bed for them. It is a very sad situation for Haiti. I love you my brother. Your brother, Adrien" |
John,
I can't imagine the living Hell that must be going on in Hatii right now. I hope the prez has the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coasties, UPS, FedEx..whtever, mobilized and going there!!The military is the only help that get there fast to help those people!! May GOD help them!! Mike & Ruthie |
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The Brazilian Army suffered 14 fatal casualties (including a Colonel) and has four soldiers missing up to now.
The Brazilian Force forms the main core of the UN Peace Force that is kept there since 2004. Let's pray for them, that died in a peacekeeping mission. Meanwhile, the remaining force is trying to give the locals some help, and supplies has been sent from Brazil through the Air Force, in order to mitigate so much suffering. In the picture below, Brazilian soldiers look at a UN building that collapsed during the quake. Douglas. |
Actually, I met a few of the fellows from Brazil with the UN Peacekeeping Mission last year. I want to tell you how sad I am to read your post. The Peacekeeping troops in Haiti have had a very difficult assignment over the years - and I think the fellows I met said that their tour ended in the fall of this year (2010, I think?)...
If you are from Brazil - you and your countrymen have my thanks and my prayers... As well. I just had a conversation with Adrien (he stood in line for 3 hours for three hours to use a temporary phone that was set up to call family/friends in the USA). He mentioned the following: There are vast amounts of people leaving Les Cayes to Port-au-Prince to check on family and friends. However, there is only primary road, which, as he understands is not open. There are several back routes at twice the distance, but he is unsure whether those are open either either. The hospital in Les Cayes is desperate need of food, medicine, beds, dressings and basic supplies. Many remain on the street waiting for any medical attention at all. I'm sure this pales by comparison to Port-au-Prince. The next two to three weeks will be critical. As food, water, medical supplies are already in short supply - we can further expect a displacement of people from Port-au-Prince as an influx into Les Cayes and other outlying cities. This will tax an already over-stressed region, and given the condition of the infra-structure in Haiti today, I'm not certain International Assistance will be able to reach these cities in time with adequate basic supplies. My thanks to all of you, John |
John, I was talking with a Friend, George Fortier..a Forum Member when he brought up a subject I should have thought of and hadn't. There are sure to be MANY more orphans now.
I think the immediate help that is being generated right now is obviously good and hopefully will meet the great needs of those who are hurting..at least as much as can be funneled into the small airport at the time. What must be considered is the longer term affects of this social upheaval. This is sure to last for a generation or more... Do you have any thoughts on the needs of your Rennwish orginazation for the years to come? Jerry Burney |
Good hearted naturalist...
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John D. would know better, but like Jerry suggests... "fire and forget" assistance may not be in order (although better than nothing at all). A more helpful approach may be to give less initially, but resolve to dribble in a few bucks every year or so for the foreseeable future (or perhaps for the rest of your life). |
I think the biggest problem is getting supplies to the people. In many cases the supplies of food and medical gets to the ports, but the infrastructure can't take it inward. So hopefully many HUMVEEs, all terrains or the like and heavy equipment is part of the pasckage being sent.....
Ed |
Jack, As I see it that is what John's orphanage does..tries to make a difference long term. This disaster will change the lives of many millions. The difference will be if we are still willing to help a year from now, ten years from now.
Jerry Burney |
I am about to make this public announcement:
"Buy a Bandage" What is "Buy a Bandage"? It's a Rennwish (a 501C3) partnership with Pwoje Espwa, based in Les Cayes, Haiti, to subsidize the Hospital in Les Cayes, Haiti for emergency medical care, supplies, food, and basic necessities for its operation and relief of earthquake victims. As of today - all those items are depleted. To help - please visit http://rennwish.org Summary: Again - I wanted to thank all of you for your words, ideas, support and encouragement. As you know, many of your comments I've shared with some of our friends in Haiti. They are more appreciated thank you may know - or, maybe you do know? Over the past several days - I've been trying to understand exactly "how" Rennwish can make the greatest impact given our limited exposure and, well - to be frank - limited resources. From our previous projects, we have selected programs, which are guaranteed to directly impact and influence the lives and education of children within Haiti. We believe we have been successful with our "partners" in those efforts - namely the children themselves, the villages, and our more formal partners, such as Pwoje Espwa. The current crisis and disaster has only strengthened our commitment to the same credo - do as much as we possibly can to effect immediate improvement to those children, women, and men who, as I write this - are suffering unimaginable injuries and trauma. Therefore, after communicating with Fr. Marc Boisvert - we believe, that together - you, Rennwish and Pwoje Espwa - can assist those injured children, women and men who might be otherwise overlooked immediately by the tremendous International Aid effort underway in Port-au-Prince, Petionville, Jacmel and some additional regions The Goal: Immediate Requirement: $75,000 ($21,000 Medical/Supplies and $54,000 Emergency food/relief). In the last few days, Rennwish has received exactly $5,042.00 in contributions earmarked for relief, with another $4,550 committed. All of those monies will be released for their intended purpose specified below. The remaining roughly $65,000 we hope to raise in the next few days - and with your help - by gosh - we can and will do it. Mission - short term: To subsidize the Hospital in Les Cayes, Haiti for emergency medical supplies, food, and basic necessities for its operation and relief of victims. As of today - all those items are depleted. In short, we will buy and distribute Medical supplies for the Les Cayes Hospital, re-stock Pwoje Espwa's medical clinic and provide medicine, food an comfort for many of the injured children, women and men who are strewn throughout the Les Cayes hospital grounds awaiting any relief whatsoever. The Purpose: All monies will be wired to Fr. Marc Boisvert at Pwoje Espwa directly into Haiti. As well - that is the same orphanage we partnered with to construct one of several planned Technical Schools. I trust Marc and his staff implicitly and since they are "on site" in the Cayes region - represent our partnership locally for this huge effort. As well, Marc assures us that if he had the money to acquire the medical supplies and food - he has access to them. So - let's get Marc that money so he can do his part to assist those most in need. So - here is the deal…. As true to Rennwish's and Pwoje Espwa's legacy - we believe that getting your donations directly into the hands of those most in need sends a powerful message. While we could purchase the items outside of Haiti, pay for packing, pay for shipping, pay for delivery into Haiti and pay more to get them into Les Cayes - that option becomes both cost prohibitive and doesn't allow the emergency supplies to get into the hands that need them most - when they are needed most… Further, it also dilutes your donations with unnecessary packing/shipping/delivery charges. Our intention has always been - and will always be - 100% of what you donate goes to the programs. This program. "Buy a Bandage" is "one of those programs. You may also ask that isn't this program outside what Rennwish has traditionally undertaken? Yes, it is. As you know, in the past - we have succeeded at building infrastructure in the care and education of children who can go on and change their own community as they mature. However, Rennwish has always responded to where there is the greatest need - which is why we have a legacy of programs in Haiti today. Today's need in Haiti is both acute and life threatening. We are obligated to respond to those same needs today. Working directly with Fr. Marc, his staff, Pwoje Espwa and the hospital in Les Cayes as they struggle to make a difference in basic human life isn't an option. It's a requirement of "life" for us, the living. We must not fail. It really is that simple. Our thanks, John Dunkle Rennwish.org Fr. Marc Boisvert Pwoje Espwa - Haiti |
John, it sounds like being down there is less helping than doing what yer doing my friend.
Ed |
We are obligated to respond to those same needs today. Working directly with Fr. Marc, his staff, Pwoje Espwa and the hospital in Les Cayes as they struggle to make a difference in basic human life isn't an option. It's a requirement of "life" for us, the living.
John, Thank you for giving us the opportunity to help - even in the critical financial situation that the US finds itself in this year, we are still the richest country, much luckier than any individual in Haiti. Such a situation is overwhelming - hard to imagine even with all the photos & news, it seems surreal. Ask and you shall receive. Each small amount will hopefully total up to what is needed - Jerry and I thank you for what you do. $200 is not much, but it will add up! Best & Prayers, Ellie PS: I am sending your Rennwish link to family & friends - |
Hello John,
My wife and I don't have alot, but I just sent a contribution to Rennwish. I challange all Forum members to do the same! Mike & Ruthie Bohannon :thumbup: |
I just posted this on the P38 Forum - and a warning - this is a difficult post to read... But....
Again, my thanks to all of you..... I'd almost run out of words.. However - I just received this note from Adrien in Port-au-Prince.. I asked him to go to PAP to check on our friends and his family. This e-mail from him is NOT EDITED.... It is what it is - and why we are doing all this.. As you read his note, he has NO IDEA I would post his comments - and please know this is one of my guys - who I trust without question. My dear brother, The situation in Haiti is very complicated today. Port-au-prince is broken down and the town should be repaired Most of the buildings that are broken are the state’s building, like The palace, laws court and some of the Government representative are died during a meeting they had at Montana hotel some of our artist died in Le Flambroyant hotel they had a meeting for the carnival next February, most of the universities are collapsed with student who made an examination at that time and most of them still alive under the ground and they send message text to their family and close friends. Some die because they can’t breathe and others because they had hurt. Now Port-au-Prince is very smell bad because the deaths are everywhere in the streets they the obliged to dug holes to bury the deaths, they put them in a dumbstruck to throw them in holes. And a lot of crying everywhere in Haiti. What which is hard for some people is because they may be lost a close and they will not see them anymore. There is no communication, the way is broken the circulation to go there is not good. I have some of my cousins who hurt but not to bad and their houses are broken. The people live in the street because they are houseless some who have houses sleep outside because they are afraid of the houses even the people in les cayes they sleep in the street for the same reason. Even the strangers who come to the country for help, it is true they help but they more focus on the hotel of Montana where they have some their own nation as representative in Haiti. The people in Port-au-Prince are waterless and foodless. Most of them leave the Capital to go to different places. Now in Les cayes all the hospital are full with people and we don’t have enough doctor or medical assistant to take care of them. The representing we have in les cayes to ameliorate the situation and to welcome the new comers let the people leave in the soccer field and ask to every people to come with their help, like to bring water, food, clothes because some of them escape from the Capital with only one clothe and most of them are not from in les cayes so, they don’t have any one here they know they come because they find only the opportunity to escape the Capital and they profit to leave. Most of them are died by painful. The situation is very sad. Now everything is very expensive like thought, like food, gas, even clothes and for the electricity they only give us power for some hours and all the institutions is closed like bank, school, university and all the state’s institution. Now the situation is very hard, sad and complicated in Haiti. For the money I could not take it from western union but I borrowed it from a friend that I used to buy cement and Iron,when I get the money,I will pay it back.I went to Port-au-prince,I bought waters,juice,breads and some snacks and brought them to the people and then I share the rest of the money to them and their neighbors.They were very happy,they told me thank you and I told them to thank God and my brother John Dunkle and his wife. My brother it is very Sad.I took some pictures,the internet conection is not very good now,I will send you them next time. I love you Jen and my brother very very much. Adrien. |
My Reply to Adrien's note was:
Hello Brother.... You are not alone - I cry with you for all Haiti is today, after the earthquake. I cry for the people too. What Jen and I and all of Rennwish do is so small compared to the hurt of the people there. I am so sad also to read about what the international community try to save - but, as I say to you another time, I know they try to save their own first. that makes me sad... Today, I start a new program to save the hospital in Cayes. We try to raise money - and then have Fr. Mark at Espwa buy medical supplies , food, beds for the Haitians at the hospital in Cayes - not for our use - BUT for the use for the people of Haiti - the children especially and those people who are like those who you mention. Your people, family and friends. I think "our" people. I think we can do all that - just for the people. Not for the USA or for the Chinese or for all the countries, alone - but - more importantly - only for the people in Haiti... It is OK my brother to cry about all that happens in PAP and Haiti - and all that you see. All that you live through. It is all OK.. You - and the people in Haiti do not cry alone. We cry with you. You are not alone. We are with you. All who support Rennwish... Please tell people in Haiti who want to give us a hug - all of us hug them back even more. And please tell them they are not alone either... I love you, Your Brother, John |
John,
I don't cry often, but... Mike |
Hi Mike,
i know you weren't alone... My thanks.. As well... Apparently there are a number of copies of this thread in the various forums and sites, so I apologize to all of you is you have read this post in one of those threads as well... You see.... I just came home from work - and while I'm trying to prepare to get into Haiti as part of a rescue, if we get clearance, I wanted to say this... You folks - all of you - are amazing. I am humbled, speechless - and a lot more than a little proud to be your voice to so many in Haiti who have no voice. In short - what we are trying to do - and will do - is actually "adopt" a hospital for the next few weeks and give the children, men & women (I believe there are about 1500 in dire medical need at that hospital as I write this) - the medicine they require, food, water - and most importantly - simply *hope* that we - or rather YOU - have not forgotten nor forsaken them... I don't really know anymore the right words to say. I do know that those in Haiti do not have the right words, either - to express to all of you their thanks. If you doubt that - please read Adrien's e-mail posted earlier, OK? As well - on to the "nut-and-bolts"... In the past 28 hours - Rennwish has raised approximately $23,000 for this effort alone. The prelimary figures are: $14,267 - PayPal $8,100 - Committed as "checks in the mail"; $700 - eChecks not cleared but in process I shake my head in disbelief, because - just like you - I find it amazing that so many could care so much... And we have just started on attacking that $75,000 goal. I know - we will "just get it done" - as you and Rennwish has so often in the past... To the number of folks that asked if they could defray the PayPal processing expenses, my thanks - but the answer is "no". It's been our "mantra" that if you give "$1" - then "$1" goes to that Rennwish Program. Jen and I have traditionally offset any PayPal or wire transfer or bank expenses from our end. We will continue to do so - as I made that guarantee that your "$1" reaches the children and the people intact and in full. It's what we do and will continue to do... A few have asked how we intend to get the funds into Haiti to acquire the supplies, etc... That's easy... We need to get some funds immediately into those purchasing the medical supplies - so they can get them into the hands of the hospital and the folks. So, we'll send enough via instant wire services to make the initial purchases for the first few days. At the same time - we will bank-wire direct into the Haitian financial banks the major portion of your funds, but it typically takes those funds about 4-5 days to clear within Haiti. So - in short - we'll start getting your supplies into Haiti as a trickle, while the major banks clear the majority of the assets - which will insure the funds, medicine, food and necessities of life continue to flow... This is all being done from "within Haiti" itself... Finally - here and an edited private e-mail I sent to a contributor, who was worried if he'd done enough... ....Honestly? I am so overwhelmed by you and others - I am speechless... Since the earthquake - in private - I've been a mess. I've lost some "friends" - and given the situation, have felt like "what can we really do?" - which pales in comparison to all the International Aid, syndicated charities, etc... But then - as I got in contact with my folks (like Adrien and Marc), knew that there was so much to do... All we want to do is get aide to the people who need it... One person to one person.... Giving an entire hospital - which has been forsaken so far - medicine, supplies, food, water, - HOPE - is what we do best. In fact -- it is what "we do"... That "we" is you and the folks who have contributed - have done. It's "person to person". That's personal. That is you. You made a huge difference - simply by choosing to care.... So, my thanks.... My "job" is easy... My "job" is to ensure that $1.00 donated goes to $1.00 of aid. No newspaper articles. And no clips on major network TV news... No pictures.... No pat on the backs.... Just simply - people-to-people. My thanks for that, John |
John, Do you know if you can get into Haiti?
Jerry Burney |
I have had an amazing response to this not only from Forum Members but surprisingly from Family and Friends. I sent this out to everyone in my address book...I have had people I have not heard from in months write in and say they had been looking for a good way to donate. This is it and I have seen them donate many hundreds.
These are people who have never seen the Luger Forum. Or ever will. I want to ask those of you who will step up..write a little something, copy paste some of what the Orphanage is all about and fire it off to EVERYONE in your address book. You will do your Friends a favor..I tell you they WANT to donate but just don't know a good charity. Camon fellows, John still needs our help. People/fellow human beings are still hurting and hungry. John and a couple of bucks from you are what will ease their burden. Many thanks for those who have given already. Jerry Burney |
Hi Jerry and all..!!
Jerry - THANK YOU!!! I know I sound like a broken record - but... As Jerry mentioned - Rennwish has had many donations from friends of Jerry's and Ellie's simply because they helped get the word out.. Every dollar right now is critical - as all you know... A few have asked what more than can do aside from donate - and that's simply help us "network" out to our friends... As an aside, it appears that the local article about Rennwish was picked up by AP - and then this AM, Rennwish and all of yo had a mention on the air on a CNN broadcast..? I didn't see it - but, a few questioning e-mails I get are do we have some "staff" (no) - or do we take a percentage (no) - or the "nuts and bolts" as to whether we are a 501c3 (and an EIN, articles, etc.) (YES!).. Anyway - I'll update totals later, but here is the situation in Les Cayes. I had the chance to finally get through to Adrien last evening via phone (and I snuck in a brief conversation with Shasha - one of the young girls in our care)... Critical needs: Medicine, food and fuel. Without fuel, there is no electricity. No electricity means the banks and transfer stations don't open. No banks means no money. No money means that basic can't be acquired... So - I was supposed to hop a flight Sunday with a Military/tech Search and Rescue - BUT - that deployment is delayed.. So - I'm looking at any and all alternatives - and hope to have an update later.. If anyone has any suggestions - please post, OK?? If I can get down there - I can acquire what the 1500 at the two hospitals need - including food and medicine. Anyway - I've also been asked to escort another rescue mission - so that may be an option - but that's too late this week..? I'll pay my own way - and assist whatever group that needs a hand acclimating to Haiti... Anyway - just thank you.... Please, let's keep this rolling, OK?? Jerry - and all - my best always, John |
I have NOT posted this before, but.... As of a few minutes ago....
We got the first money INTO Les Cayes early this morning - and I'm walking a bit of a tightrope. You see - if I send too much, it won't be distributed, as available money in Cayes from the banks and the wire transfer agencies are in short supply (yes - I mean that..).. When they "run out of money" - they close. So - if we send too much - it won't be distributed. If we send to little, it won't do much at all given the prices of food, medicine and fuel (in fact - you can't buy fuel today)... Anyway - today, we have our first first small victory for those in Les Cayes. Today, we were able to get some money there, and have started purchasing and distributing medicine and food and those much needed goods will be distributed to:
We are fortunate, as many "non-profits" are still struggling to get any money "in country". We have done so - and we will continue to do so. While it is one small step - we are indeed moving forward. My thanks to all of you... John. |
On the news a few minutes ago, Cooper Hospital (a local hospital) is flying down on a private plane; they will operate out of a border town (Humanee ?? in the Domican Republic).
Ed |
Ed, That is good news! I am afraid the powers that are distributing... need to quicken the pace. John was right..get what's available incountry. Those people need help and now. Hunger is a terrible thing..if you ever wonder why..don't eat anything for just 48 hours. If that's too much just try 24. I pray that Americans never have to find out like the Hatians have.
If you can spare ten bucks or a little more for John's orphanage..send it now. Jerry Burney |
I always feel like they move too slow, its just that a juggernaut takes a long time in moving. I saw the 82nd Airborne dropping supplies for folks further out and that did my heart some good.
I am hoping from this horrible calamity that maybe they will get built up; but coruption and a poor gov't has held them back before, maybe with the worlds eyes on them; things will get better. Ed |
I've said it before - and I'll keep saying it - thank you.....
As well - if you have contributed to this program and I have your e-mail - you should have gotten a "semi-personal" thank you..?? What's "semi-personal"??? Well - it was an e-mail sent out to over 200 folks who have contributed... I'm a little humbled by all of you... I always have been - and I always will be... For that - it gives me great pleasure to make public our first "press release".. It was edited and authored by many of you - and requested by many more... If you would like - feel free to use it and distribute it as you will.. This success is not to my credit - but rather - to yours collectively.... In short - we have reached nearly 50% of our goal of $75,000 since last Friday afternoon.... And while we still have a long road ahead - we can - no rather, we will do this.... Here is that press release..... (<--- Click there if you want to read it...)... My sincerest thanks, Always, John |
I just wanted to post a quick, new thread and say "Thank You" to many - many of you here for your support, encouragement and advice as we just try to "get it done" in Haiti.
To that end, I was working on the preliminary financial info last evening and this AM in preparation for departing for Haiti. So - below is a copy and paste out of my spreadsheet.. Before I post them below.... I also want to say thank you.. To all of you... I know we can keep the momentum going - so we will with all of your help... As well, while a few have privately asked that I stay in the USA, rather then travel to Haiti - unfortunately - we need to make some difficult decisions regarding tens of hundreds new orphans and seriously injured children in the next week who, as I write this - are streaming into Les Cayes - the base of all our projects. I can't make those decisions while in the US - they have to be made "on-site" at our orphanages, schools and projects - with the people. But - while I'm in Haiti, please don't be surprised if we make some commitments to do some things in an accelerated fashion, which I'll ask one of the Rennwish volunteers (JoAnne) to post on the Rennwish Facebook page <--- link. For any new programs and projects - I know - together - we'll excel at anything we set our minds and hearts to... OK - how the road to $75,000 looks this AM: ++++++++++++++++++++ Total PayPal Receipts - $27,973.36 Total Check Deposits: - $8,055.00 Total Cash Deposits: - $20.00 Actual Receipts - 1/12/10-1/23/10 - $36,048.36 Total Checks Committed - En Route: - $11,150.00 Total Actual and Committed Funds - $47,198.36 1-11-2010 through 1-23-2010 Donations Total Donations - Via Paypal - 285 Total Donations - Via Checks - 19 Total Donations - Via Cash - 1 Total Number of Donations - 305 My Best to all! John |
Hi folks,
Really quickly as I'm trying to get a few things completed before I leave. The arrangements are to arrive in the DR - and then take a couple of options - I may have a flight into Cayes from a wonderful Pastor, if we can link up. The other option is drive to Cayes. If it's the latter, then I won't get there until late tomorrow night is my guess.. As well... I spoke to Adrien earlier today. Les Cayes has had a few flights and some relief - but, the hospitals are still in dire need for basics and it is still has a very long way to go. While I'll be taking down a huge bag of supplies - my guess is that it will be like a "raindrop" hitting the ocean.... But - know for that - with you - if we can help only a few hundred with temporary supplies - it will be well worth it... Food is still a critical item - and we have expanded our support there to include Pastor Andre's orphanage and facilities - Andre is another I can "call my brother", as his orphanage has been his life-long passion and dream. We are honored to be called to assist him with his dream - which is simply, as is our combined passion - is to do whatever we can to make a difference. As well, in the villages, hospitals and other orphanages - refugees and "newly created" orphans from the disaster are still streaming in... While I'm there, we'll be discussing some options with Pastor Vilnor perhaps using the two stories of the school for temporary shelter/refuge for some of these children -until we can develop a better long-term plan. So - in closing - simply - thank you - again. Not from me really - but rather - thank you from the hundreds and thousands who we hope to assist in some small way. You have given them a voice - and more importantly - you have given them a little sliver of hope. I'm personally honored to be your ambassador and your "face" to so many children, women and men in this program. So, my personal thanks for that privilege... John (In private - feel free to copy this into the other threads - as I don't think I'll have time for a while... Thank you!) |
John got through to Les Cayes...
From the Pwoje Espwa blog http://pwojeespwa.blogspot.com/:
Friday, January 29, 2010 Update Day 17B Our medical team had a busy day today. The ortho folks worked on 16 badly injured patients, Dokte Cynthia helped out in pediatrics again and transported a 76 y/o lady with a broken pelvis to Hopital Brenda where a Brazilian medical team was waiting. Linda and Dokte C. met an airplane that flew in from CA with meds, supplies and food. A friend, John Dunkle, came in today and brought some walkie-talkies (thank you, John) and some some very much appreciated cash. The bank says that transfers should be able to get through tomorrow. That would be WONDERFUL! |
Hi From Haiti...
I'll try to post this while I have both an Internet connection and electricity... First of all - the children and people would like to thank all of you for your support, encourgement and wonderful well-wishes... Over the past days - much of the time has been spent securing food, delivering medicine and trying to make some order.. Things in Les Cayes are in dis-array, as I've never seen the city and villages so overcrowded with refugees from PaP.. People are arriving without friends and family - and the already short food supply is being more of concern as many from PaP have been told that there is food available down in this area... For that - I want to take a minute and thank the many private pilots who have kept Les Cayes on a "shoe-string" of medicine, food and basics. Most are from the USA that I've worked with - but it really is a global effort.. For our efforts - Pastor Andre's orphange is fine.. We will have enough food to last for a bit, and as well - assist some of the children and refugees from PaP alongside Pastor Vilnor's school - attending to newly made refugees and senior citizens who are doing without... It's heartbreaking on one side - and inspiring on another... At the orphanage - Adrien and myself are trying to get things back on track quickly. I set the task that 15 large, deep holes in the front yeard were to be filled (by hand - using rocks, a wheelbarrow, a pick, shovel and machete) - AND with dozens of the older children.. Two days later - the holes are almost filled!! It's amazing what these little guys are capable of... Next on the agenda is to create a garden - and have the children grow and care for it. In the meantime - I think it's our task to ensure that they have the basics and prepare the orphanage for more orphans from PaP in the near future.. Another bit of good news is that tomorrow, we've been assurred that a Pilot will be bringing in a plane load of food for the orphans - and for as much as we can assist those streaming in from PaP. I'm not certain of how much to expect - but - I do know it will be more than we have now and can be used immediately for many in dire need... Medical supplies... I would like to thank Meg DesFosses and a friend of hers for kick-starting the purchase of much, much needed medical supplies... We delivered those a few days ago - and if you could see the clinic at the hospital and the wards - you'd understand how much these victims have endured without anything. I want to also send on the thanks of Dr. Moses and his staff to all of you. Fifty - 80 pounds of topical antibiotics, bandages, gauze, etc. - were well recieved - and much needed, as when we arrived, those meager stocks had been depleted. Today, we visited that same hospital again - the doctors and nurses look a bit haggard... The school is fine - and we toured that today.. Pastor Vilnor is as upbeat as ever, and has dedicated some of our funds for those arriving in the village from PaP and again, the children and senior citizens.. Our thoughts and prayers go with him... On a personal note.. I can not really describe PaP, nor all I saw. I can't really write the words to make all of you "see" all I have seen over here. When I get home - I'll let some pictures do that for me - not so much of the tradegy, but rather pictures which hopefully inspire all of us to not only keep our current efforts going, but more importantly - be able to expand them... Tomorrow - I need to meet the plane with our food, deliver it to our children, the mothers who are caring for our kids, the village, etc... I hope to have some time to also visit with Pwoje Espwa - as Marc and his staff are fighting their own battles to get as much to as many - in a hearbeat... Again - simply - thank all of you... Your support and contributions have been awe inspiring... And as well - somehow - I know we are just beginning - so the "tough work" is still in the future... From Les Cayes, Haiti, John (BTW - sorry if this is a ramble.. there is so much to say - and so many words... And - I'm trying to write it before the electricy and/or internet goes away - typically both...) |
I've been asked to take pictures and videos of what it was like last week in Haiti, and since I'm just home - I'm still getting caught up. Anyway - so - I did take videos and stuff. The link below is BIG (115 MB!) but -most of the pictures and video I took last week and threw this together. It is "my world" in Haiti - and if you have supported Project Rennwish - it is indeed, your world as well... My thanks for your support, well wishes and well, you know...
Here is that LINK (<--RIGHT click there) and try saving the link to your computer.. It is NOT finished - and only work in progress, but for those who want to see what Haiti is like - it might be interesting (it is a WMV file type).. As well - I updated the Project Rennwish site for the orphanage and our kids in the Family to Foster program and stuff... My Best Always, John |
John, the devastation we have seen on TV is horrendous; and is slowly slipping from the TV, more interesting things I am sure :confused:
I think what you are doing is helping a lot. I heard that many folks have trouble because they don't know the "land" or the lingo and you know both; so I am sure you have made a hell of a difference, bless you for it my friend. Not sure how I can help on this end, but if you need me to do something? ed |
I'm finally home again from Haiti - two one and a half week trips in a month? I guess I've spent more time in Haiti in the last month then I have at home? Anyway - I am amazed, discouraged and frankly very disillusioned about what is happening in Haiti. If folks knew the story from inside Haiti, and from the view of the Haitians - you would feel as I do..
On a positive note however - I took a while to create a Gallery from the village we fed - Bomachan. Again, this village of about 1500 children, men and women has no water, no electricity, no food, no school, no doctor, no nurse, no hope and to illustrate this - people walk for about one mile each way to fill their buckets with water - twice a day - to a well that has water. As well - twice a week some walk to the "market" which is about 10 miles (each way) to try to buy whatever they can to exist. Next Tuesday, I have a Haitian well digger going into this remote village to asses what it will take to fix their well and pump, which failed in 2003. I'll add it to the Rennwish Project Pages in a day or two. In the meantime - these links are for the picture gallery I set up. When you see the pictures, you will see complete and utter desperation and the blank stares of harrowed human beings living in absolute poverty inside a poverty stricken country. Later in the album - when Adrein and I showed up with more food two days later - you will also see some of those blank looks have started to become feint smiles - as people began to believe that someone cared about their fate... Those of you who have supported Rennwish are responsible for those traces of smiles - as we are just starting to reinvigorate their hopes and lives... The slide show: -> http://reutterwerk.com/gallery2/main...2_itemId=15637 The Main Gallery: -> http://reutterwerk.com/gallery2/main...i2010/bomachan John |
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