Report After Distributing Aid in Haiti
The team has safely completed the May aid trip to Central Haiti. We were blessed and encouraged to be able to carry the monetary and physical donations that all of you generously contributed to. At the same time we were devastated by the harsh realities and devastation that the people in our network plus so many others are enduring.
Amazingly, nearly $10,000 was raised over the past month! This has been the largest and most successful run at fundraising we have had yet. While we know all the glory goes to God for moving the hearts of His people we would like to personally thank a few of the main contributors that made this possible.
Amongst them; the Thebeau family, Kimberly S., Jennifer D., The Bridge Community Church, The Parkland Chapel church, The Widenbenner Family, Bobby and Gillian S., The Leach Family, and everyone else who attended our trivia fundraiser, helped with it, sent funds, or purchased off of our Haiti S.O.S. Amazon list.
Every single one of you played a vital roll in making the trip possible. As Haitians often say "ansanm nou pi fò", "together we are stronger". Meaning that what one cannot accomplish alone many can! This is how the body of Christ functions, each person playing their part in the big picture.
The Tents
Because of the complexity of the displaced people being spread out amongst many locations, as well as the need to protect their dignity and privacy, we were not able to take many pictures of those who received tents. However, several families who were gifted one of the 20+ tents that were sent down to Haiti via MFI were moved to tears when they realized they would no longer be without shelter.
Amongst those who received the tents were one of our sponsor students families who lost their home and had to flee hours through brush to where some relatives live. The house they were temporarily taking shelter in was packed full of around 20 people, with some sleeping in the yard and in the kitchen lean-to.
We want to especially thank Kimberly S. for her great help in facilitating the shipping of these tents along with other supplies. As Espwa Demen is not directly affiliated with MFI she was our go between and a complete Godsend! You can learn about her mission HERE!
The Food Provisions
Food staples were purchased along with hygiene items in a nearby town and made into family kits. Each kit consisted of the following; rice, beans, bulgur wheat, cornmeal, salt, oil, sugar, chicken bouillon, toilet paper, bath soap, laundry soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, and feminine pads.
Altogether a little over 500 kits were made and distributed to the displaced in two communities. Our family helped with separating out these kits and facilitating a successful distribution to those in the greatest need.
The Mobile Medical Clinic
Unfortunately the mobile medical clinic we had planned has yet to take place. Because of logistic issues with the lack of a vehicle and the horrible roads (or lack of roads at all). As well as tropical rains making rivers flood and complicating things.
However the supplies are there, and our volunteers are ready to make it happen! They will be planning over the next week to have the clinic the following weekend. Ourselves along with Jennifer D., The Leach Family, and general donations, were able to stock a large amount of antibiotics, creams, wound cleaning supplies, and bandages.
Learn about Jennifer D.'s ministry HERE!
The Latrine and Well
Because it is rainy season in Haiti progress has been slow with digging the latrine and well in Chevery, Haiti. However, we are thrilled that both projects are fully funded and the building materials have been purchased. The land where they will be dug has been selection as well. It is my husband and my inherited family land adjacent to the church we partner with. The work crews will begin construction as soon as there is a dry week.
In order to get these materials where they will need to be, a truck has to cross two rivers and climb over a mountain. This is possible, but it depends entirely on the weather. We are hopeful that June will see both of these projects completed.
Prayer Points
Please keep praying for Espwa Demen. Pray for our team of volunteers, the displaced families from Mirebalais, and Haiti as a whole. The solution seems far off. It is difficult to imagine any real help or change coming to Haiti any time soon. Yet, we know the God that we serve is able!
- Pray For The Upcoming Mobile Medical Clinic
- Pray For The Building Projects + Safety For The Team That Will Be Hand Digging The Well
- Pray For Mirebalais To Become Free From The Gangs So People Can Go Home
- Pray For A New Government For Haiti
- Pray For Safety For Our Family And Espwa Demen Network
- Pray Blessings Over Our New Friends Who Generously Came Together To Make This Trip Happen
- Pray For Dry Weeks Admits This Rainy Season
September/October Plans
We have been asked numerous times, when will we go back to Haiti again. The answer is, we plan to go in September or October. The trip will be short around 10 days. Not only will Nelson be going. But also Rachel, our daughter, and some friends plan to go with us.
If this trip takes place we will be checking up on our community in the countryside. Also paying school for our students who live in areas that are still functioning. And bringing more medical and nutritional aid to distribute, as well as visiting family. We cannot do it without you. Please pray!
In addition to your prayers we will be saving up for this trip and raising additional funds. At this time, $1,700 is needed for flights and luggage cost. $1,000 for logistics (housing, airport transportation, food). $600 for vehicle rental and fuel. $1,000 for student scholarship fees. Whatever we raise on top of these needs will be put towards food and medicine for the distributions.
Anything you can contribute will be a blessing! - GIVE HERE!
With love and gratitude, The Espaziens (Nelson, Rachel, and Nelinah)