Yes, I was able to safely make it home for Christmas... unfortunately, my computer did not have the same luck and decided to ker-plewy on me. Thankfully, the guys at Mac were fabulous, and able to help my poor, overworked computer out.
I go back to Haiti on January 1, but will be doing some uploading of videos and things I was not able to do during my last crazy week in Haiti.
As of now- things are relatively calm. PaP is calm, and so is Les Cayes. There are still random road blocks and barriers along the main highway from PaP to Les Cayes. I would not recommend driving to anyone traveling. I got this report of roadblocks last night.
The message below was sent to me last week- even though things are scheduled to be quiet for the holidays, things are still extremely tense, and precautions need to take place.
U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince issued the following Warden Message on December 17, 2010:
The U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince is issuing this Warden Message to remind U.S. citizens of the potential for additional elections-related civil unrest in Port-au-Prince and throughout Haiti, particularly in connection with major announcements. Demonstrations (including violent protests) have resulted in barricades and road closures, making travel hazardous and even impossible. They have also caused the shut-down of airports and roads to the Dominican Republic, making it impossible for Americans wishing to depart Haiti to do so.
U.S. citizens in Haiti should consider stocking up on essential provisions – drinking water, food, fuel for generators, etc. – to be well prepared should civil unrest require them to shelter in place. They should also ensure they have all necessary medicines. U.S. citizens planning travel are advised to contact their airline directly for up-to-date flight status and availability and consider travelling earlier in the event airports are closed.
In the event of civil unrest, U.S. citizens in affected areas are advised to remain indoors and to seek safe havens in their current areas. They should not attempt to “run” roadblocks or work their way through areas of unrest; doing so may put their lives at immediate risk. The Embassy urges U.S. citizens to exercise special caution and avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place or crowds are forming and to maintain a low profile. The Embassy does not have the capacity or infrastructure to evacuate U.S. citizens and relies on the Haitian National Police to provide assistance. They, with support from UN Police, are responsible for keeping peace in Haiti and rendering assistance during times of civil unrest. The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Haiti is 114.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Friday, December 10, 2010
On the Ground.
Was able to get 5 of the 16 American visitors out. Two live in PaP, and the rest will be headed to the DR tomorrow morning, and then back to the States tomorrow afternoon.
They said that PaP "was on fire". There were road blocks every 20 ft in some places, and much had been "torched." However, it is peaceful right now.
American Airlines has cancelled flights through Monday. This poses problems for all of those who have been trying to get in and out of the country the past three days, and two days to come.
Les Cayes still has a lot of tension. UN helicopters were patrolling all day. We could see and hear them from Espwa, and the people coming in from town said the UN was everywhere.
Let's hope that tonight is another relatively peaceful night, and things start to get back to normal. With all of the stores and banks closed, people have to be getting hungry and nervous.
I'm exhausted. Until tomorrow...
They said that PaP "was on fire". There were road blocks every 20 ft in some places, and much had been "torched." However, it is peaceful right now.
American Airlines has cancelled flights through Monday. This poses problems for all of those who have been trying to get in and out of the country the past three days, and two days to come.
Les Cayes still has a lot of tension. UN helicopters were patrolling all day. We could see and hear them from Espwa, and the people coming in from town said the UN was everywhere.
Let's hope that tonight is another relatively peaceful night, and things start to get back to normal. With all of the stores and banks closed, people have to be getting hungry and nervous.
I'm exhausted. Until tomorrow...
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Update
Espwa is safe. The children are safe. We have 16 visitors here that are staying with us until Sunday. American Airlines has cancelled flights until at least tomorrow.
The tensions are still high. Lots of rumors are being thrown around. We are getting updates from friends and from radio, but it is hard to say what is true unless someone sees it with their own eyes.
What we do know:
Roads are blocked. Nobody in or out of the city by anything motorized. By foot- maybe you can get through if you are Haitian.
Tires are burning and give off a gross smell.
The marketplace has been burned down... and we are thinking we are going to have to get real creative in how we serve rice.
We are running low on toilet paper. (Scary.)
The quad is a safe place, but we are all going a little stir crazy.
and finally...
If Sweet Micky were put back into the running for president- all of this would stop and we could get on with our lives.
Please keep praying.
The tensions are still high. Lots of rumors are being thrown around. We are getting updates from friends and from radio, but it is hard to say what is true unless someone sees it with their own eyes.
What we do know:
Roads are blocked. Nobody in or out of the city by anything motorized. By foot- maybe you can get through if you are Haitian.
Tires are burning and give off a gross smell.
The marketplace has been burned down... and we are thinking we are going to have to get real creative in how we serve rice.
We are running low on toilet paper. (Scary.)
The quad is a safe place, but we are all going a little stir crazy.
and finally...
If Sweet Micky were put back into the running for president- all of this would stop and we could get on with our lives.
Please keep praying.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Not Good News.
Warden Message No. 136
Elections-Related Demonstrations
U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince issued the following Warden Message on December 08, 2010:
The U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince is issuing this Warden Message to alert U.S. citizens that there are reports of numerous elections-related demonstrations throughout Port-au-Prince and in other parts of Haiti and reminds U.S. citizens of the potential for violence throughout Haiti for the duration of the electoral period. Demonstrators have barricaded roads in many parts of Port-au-Prince making movement around the city difficult and dangerous. U.S. citizens are advised to remain in their homes and shelter in place until conditions stabilize.
Port-au-Prince’s international airport is closed until further notice and all scheduled flights are canceled. The airport at Cap-Haitien is also closed, and demonstrations and barricaded roads have made movement around that city unsafe. Additionally, American Airlines has canceled all of its flights to and from Port-au-Prince on Thursday, December 9. While border crossings with the Dominican Republic remain open at present, travel to the border and throughout Haiti may be hazardous due to barricaded roads and demonstrations and Americans are advised against taking any further risks.
Elections-Related Demonstrations
U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince issued the following Warden Message on December 08, 2010:
The U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince is issuing this Warden Message to alert U.S. citizens that there are reports of numerous elections-related demonstrations throughout Port-au-Prince and in other parts of Haiti and reminds U.S. citizens of the potential for violence throughout Haiti for the duration of the electoral period. Demonstrators have barricaded roads in many parts of Port-au-Prince making movement around the city difficult and dangerous. U.S. citizens are advised to remain in their homes and shelter in place until conditions stabilize.
Port-au-Prince’s international airport is closed until further notice and all scheduled flights are canceled. The airport at Cap-Haitien is also closed, and demonstrations and barricaded roads have made movement around that city unsafe. Additionally, American Airlines has canceled all of its flights to and from Port-au-Prince on Thursday, December 9. While border crossings with the Dominican Republic remain open at present, travel to the border and throughout Haiti may be hazardous due to barricaded roads and demonstrations and Americans are advised against taking any further risks.
Election Results
Things are volatile. Check Father Marc's blog, he has most appropriately and eloquently stated the situation at hand. I don't have the words right now.
http://pwojeespwa.blogspot.com
Like he said, please keep Haiti in your prayers.
http://pwojeespwa.blogspot.com
Like he said, please keep Haiti in your prayers.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Schweitzer UMC
Message From the Embassy
Warden Message No. 135
Potential for Elections-Related Violence
U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince issued the following Warden Message on
December 07, 2010:
The U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince is issuing this Warden Message to
alert U.S. citizens that there continues to exist the potential for
violence throughout Haiti for the duration of the electoral period.
Such civil disturbances can erupt quickly anywhere and without warning,
and may be associated with electoral or cholera issues. Disturbances
may include attacks on government or private facilities, residences, and
businesses such as hotels. While violent acts may be politically
motivated and hence may target specific people or interests, the
potential for bystanders suffering collateral damage can be great.
Given the nature, intensity and unpredictability of these disturbances,
U.S. citizens are urged to remain especially vigilant and avoid areas
where demonstrations are occurring or crowds are forming. U.S. citizens
in Haiti should continue to monitor radio, television and other media
and should register with the U.S. Embassy. They can do so at
https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/.
The U.S. Embassy's ability to provide direct assistance in the event of
violent demonstrations is limited and is normally dependent on Haitian
National Police and UN Police.
Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the U.S. Embassy's
website the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs'
website www.travel.state.gov
current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country
Specific Information can be found. The U.S. Embassy also encourages U.S.
citizens to review "A Safe Trip Abroad," found at
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html, which
includes valuable security information for those both living and
traveling abroad. In addition to information on the Internet, travelers
may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling
1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, or outside the U.S. and
Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.
Potential for Elections-Related Violence
U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince issued the following Warden Message on
December 07, 2010:
The U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince is issuing this Warden Message to
alert U.S. citizens that there continues to exist the potential for
violence throughout Haiti for the duration of the electoral period.
Such civil disturbances can erupt quickly anywhere and without warning,
and may be associated with electoral or cholera issues. Disturbances
may include attacks on government or private facilities, residences, and
businesses such as hotels. While violent acts may be politically
motivated and hence may target specific people or interests, the
potential for bystanders suffering collateral damage can be great.
Given the nature, intensity and unpredictability of these disturbances,
U.S. citizens are urged to remain especially vigilant and avoid areas
where demonstrations are occurring or crowds are forming. U.S. citizens
in Haiti should continue to monitor radio, television and other media
and should register with the U.S. Embassy. They can do so at
https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/.
The U.S. Embassy's ability to provide direct assistance in the event of
violent demonstrations is limited and is normally dependent on Haitian
National Police and UN Police.
Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the U.S. Embassy's
website the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs'
website www.travel.state.gov
current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country
Specific Information can be found. The U.S. Embassy also encourages U.S.
citizens to review "A Safe Trip Abroad," found at
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html, which
includes valuable security information for those both living and
traveling abroad. In addition to information on the Internet, travelers
may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling
1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, or outside the U.S. and
Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
TOMS Shoes
Surprise Truck brought us a great surprise yesterday- THOUSANDS of pairs of TOMS Shoes. (www.toms.com)
Boxes and boxes of shoes were unloaded into our depot to be organized for distribution. Thankfully, Pastor Lori is here with a group of 10 volunteers eager to help.
TOMS Shoes will be distributed to the children in all of our primary schools, and to orphanages, schools, and families in need along the western coast. I will be updating you along the way.
We are working to build a long term relationship with TOMS. TOMS Shoes has a One for One (TM) plan meaning- for every pair of shoes you buy, a pair goes to a child in need. So, for all of you that have purchased a pair of TOMS shoes...
our children's feet thank you!
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Information
"According to the MSPP director for the southern department, Dr. Louissaint: since Nov 23, 271 known cases in department, 8 or 10 deaths. Les Anglais(2), Port au Piment (8), and Aquin have all have had cases. Currently (Dec 2) 36 patients in Les Cayes CTU at HIC(general hospital). CTU is run by International Medical Corps (IMC) in association with MSPP. According to IMC and MSF visiting team, not possible to continue more than one week at this cramped location, several other sites being considered. Strong community opposition to proposed site for waste disposal and burial. MSPP director seeks group to open CTU or CTC in Port a Piment (La Cote du Sud). CTU operating in Aquin."
Friday, December 3, 2010
EDUplus English Teacher Training
I am so proud of my English teachers.
This week we had "professional development" meaning:
Each day was spent in the classroom of one teacher so we could watch how they executed their class. The teachers took notes on compliments, suggestions, and ideas of what they would like to bring back to their own classroom.
It was a huge success.
Today we met, discussed all of our thoughts, commented on the different teaching styles, and made suggestions for how we would like to proceed with the second half of the school year. They were so professional and had some amazing suggestions for how they would like to proceed for the rest of the year, and I am so excited!
This week we had "professional development" meaning:
Each day was spent in the classroom of one teacher so we could watch how they executed their class. The teachers took notes on compliments, suggestions, and ideas of what they would like to bring back to their own classroom.
It was a huge success.
Today we met, discussed all of our thoughts, commented on the different teaching styles, and made suggestions for how we would like to proceed with the second half of the school year. They were so professional and had some amazing suggestions for how they would like to proceed for the rest of the year, and I am so excited!
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