Is help coming? That seems to be the question everyone is asking both in Haiti and in the United States. After hearing so much about the disaster, many people are wondering if relief efforts really are taking place, and people here are wondering if help is on the way.
Well just in the last week on LaGonave, we have been able to confidently answer that question with a YES. In the past week, we have seen 3 MAF (Missionary Aviation Fellowship) planes land on the island carrying half a ton of food a piece. Workers from our mission then picked up the food and distributed it to local pastors who are in turn giving it to families in need. We have also had numerous medical teams coming into Port Au Prince, carrying in supplies and other necessities.
And, most exciting of all, we saw a ship from the US military land at our public wharf just this morning. The ship, which carried both members of the US navy and the US marines, was transporting food and a medical team to Haiti in response to last week’s disaster. We watched as the officers handed out boxes of food to hundreds of people standing at the wharf. It was so strange to see the uniformed American men mingling with the Haitians that we know so well.
Later we transported several of the men from the ship to the local hospital where they volunteered and treated earthquake victims who are now suffering from infections. The service men were all friendly and excited to help. They asked us several questions about what we will need in the future and were very interested in the well-being of the rest of the island.
It was such a neat experience to be on the receiving end of the foreign aid we hear so much about in America. Though the amount of food and supplies that has come in is not enough to meet the massive needs on the island, it is enough to encourage the people here and to let them know that help is on the way.
Thank you all for continuing to pray and being a part of those who are sending help.
In Him,
Justine
