Discouraged But Not Hopeless

Well, since the big announcement came out about humanitarian parole, there has been confusion and back-pedaling on the part of the State Department about what to actually do with this announcement. Rumor abounds with all the news as well, so it's tough to know what's true and what's not. Here's what I think I know: some orphanages are getting their kids out - BRESMA orphanage got all of their kids out, including some who weren't even matched with parents yet. The governor of Pennsylvania had a little something to do with that. God's Littlest Angels got their kids out - maybe because they're a smaller orphanage? (With Haiti, there's never a rhyme or reason.) Barbara Walker, known as a miracle worker in Haiti who can get visas when no one else can, got some of her kids out. Our orphanage director went to the Embassy yesterday to try to get 16 of New Life Link's kids out, but we haven't heard any news. The only way to get kids out seems to be to get the kids who qualify for visas or humanitarian parole down to the Embassy, which is not good for several reasons: 1. The Embassy is not a good part of town to begin with, 2. They have no food, water, or bathrooms to offer the kids and orphanage workers who are there, 3. The Embassy is mobbed, 4. Confusion abounds, 5. They have to wait there all day, and 6. Did I mention there are no bathrooms available? :) Oh, and #7: If you don't get visas for the kids, you have to go back up the mountain an hour out of Port-au-Prince and try again the next day. Please pray that these kids might be granted visas/humanitarian parole so that they can go home to parents who are more than willing to take them in, thus leaving fewer mouths to feed with aid coming in to Haiti. I know that sounds a little crass, but there it is. These kids have parents - let them go to their parents while they wait to finish up their paperwork.

OH, and the aid situation...we are hearing from three ministries that we follow that the aid is not getting where it most needs to go. The smaller NGOs and missionary organizations on the ground have workers who speak Kreyol, they are recognized and familiar in their neighborhoods, they have the capacity to help with medical situations, and above all, they are WILLING to do the hard work necessary. They are frustrated that they haven't been able to "crack the nut" with regard to getting supplies. The aid is there; they're just not getting it. The Livesays went to the US government site to put in an "military request" form more than 36 hours ago. They gave them GPS coordinates for a drop of supplies. The military said it would be 6-12 hours and they would get to them. No news. I KNOW it's a mess there, and I'm not necessarily blaming the military: Troy Livesay tweeted today that the UN is controlling and restricting the movements of the US military at night...he said, "I'm pretty sure the Marines aren't scared." :) Is the UN running the show or is the US? I'm not saying we SHOULD (okay, maybe I am saying that) but somebody needs to organize this mess! :)

Okay, all of the above is just a rant, and I'm sure that none of you need that amount of info. :) We're just frustrated as we hear about things that can be done, but they're not being done. But - here is the encouraging part - we know God is in control. We know that He is doing mighty things. We've seen it, and we know it will continue to be so. Please pray that aid will get to those who most need it. Please pray that our government will figure out how best to get the kids home who have families waiting for them. Thank the Lord that He is moving mountains as we hear encouraging news like the following: www.livesayhaiti.blogspot.com - the first post is a story that will blow your socks off.

Please pray for those people who are working around the clock to help. They are facing horrible things, and they are living day-to-day as well. These include: the Livesays and the staff at Heartline Ministries, Licia and Lori and the staff at Real Hope for Haiti, Charles Amicy and the staff at Presbyterian Mission in Haiti, and my dear friend's parents, the de Blaeijs. Thank you so much for coming together with us in prayer. Thanks for your sweet notes. Adah Tomata is okay with it all - she has not seen any footage of anyone injured, and she was totally delighted to see Dr. Bernard (Papi Bernard) on TV. She was worried about a baby she used to help take care of and feed at the orphanage, but I explained that "her" baby was probably home with her mama and papa since it was two years ago. :)
Love,
Casey