a short update

Life in Haiti has a new normal.
Since being gone for about 2 months, things have changed alot. Coming out from the airport, at first in just glancing around, you wouldn't have thought there even was an earthquake, but then you see all the tent cities. they are everywhere. Anywhere there is a big open space it is filled with tents. Some are actual tents, others are just pieces of this and that: tin, wood, plastic, sheets, ect... People have really started cleaning up. Here in Leogane, some of the streets are almost blocked because of those that are cleaning up and just piling the blocks and chipped up cement on the streets. But ther are still many houses that seem to be untouched.
I am so glad for the 6 little girls that are still here. I really miss the interaction with all the jabber of the other girls here. But with everything else going on around here, I think it is best we don't have too many. I was on duty this morning and I had a good time just being around them, and working with them. Tonight I played chutes and ladders with them before bedtime. They did a super job with it, I think Mandie has been playing with them some. They grew up since I had seen them last. And love talking English... and trying to sing English too.
Since Dwaynes our administrators went home for 2 months, Clay and Naomi Stoltzfus came to fill in. They have 2 little boys and the girls have been having great fun trying to become their friends. The heart to heart group is still coming in and out with doctors and nurses. It has slowed down some for them so only 3 or so come out at a time. But we also have some other missions kind of using our place as a base for projects here in Leogane. So life stays busy and interesting.
Please Pray for Haiti that God would continue to work in the lives of the people here. And also in our own lives as well! -Emily

Here is a link to an update that one of the staff from Leogane here wrote.

http://www.faith2go.blogspot.com/

If you are interested in seeing and hearing alittle of what happened at leogane the day of the quake... here is a link to it.

http://tifiyo4jesus.blogspot.com/2010/02/quake.html

update in Leogane

Was able to once again call Angela on her cell phone & didn't get cut off once & talked nearly an hr or more. Also a big thank you to Doo-Doo & Cristen for making it possible for the girls to once again have access to e-mail! They are missing Emily & Trish & their dads & co-workers from the last 2 wks who were sooo-ooo diligent in setting the place in order as much as was possible after the quake. All their hard work & efforts were greatly appreciated!! They are also grateful for the men who are there now putting up their wall & making it safe & more secure! One of the men with his wife is staying for two mos & with his masonry skills will co-ordinate the house repair which needs to be decided what to do & how to make it safe. They also have mission Drs. from the states living in their yard which they feed twice a day making a total of 15 people or more every meal. Heidi's sister just recently came down to help her with the meals & help out with their children. Recently the school building got a thorough cleaning (thanks to Dwight & Mabel)& became transformed into the staff girls sleeping quarters which gives them a little more normalcy & privacy under the conditions! Julio, the Haitian pastor, who often takes them out when they go out to Port or out in the country lost his home which took approx 20 yrs to build. They have 2 young children. We were actually there for supper last summer when we were down & they had dreams of of adding more to their house of 3 rather crude rooms but efficient for their needs. His wife delighted in serving us with a wonderful meal around the table! They now need to start all over from scratch again. Is so heart rending for them and all the many others like them but it seems to just be a way of life for them -- life just goes on & you do what needs to be done. What is God trying to teach us thru a catastrophe of this magnitude in a country like Haiti? We are looking forward to having Angela home for a few wks in the near future. Continue to pray for the staff & board members with decisions that need to be made & also the Haitian people with all their hurts & pain & emotional needs etc. Thank you & may God bless! Leona

Mom called yesterday & said that theres a group of 10 doctors from Kansas, who are sleeping in their yard. During the day they go out & treat people. Abby has been helping with bandaging & shots. Sounds like they will all have stories to tell when they come home! :)
Sara

We got a welcome call from Mandie yesterday again...There's 6 girls left at the home now...they're talking about finishing out their school year with a Haitian teacher.

Mandie's kept busy with washing and cooking. This weekend they'll be switching work crews with a couple hours of quiet in between. The crews will actually be seeing each other at the D.R. border, switching vehicles and moving on to their destinations. They have so appreciated the men that were there...they added so much spice..work got done...and most importantly brought HOPE to go on! A HUGE thanks to all you wives and children out there who sacrificed!!! She is SO looking forward to her homecoming in the beginning of April...and staying for 3 weeks!! PRAY ON...there's still decisions to be made,and a lot of work to be done..pray for stamina esp. for the menial tasks! Thanks to ALL for your caring and supporting us here and the mission staff and work at Leogane!!! GOD"S GOT IT!!
Mary Ann King

Google Earth Image Date January 21, 2010

Correct me if I'm wrong but I think this is the location of the girls home.
Also found this site with 100+ photos from Leogane after the quake
http://www.flickr.com/photos/carelp/sets/72157623093421961/