Jan 15, 2010
Dear family and friends,   
                                                                          
     We are glad to have arrived safely back in Haiti yesterday afternoon by MFI.  The missionary airlines is working overtime trying to get personnel and supplies into Haiti during this extremely serious crisis.  Their phones were ringing “off the hook,” and will be sending in flights 6 days a week to try to keep up with the demands.  Steve and I prayed about what to do and felt God’s leading to send an initial fact-finding team to see where we and others might be able to be of help in the days and weeks ahead.  We decided that it would be best if I stay home here at Haut Limbe and answer emails, the phone and be a connection for the group going to Port.

They left around 10am this morning hoping to arrive in Port Au Prince around 5pm before dark. The trip was slow due to bad roads and heavy traffic in Gonaives.  Many buses of people leaving Port fleeing to the north where there is food and water and hopefully family or friends. Our truck was loaded with 5 gals of diesel fuel, 10 gallons of potable water, medical supplies. several boxes of granola bars, Deli-bread, etc. They hope to see if they can stay at Ti Tye Yen before they get to Port and see if the retreat and conference center is still intact after the earthquake.  Steve has been able to call me every few hours on their trip .  What we hear over and over again from all our friends around here is wondering if their families have survived or not.  The news is starting to trickle in both good and bad. 

5:50pm  Just got word from Steve that they arrived in Port safely. Praise God! The connection was poor so I did not catch everything he said but this is what I believe he said. They have not been able to connect with Pastor Emmauel Pierre and Carwyn and Paul (from the UK) who arrived earlier in the CBH ambulance.  They are trying to connect now with Edy Etienne and his group from Geneva Global who also were to arrive today.  Steve said they are having some problems with the truck brakes but Muler the mechanic and driver is with them with his tools to help with repairs if necessary. They went to a well known area of town called Delmas where there was much damage to most buildings.  Some on the truck witnessed bodies lying by the side of the road.  Many people were milling around the streets covering their noses with handkerchiefs due to the stench, afraid to enter their homes. As it is already starting to get dark they are leaving town to arrive at Ti Tye Yen where they hope to spend the night.

We feel very close to you all as we share together our love for the Haitian people,
In Christ,
Nancy 

P.S. Have heard several times from Steve today after their night at Ti Tye Yen. They traveled within Port seeing much destruction and getting caught in impossible traffic jams that were disconcerting as they are carrying much needed supplies. They finally did get through that and are making their way slowly to Christianville near Leogane where there is a mission clinic still intact waiting for their arrival. The brakes are not good on the truck and is another prayer concern. Please pray for the wisdom as they go back on Saturday morning accessing the situation. Pray that the distribution points for food and water will be decided and that distribution will begin. Pray for safety and calm for everyone.