Friday, January 15, 2010

MORE




I find that I'm still unable to write in any detail about the earthquake so Ben suggested that I post a few more pictures instead. He was interviewed yesterday by someone at MCC in Akron : http://mcc.org/stories/podcasts/world-shaken I haven't had a chance to listen to it yet.

Here is how MCC is responding thus far:

http://mcc.org/stories/news/mcc-staff-ground-waiting-larger-relief-efforts-begin

http://mcc.org/stories/podcasts/mcc-disaster-coordinators-head-haiti

http://mcc.org/stories/videos/mcc-haiti-earthquake-response

Please consider giving here:

https://donate.mcc.org/project/haiti-earthquake

Our area director and the couple in charge of disaster relief were supposed to arrive on an MAF charter flight today, but I just heard that not even the charter flights are getting in. I have spent most of the day today at the UN logbase, the staging ground for relief efforts. I'm with a friend, Elizabeth Sipple, who happened to be near our house during the earthquake. We're trying to access some of the material aid that has managed to get here (tents, food, water, medical supplies) to help the people in our community. Ben, Pancha and Elizabeth's fiancee, Carlito, are doing an assessment in Narette to figure out what is most needed as well as how many people still missing and triage wounded victims. I think they'll also be setting up our yard for the growing number of people that are living with us right now - Bryan and Sharon will be driving in from Desarmes with as many supplies as they can round up and it will be a relief to see them.

Here at the base, I am able to access the internet (and eat an omelete - amazing!) and for the first time was able to read all of your wonderful and encouraging messages. Thank you and please keep them coming. One of these days we'll need to process our own experience, but until that happens your messages are a reminder to us that we've survived something horrible and that an emotional response is healthy. We're trying to take care of ourselves. Elizabeth, Pancha and I spent about an hour doing yoga before we crashed last night. I keep my phone on and with me with the (unrealistic?) hope that I'll suddenly get a signal and can call my family.

11 comments:

caleb said...

You guys and PAP are constantly on our minds, lots and lots of prayers, love you guys.

caleb said...

Lexi-is water and relief efforts getting out now or is it still a gridlock at the airport? any relief noted up in petionville? A friend here, his father in law is headed down there and may be contacting you guys as able.

laura said...

Dear Ben & Lexi,
Our hearts are broken over what you & the people there are going through, & it is extremely frustrating to hear how difficult it is for water & food relief efforts to even access most of them before things get even worse. Many around the world are crying with you, every time we hear or see the news, & when we think & pray about you all. Thank you for being there, for the help you are giving, even though it must seem like a tiny drop into an arid desert of need. We stand beside you in prayer, & for me, I wish I could come help. We love you!!!

Andrew said...

The podcast was gut wrenching, and the photos to go with it are too much to bear. God bless you guys.

I was sorry to hear that Virgil and Kathy were unable to make it in. Have any MCCers left the country?

Jeannie said...

Praying you ya'll and everyone else there.

Anonymous said...

I have no words right now. I feel devastated for you and for what you and the people of Haiti are experiencing and have lost. I feel devastated by the emotional burden and psychological effect this is having on you and every human being there. I feel nearly helpless as I think about you guys. My school is going to start a drive to raise money to help send relief materials to you guys. I can't tell you how much I love you and am praying for you and am hurting with and for you. MED

Donna Hildebrand said...

Don and I just listened to Ben's podcast. We were both crying. We love you both and have been thinking back with such fondness on our wonderful dessert/dinner together. I wonder if that restaurant is still standing? We need to hear Kurt's voice again, but we are also patient and we understand how that may be impossible until the satellite phones arrive. Prayers, blessings, and peace to you both.

Anonymous said...

So glad you & Ben are alive. Is there anything you two need us to send you? -Lisa Koons

Ryan said...

Just want you to know that we've been thinking of you and praying for you a lot - you and your neighbors. Can't imagine what your hearts and minds are going through. We pray that God is making Himself very real to you - giving you all comfort and hope in this tragedy.
Love, Rachel and Ryan Einfeldt

Unknown said...

Oh Alexis and Ben, Ben's podcast brought tears to my eyes and really wrenched my heart. I cannot begin to imagine how you guys are feeling or coping - we will continue to pray for you as you serve the people around you in the midst of your own heartache. May God comfort you and bring your hearts peace and strength. Love, Megan and Thomas

Jessica said...

Lexi, thanks for taking the time to write a few words. I have been thinking of you and praying for you, and will continue to do so. May the Lord sustain you every moment of the day.

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