My Park

We're sorry we haven't been able to get an email off to you as we haven't had much of a chance to get on the internet. We have had a very eventful trip from Jacmel to Cayes. We left bright and early and were pleased that the road was good except for some fog which slowed us down going over the mountain. Many groups of people were out clearing the road where mud and rock slides had taken place. As we progressed the sun came out and we were enjoying another beautiful day in Haiti. However a couple hours down the road it started to cloud over and then the rain started to come down heavy. Within minutes a group of us got caught between 2 mud and rock slides. Before long buses at each end tried to get through and buried themselves in the mud narrowing the path for everyone else. As the rain slowed a little. people worked hard trying to clear a place to get through but without success. Ricot's phone rang non stop as people heard about the flooding and people tried to check on us. The water continued to rush down the hillside above us and pool in the area below us which was in site of the ocean. We spent the day sitting on a stretch of pavement , praying for a way out.

Franz (who Ricot worked with last year) spent the day fighting water at his own home as it rose to almost entering his house. About 5 pm, with dusk settling in, Franz called to say he was coming to rescue us with his 4 WD truck. What a relief! We organized people to carry our suitcases and medicine, then waded knee deep across the rushing water to reach the other side. Its great the temperatures are so warm here because we were all totally soaked but not cold. Even all the clothes in our suitcases were wet. We praise God for his care and protection and for all the people he sent to help. Since then we have been told by many people that they've never had floods like this one before. Amazingly by the next day the waters had almost completely receded.

Fortunately this rain never reached Port. The road to the hospital was washed out in several places so we were unable to go in until Wed and even then we only got part way. A truck was sent to meet us from the hospital at a washed out area. Paul tried to see as many patients as possible while one of the doctors took a break. They have had multiple teams from the US.

In between we have been in Port Salut working with Ricot. His parents home in Port au Prince collapsed in the earthquake and he was able to recover quite a bit of their belongings. We have helped move, clean, repair, and organize as he settles into his new home and prepares for community outreach. Friday night he showed a movie in his front yard with about 40 people who gathered. He hopes to start an English class soon. People are constantly dropping in to visit. We were never able to get the tents across the border from the DR but we think they will come next week. Today we delivered tarps to Leogane, a generator to a Pastor in Carffour food to a Pastor in Port au Prince, as well as food and gifts to an orphanage. As you may have guessed, the van was overloaded but we made the trip without problems. We are spending our last night at an orphanage arranged by Ricot and will leave in the morning for Florida. Thank you for your prayers. We look forward to seeing you and talking to you shortly.

Love,

Paul and Mary