Hey everyone,
I made it home tonight. I can't thank everyone enough for praying for our team. We felt God's guidance and protection many times, and through the end of the trip.
Thanks also for praying for and helping Stephanie.
I'll update the blog when I have a chance later this week or early next.
Please remember the Haitians. They are suffering and it is just awful there.
God's blessings,
Brian
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Coming Home II
The second group just got on a flight out of PAP! Now pray for a quick, smooth flight to Ft Lauderdale. And pray they will be able to get through customs quickly as well.
They will arrive back in Waco between 8:30-9pm. They will be arriving here at the church offices so if you are picking up your loved one, plan on being here about that time.
Thanks!
heather
They will arrive back in Waco between 8:30-9pm. They will be arriving here at the church offices so if you are picking up your loved one, plan on being here about that time.
Thanks!
heather
Coming Home
Hi, everyone!
Sorry for the abrupt halt in communication the last few days. Brian accidentally dropped his phone in the sink while washing clothes Sunday night, so messages from Haiti have been few and brief since then. About 20 minutes ago I received word that a group of 7, including Brian and Larry, landed in Fort Lauderdale. They were able to ride on a company lear jet. As you can read in the message below, it sounds like the rest are still trying to get on a plane to Florida.
Steph
********************
Hi All,
Can you take a minute RIGHT NOW to pray? Half our team got on a flight this morning to Ft. Lauderdale . The other half is still there awaiting transport to Ft. Lauderdale . The entire team is scheduled on a 4:30pm flight out of Ft Lauderdale. Please pray that the 2nd half of the team gets to Ft Lauderdale in time for this flight!!!
They are scheduled to land in DFW tonight around 6:45pm. Praise God! I will get you more info when I know for sure they are all going to be on that flight.
The team members still in PAP trying to get out:
Kevin
Mark
Trinity
Mark
Kate
Evy
Thanks!
Heather
Sorry for the abrupt halt in communication the last few days. Brian accidentally dropped his phone in the sink while washing clothes Sunday night, so messages from Haiti have been few and brief since then. About 20 minutes ago I received word that a group of 7, including Brian and Larry, landed in Fort Lauderdale. They were able to ride on a company lear jet. As you can read in the message below, it sounds like the rest are still trying to get on a plane to Florida.
Steph
********************
Hi All,
Can you take a minute RIGHT NOW to pray? Half our team got on a flight this morning to Ft. Lauderdale . The other half is still there awaiting transport to Ft. Lauderdale . The entire team is scheduled on a 4:30pm flight out of Ft Lauderdale. Please pray that the 2nd half of the team gets to Ft Lauderdale in time for this flight!!!
They are scheduled to land in DFW tonight around 6:45pm. Praise God! I will get you more info when I know for sure they are all going to be on that flight.
The team members still in PAP trying to get out:
Kevin
Mark
Trinity
Mark
Kate
Evy
Thanks!
Heather
Monday, January 25, 2010
Monday
Well, we received a message from Brian last night that his phone was probably not going to work today. Steph received an email this morning via the school they are staying at. All is well and they have a flight lined up for tomorrow.
David
David
Sunday, January 24, 2010
AMI update
Hi Everyone,
Sorry about the lack of communication yesterday. I just didn’t get a chance to sit down long enough to type something up.
I spoke to the team this morning. They are all doing well and seem to be in a little more of a routine. They are back at the same hospital today that they have been at a couple of days now. They are still seeing the same wounds though the onslaught has slowed a bit – possibly because they are not hitting new locations. As things have settled, there has been great communication and coordination between our team and some others that they are working alongside. It is really a picture of the body of Christ working all together!
One encouraging story that our pastor shared this morning (he just returned last night): There was a young boy with a broken arm, broken leg, and head injury. Our team did not have the means to treat his possible brain injury but knew he needed help immediately. A young man that has been working with our team took this boy and started to drive him to get help. He drove to the airport and as God would have it, Sanjay Gupta (CNN’s neurosurgeon/reporter) was finishing up a report and the boy was taken over to him. With Dr. Gupta’s assistance, within minutes the boy was on a helicopter being flown to the USS Comfort, a floating navy hospital right off the coast of Haiti . Miracles like this are happening every day!
One specific prayer request from the team- one of the team members is sick today – achy and feverish. Please lift him up and ask that he will be quickly and completely healed so he can continue to minister to the Haitians!
The next medical team departs less than 12 hours to head over. They are bringing much fresh supplies as well as fresh energy and excitement to serve. Please continue to lift up this team as they will be there until Jan 31.
Here is another article that mentions our team at work http://www.redeemhaiti.org/ They are certainly getting good coverage!!
For His Glory,
Heather
Sorry about the lack of communication yesterday. I just didn’t get a chance to sit down long enough to type something up.
I spoke to the team this morning. They are all doing well and seem to be in a little more of a routine. They are back at the same hospital today that they have been at a couple of days now. They are still seeing the same wounds though the onslaught has slowed a bit – possibly because they are not hitting new locations. As things have settled, there has been great communication and coordination between our team and some others that they are working alongside. It is really a picture of the body of Christ working all together!
One encouraging story that our pastor shared this morning (he just returned last night): There was a young boy with a broken arm, broken leg, and head injury. Our team did not have the means to treat his possible brain injury but knew he needed help immediately. A young man that has been working with our team took this boy and started to drive him to get help. He drove to the airport and as God would have it, Sanjay Gupta (CNN’s neurosurgeon/reporter) was finishing up a report and the boy was taken over to him. With Dr. Gupta’s assistance, within minutes the boy was on a helicopter being flown to the USS Comfort, a floating navy hospital right off the coast of Haiti . Miracles like this are happening every day!
One specific prayer request from the team- one of the team members is sick today – achy and feverish. Please lift him up and ask that he will be quickly and completely healed so he can continue to minister to the Haitians!
The next medical team departs less than 12 hours to head over. They are bringing much fresh supplies as well as fresh energy and excitement to serve. Please continue to lift up this team as they will be there until Jan 31.
Here is another article that mentions our team at work http://www.redeemhaiti.org/ They are certainly getting good coverage!!
For His Glory,
Heather
Sunday morning update
I heard from Brian via text message this morning. He said:
"All is well here. At same hospital as yesterday. A lot slower. We are bringing in 15 post-op patients who will stay here until well. Two of us will remain here overnight.
Still seeing fractures, dislocations, and wounds. I think the Haitians are beginning to grieve, now that the shock is over and life is returning to somewhere closer to normal. They are telling me about their relatives who died.
We had been in an air-conditioned bus, but today we rode in a caged flatbed truck. We could smell rotting bodies as we drove through town."
No news from Brian on the church. There is hope that the 2 girls may be able to fly out Tuesday on a Baptist General Convention of Texas plane.
Steph
"All is well here. At same hospital as yesterday. A lot slower. We are bringing in 15 post-op patients who will stay here until well. Two of us will remain here overnight.
Still seeing fractures, dislocations, and wounds. I think the Haitians are beginning to grieve, now that the shock is over and life is returning to somewhere closer to normal. They are telling me about their relatives who died.
We had been in an air-conditioned bus, but today we rode in a caged flatbed truck. We could smell rotting bodies as we drove through town."
No news from Brian on the church. There is hope that the 2 girls may be able to fly out Tuesday on a Baptist General Convention of Texas plane.
Steph
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Ben and Katie in Haiti
Wanted to share this link. It is the blog of a young missionary couple, Ben and Katie, who work at the compound where Brian and the team are staying. It is neat to get a different perspective of life at "home" as Brian referred to it.
http://www.benandkatieinhaiti.com/
Also, Ben and Katie are from Dallas and Katie used to go to Antioch Church when she was in college in Waco. She is the one helping us get medical aid to the ECC and also working on getting those two girls out of Haiti and to Dallas. Some God-ordained connections here, I do believe.
From Debbie
http://www.benandkatieinhaiti.com/
Also, Ben and Katie are from Dallas and Katie used to go to Antioch Church when she was in college in Waco. She is the one helping us get medical aid to the ECC and also working on getting those two girls out of Haiti and to Dallas. Some God-ordained connections here, I do believe.
From Debbie
Sat Evening Update
Just talked to Brian...
He sounded great. Said the clinic was lighter today so they came back a little earlier than they had been, around 5:00. He took a shower (I think he said it was his first?) and rested and said he feels much better and ready to go again. He actually referred to the compound where they were staying as "home." I think it is safe to say that he feels very comfortable there.
He said their group is sleeping on mats in a second grade classroom (I think he said second grade). He said he placed his mat right by the door and has been jumping up at the slightest shifting of the ground. Apparently he was ready to sound an alarm last night, but someone said, "Don't worry about that. It's just a tremor." I can only imagine what Brian is going to do next time it thunders at our house. Not that I blame him, of course.
Brian said Larry did surgery on some femurs yesterday. He's not sure what Larry did today because he's not back yet.
He said most of them did the same kind of medical work today as they had been doing - treating crush injuries. He said they spent an hour and a half on a man who had been stuck under the rubble for two days. He said it's hard not knowing how things will turn out for particular patients.
Brian reiterated again how much he has enjoyed being with this particular team. He said, "These people from Antioch really know how to do mission trips!" He said everything has gone very smoothly. The team leaders pray through all their decisions.
The team is working on options for flying out of PAP, rather than driving back to the Dominican Republic. So you might pray about that.
Steph
He sounded great. Said the clinic was lighter today so they came back a little earlier than they had been, around 5:00. He took a shower (I think he said it was his first?) and rested and said he feels much better and ready to go again. He actually referred to the compound where they were staying as "home." I think it is safe to say that he feels very comfortable there.
He said their group is sleeping on mats in a second grade classroom (I think he said second grade). He said he placed his mat right by the door and has been jumping up at the slightest shifting of the ground. Apparently he was ready to sound an alarm last night, but someone said, "Don't worry about that. It's just a tremor." I can only imagine what Brian is going to do next time it thunders at our house. Not that I blame him, of course.
Brian said Larry did surgery on some femurs yesterday. He's not sure what Larry did today because he's not back yet.
He said most of them did the same kind of medical work today as they had been doing - treating crush injuries. He said they spent an hour and a half on a man who had been stuck under the rubble for two days. He said it's hard not knowing how things will turn out for particular patients.
Brian reiterated again how much he has enjoyed being with this particular team. He said, "These people from Antioch really know how to do mission trips!" He said everything has gone very smoothly. The team leaders pray through all their decisions.
The team is working on options for flying out of PAP, rather than driving back to the Dominican Republic. So you might pray about that.
Steph
Getting the Team home
Brian and the team need help getting out of Port Au Prince.
If anyone has information regarding flights out of Haiti, please contact Heather.
heather-bonney (at) aminternational (dot) org
office 254.754-0386::129
If anyone has information regarding flights out of Haiti, please contact Heather.
heather-bonney (at) aminternational (dot) org
office 254.754-0386::129
Saturday Morning
Not much news to report. Just wanted to let you all know that I had spoken briefly with Brian by phone last night and exchanged a few short text messages this morning. All is well with the team.
Brian said this morning that they were setting up in a "real" clinic and that it was pretty nice. They may need to move back outside, though, because the Haitians, understandably, are afraid to be inside.
Brian said he is fatigued, so you might pray for strength and energy for him.
He said that so far, in every location they have been to, the medical need has been overwhelming. So they plan to go strong all day as long as there are people in need of medical care.
No word this morning (at least as far as I am aware) on getting the 2 girls out of Haiti or about the pastor/church many of you are trying to reach. I am hopeful that someone is making progress on both of those matters, though. Brian has reported them to the leadership and in both cases someone was going to try to make some headway. I'm sorry I don't have more to report.
Thanks for your continued prayers!
Steph
Brian said this morning that they were setting up in a "real" clinic and that it was pretty nice. They may need to move back outside, though, because the Haitians, understandably, are afraid to be inside.
Brian said he is fatigued, so you might pray for strength and energy for him.
He said that so far, in every location they have been to, the medical need has been overwhelming. So they plan to go strong all day as long as there are people in need of medical care.
No word this morning (at least as far as I am aware) on getting the 2 girls out of Haiti or about the pastor/church many of you are trying to reach. I am hopeful that someone is making progress on both of those matters, though. Brian has reported them to the leadership and in both cases someone was going to try to make some headway. I'm sorry I don't have more to report.
Thanks for your continued prayers!
Steph
Friday, January 22, 2010
2 Girls Coming to the US - Info
I have cleared up all of the info for taking the 2 girls back to Dallas on the private plane. I know this may not be possible, but if it is, it would be a HUGE service to this family who are in shock and do not have enough to take care of themselves much less their girls.
If this will work please let me know.
One more thing....I am trying to use Google Earth to get the coordinates for you, but may not be able to do so.
This is the info:
Names of Father: Wadestrant (Wawa)
Email: jbwadestrant (at) juno (dot) com
Phone: none working now
Dallas Contact picking up the girls: Frances Sawyer home 972 386 0747 Cell 972 898 5114
I have confirmed that all of the papers are in order, passports and visas. The parents and children have promised me that they will be at that address for the next 24 hours and will NOT leave. They will have the girls packed and ready to leave. They completely understand that you may not be able to do this and since we don't have contact with them regularly, they promised to be ready and stay ready in the event this works out.
We are forever grateful for your help and love for the Haitian people.
Debbie
214 361 9955
If this will work please let me know.
One more thing....I am trying to use Google Earth to get the coordinates for you, but may not be able to do so.
This is the info:
Names of Father: Wadestrant (Wawa)
Email: jbwadestrant (at) juno (dot) com
Phone: none working now
Dallas Contact picking up the girls: Frances Sawyer home 972 386 0747 Cell 972 898 5114
I have confirmed that all of the papers are in order, passports and visas. The parents and children have promised me that they will be at that address for the next 24 hours and will NOT leave. They will have the girls packed and ready to leave. They completely understand that you may not be able to do this and since we don't have contact with them regularly, they promised to be ready and stay ready in the event this works out.
We are forever grateful for your help and love for the Haitian people.
Debbie
214 361 9955
Friday Morning Update
If you have facebook, Brian has been posting some photos and videos there. I think you have to already have been a "friend" to Brian to see them, though. Perhaps I should have done that before he left!
In case any of you are connected with a group heading to the Dominican Republic or Haiti in the near future, I am also including a text he sent for a group in Arizona that departs Saturday (?):
It's warm, so bring a soft mat to sleep on and nothing more than a sheet for cover. Breakaway cargo pants are nice. Sunscreen is important. iphone is working well.
If coming to PAP bring external fixator devices for femur fractures. If going to the hospital area in Jimani, bring a surgery tent, complete with ortho tools and all items needed for anesthesia. Regardless of where you go, we wish we had brought more injectable morphine, casting/splinting supplies, crutches, and IV supplies.
Also, Brian sent a written description of the story he told me last night over the phone. I am going to copy it here in case any medical teams that have not yet left the States can make use of the information.
"This 15 year old girl suffered a right leg compound fracture. The ankle bone was sticking out of the skin, and her pain was agonal. As I unwrapped her bandages I could smell gangrene. In fact, almost he entire lower leg was gangrenous. We started an IV, gave her some antibiotics and pain control, and considered taking the leg off at the knee. I asked our team leader to get a transport, but he had no signal. A few minutes later two more people with injuries requiring amputation arrived.
I began working on the other - trying to relieve their pain, getting a splint on the fracture, that sort of thing. A few minutes later, our transport guy drove up and said he felt like we might need a transport.
I couldn't believe it. It was our Lord. It was like an angel came to us. Two of the three were flown by heli to a Navy surgical ship. Praise God! The other I did not hear about."
Finally, here are the texts Brian sent early this morning:
I left the compound before anyone checked on the church. I may know something tonight. [He did pass on the information to leaders at the compound last night, so they know about the situation and hopefully someone is able to make some progress there.]
The team had good corporate worship this morning. They are headed back to the tent village where they saw patients yesterday. He is praying James 1:2-4
In case any of you are connected with a group heading to the Dominican Republic or Haiti in the near future, I am also including a text he sent for a group in Arizona that departs Saturday (?):
It's warm, so bring a soft mat to sleep on and nothing more than a sheet for cover. Breakaway cargo pants are nice. Sunscreen is important. iphone is working well.
If coming to PAP bring external fixator devices for femur fractures. If going to the hospital area in Jimani, bring a surgery tent, complete with ortho tools and all items needed for anesthesia. Regardless of where you go, we wish we had brought more injectable morphine, casting/splinting supplies, crutches, and IV supplies.
Also, Brian sent a written description of the story he told me last night over the phone. I am going to copy it here in case any medical teams that have not yet left the States can make use of the information.
"This 15 year old girl suffered a right leg compound fracture. The ankle bone was sticking out of the skin, and her pain was agonal. As I unwrapped her bandages I could smell gangrene. In fact, almost he entire lower leg was gangrenous. We started an IV, gave her some antibiotics and pain control, and considered taking the leg off at the knee. I asked our team leader to get a transport, but he had no signal. A few minutes later two more people with injuries requiring amputation arrived.
I began working on the other - trying to relieve their pain, getting a splint on the fracture, that sort of thing. A few minutes later, our transport guy drove up and said he felt like we might need a transport.
I couldn't believe it. It was our Lord. It was like an angel came to us. Two of the three were flown by heli to a Navy surgical ship. Praise God! The other I did not hear about."
Finally, here are the texts Brian sent early this morning:
I left the compound before anyone checked on the church. I may know something tonight. [He did pass on the information to leaders at the compound last night, so they know about the situation and hopefully someone is able to make some progress there.]
The team had good corporate worship this morning. They are headed back to the tent village where they saw patients yesterday. He is praying James 1:2-4
Video from Haiti and news stories
Here is an orphanage where Brian is treating kids. You can see him briefly at the beginning.
Here is a link to some video from Fox News of our team at work. GO team! http://www.kyte.tv/ch/329916-adamhousley/757733-help-haiti-orphans
And here are 2 links to articles about the team:
http://www.baylor.edu/lariat/news.php?action=story&story=67805
http://www.star-telegram.com/metro_news/story/1909556.html
Here is a link to some video from Fox News of our team at work. GO team! http://www.kyte.tv/ch/329916-adamhousley/757733-help-haiti-orphans
And here are 2 links to articles about the team:
http://www.baylor.edu/lariat/news.php?action=story&story=67805
http://www.star-telegram.com/metro_news/story/1909556.html
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Thur night update
Brian called tonight. Here is the latest:
Brian said he is pretty worn out, that it has been physically challenging. It is hot. They are drinking lots of fluids. The food is just ok when they're out and about - granola bars - but great at the compound where they are staying.
He was anxious to tell me a story about a 14-year-old girl he saw today in the tent village in PAP. She had a splint on her leg and was writhing in pain. He could smell it and see that her entire lower leg was gangrenous. He took the old dressings off and gave her a shot of antibiotics. He knew she needed to get to a hospital immediately, but they had no means of transport. They were calling around trying to find transportation for her, and when he turned around the guy they were trying to reach was standing there and he said he came because he thought they might need to transport someone to the hospital. Within minutes she was on a helicopter.
Another person came in with a similar situation and was taken to have surgery. Then another, but Brian wasn't sure what happened with the third patient. He said he had never seen anything like this, especially in such volume.
Brian said that traveling within PAP takes a long time. There are people and debris in the streets. He said they drove 2 hours from the compound where they are staying to where they worked today, and then 2 hours back to the compound at the end of the day.
At the first place they went today, the orphanage that started with about 75 kids and where about 40 had died in the earthquake, Fox news was there videotaping. He said the children there were young, mostly under two years of age, and crunched up. He said it was heartbreaking. There were wounds, the children were crying. When the team finished there they ate and sat in a circle on a soccer field and talked and prayed.
Brian said that Larry had a good day at a hospital. They had x-rays there. Larry and another orthopedist put on casts all day for broken closed bones. Larry may go back to that hospital tomorrow. There are 40 broken femurs at this one hospital, and they all need to be fixed in the operating room.
On a side note, some friends of ours have a connection to a church in PAP where we think there are some people camped out. There were apparently up to 1500 people there a few days ago, but many have left due to lack of food, water, and medical attention. The pastor of this church drove to the Dominican Republic Monday for help, but his car broke down and he is stuck in the DR. We think the church may be located on the same street as the compound where the team is staying. Brian is going to see if someone knows anything about the location of the church and whether or not they can get any help there. It would be great if you could include this church in your prayers.
The team is going to try to get some good rest tonight.
Brian said he is pretty worn out, that it has been physically challenging. It is hot. They are drinking lots of fluids. The food is just ok when they're out and about - granola bars - but great at the compound where they are staying.
He was anxious to tell me a story about a 14-year-old girl he saw today in the tent village in PAP. She had a splint on her leg and was writhing in pain. He could smell it and see that her entire lower leg was gangrenous. He took the old dressings off and gave her a shot of antibiotics. He knew she needed to get to a hospital immediately, but they had no means of transport. They were calling around trying to find transportation for her, and when he turned around the guy they were trying to reach was standing there and he said he came because he thought they might need to transport someone to the hospital. Within minutes she was on a helicopter.
Another person came in with a similar situation and was taken to have surgery. Then another, but Brian wasn't sure what happened with the third patient. He said he had never seen anything like this, especially in such volume.
Brian said that traveling within PAP takes a long time. There are people and debris in the streets. He said they drove 2 hours from the compound where they are staying to where they worked today, and then 2 hours back to the compound at the end of the day.
At the first place they went today, the orphanage that started with about 75 kids and where about 40 had died in the earthquake, Fox news was there videotaping. He said the children there were young, mostly under two years of age, and crunched up. He said it was heartbreaking. There were wounds, the children were crying. When the team finished there they ate and sat in a circle on a soccer field and talked and prayed.
Brian said that Larry had a good day at a hospital. They had x-rays there. Larry and another orthopedist put on casts all day for broken closed bones. Larry may go back to that hospital tomorrow. There are 40 broken femurs at this one hospital, and they all need to be fixed in the operating room.
On a side note, some friends of ours have a connection to a church in PAP where we think there are some people camped out. There were apparently up to 1500 people there a few days ago, but many have left due to lack of food, water, and medical attention. The pastor of this church drove to the Dominican Republic Monday for help, but his car broke down and he is stuck in the DR. We think the church may be located on the same street as the compound where the team is staying. Brian is going to see if someone knows anything about the location of the church and whether or not they can get any help there. It would be great if you could include this church in your prayers.
The team is going to try to get some good rest tonight.
ECC Haiti Recovery
Facebook link from Debbie.
"Do you know of a way for a group of approximately 1500 people at the Evangelical Christian Church in Haiti to get some desperately needed care? I personally know the pastor (a native Haitian) and these people have no food, water, or medical care."
Contact:
Debbie Dittrich
214 361 9955
Debbie (at)Followinghim (dot)com
ECC Haiti
"Do you know of a way for a group of approximately 1500 people at the Evangelical Christian Church in Haiti to get some desperately needed care? I personally know the pastor (a native Haitian) and these people have no food, water, or medical care."
Contact:
Debbie Dittrich
214 361 9955
Debbie (at)Followinghim (dot)com
ECC Haiti
Jan 21 - Port Au Prince
Finishing up a day of seeing Haitians previously unseen. Awful injuries. Terrible wounds. We're making a huge difference. Lots of prayers for healing and new belief in Jesus.
Felt a tremor a few hours ago. I am outside, so I'm safe. The Haitians are scared of being inside so they are living in tent cities.
I'll post some pictures on Facebook tonight. I don't have email.
We are well hydrated and decently fed, but we haven't showered - we all stink!
Meeting some wonderful, educated, talented Haitians who have no job. In the States these people would have great jobs. It is sad for them.
This team I am with is just amazing. They have a heart for people living in poverty and for missions.
Felt a tremor a few hours ago. I am outside, so I'm safe. The Haitians are scared of being inside so they are living in tent cities.
I'll post some pictures on Facebook tonight. I don't have email.
We are well hydrated and decently fed, but we haven't showered - we all stink!
Meeting some wonderful, educated, talented Haitians who have no job. In the States these people would have great jobs. It is sad for them.
This team I am with is just amazing. They have a heart for people living in poverty and for missions.
Official Team Update AMI #3
An eventful day yesterday…the team made it into PAP yesterday afternoon after a long bus ride. They have seen a lot more of the damage first hand but have felt safe as they travel. They will be lodging nights at Quisqueya Christian College and heading out during the days to surrounding areas that need assistance. The good news about this location is that there are US military staying at the base as well so they feel very secure.
Today they are heading to an orphanage on the outskirts of town that has not received help yet. I am sure we will be getting reports back from their time there later today. They were told that this orphanage had 2000 students but do not know how many survived. They are expecting to see many of the same injuries they have already seen – crush injuries, broken bones, puncture wounds, etc.
God orchestrated a plane for our senior pastor and his wife to fly in this morning. Ross Perot’s company sent a plane full of doctors and supplies and we were able to secure 2 seats on the plane for Jimmy & Laura! They also were able to take in specific supplies that the doctors had requested. PLEASE PRAY however as I spoke to them this morning when the plane arrived and the supplies got mixed up somehow and now have gone missing. PRAY that our supplies would be identified and we would be able to quickly get them where they need to go!
Everyone continues to do well and we have reports that the team dynamics are wonderful. They have sufficient food and water and continue to have great favor with authorities there!
Today they are heading to an orphanage on the outskirts of town that has not received help yet. I am sure we will be getting reports back from their time there later today. They were told that this orphanage had 2000 students but do not know how many survived. They are expecting to see many of the same injuries they have already seen – crush injuries, broken bones, puncture wounds, etc.
God orchestrated a plane for our senior pastor and his wife to fly in this morning. Ross Perot’s company sent a plane full of doctors and supplies and we were able to secure 2 seats on the plane for Jimmy & Laura! They also were able to take in specific supplies that the doctors had requested. PLEASE PRAY however as I spoke to them this morning when the plane arrived and the supplies got mixed up somehow and now have gone missing. PRAY that our supplies would be identified and we would be able to quickly get them where they need to go!
Everyone continues to do well and we have reports that the team dynamics are wonderful. They have sufficient food and water and continue to have great favor with authorities there!
Port Au Prince cont'd
9:25 a.m. Just left the orphanage where 30 of the 75 kids had died. I saw the rubble heaps where some remained. Awful smells. A few of the kids were in awful shape. We are sending 1 to the hospital for leg surgery. The others should be fine now with the wound treatments.
We are setting up aside a rather large tent city, size of a football field. It is chaos. We are in a safe place, up a hill, under a covered porch.
We are setting up aside a rather large tent city, size of a football field. It is chaos. We are in a safe place, up a hill, under a covered porch.
News from Port Au Prince
At 6:24 this morning, our time, Brian said they were just outside the US embassy in Port-au-Prince. Food lines. Lots of building damage. No violence. Thousands of people filled the streets when the sun came up, he said. About one in two buildings there had been leveled.
Brian said they were setting up a clinic in an orphanage. Half of the group would be staying there; the rest would go to another clinic a little further north. Most of the kids at this particular orphanage had survived so far. Brian said the kids and the workers looked pretty good. There was a pretty long line of folks outside. They heard yesterday that the relief group was coming. Not a lot of bad injuries that he could see.
He also said that there was a small tent city set up there. On the drive earlier this morning they passed miles of broken buildings, tent cities, and people sitting, walking, doing nothing. It seems more impoverished than Nairobi [where we had been in August]. Brian also mentioned that they had passed the port and that it was pretty "beat up."
Brian said they were setting up a clinic in an orphanage. Half of the group would be staying there; the rest would go to another clinic a little further north. Most of the kids at this particular orphanage had survived so far. Brian said the kids and the workers looked pretty good. There was a pretty long line of folks outside. They heard yesterday that the relief group was coming. Not a lot of bad injuries that he could see.
He also said that there was a small tent city set up there. On the drive earlier this morning they passed miles of broken buildings, tent cities, and people sitting, walking, doing nothing. It seems more impoverished than Nairobi [where we had been in August]. Brian also mentioned that they had passed the port and that it was pretty "beat up."
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Brian's call with Stephanie
Just wanted to let you know that Brian called a little while ago and he and the rest of the group are doing fine. They are in Port-au-Prince, about a mile from the airport, staying at a gated private school (or what used to be a private school - it is now being used as a base for about 50 U.S. military and as a medical center, I think).
Brian said they slept alright last night. There were dogs barking and roosters crowing early in the morning, and then they felt the aftershock and decided to go ahead and get up. He said that food is just a little scarce, but it's ok.
There was plenty to be done at the medical center where they were in the Dominican Republic, but they felt that they ought to go toward the center of things and help people who had not yet received any aid. They felt safe traveling, even through Port-au-Prince, and they feel safe where they are now. As I was talking to him, they were being ushered into a building where a meal was being served.
Brian said the group dynamics are unbelievably fantastic. Everyone is getting along great.
Oh, backing up a bit, he said that they were given free food on their flights Monday. Lines were opened up for them to get through security, customs, etc. Everyone was being as helpful as possible and things went very smoothly.
They are excited about the news that at 6:00 am tomorrow a Ross Perot plane is expected to land and provide them with supplies they were able to specifically request. They asked for a lot of things, including a portable x-ray machine, and they have been told that 90% of their requests are being met. Jimmy Seibert (sp?), pastor of Antioch Community Church in Waco, is expected to be on the plane as well.
Two members of their group are assessing an orphanage where apparently about 30 children have died and other children are crawling/walking around. They will know more soon, but it seems that no aid has reached these children yet. Tomorrow they will go there to set up a food and water distribution point and to provide medical care. Brian's sense was that there are many, many people still in desperate need. Despite all the help that has arrived, many have not yet been reached.
That's all I can remember from the phone conversation. Thanks for remembering Brian, the team from Antioch, other rescue teams, and the Haitians in your prayers.
Stephanie
Brian said they slept alright last night. There were dogs barking and roosters crowing early in the morning, and then they felt the aftershock and decided to go ahead and get up. He said that food is just a little scarce, but it's ok.
There was plenty to be done at the medical center where they were in the Dominican Republic, but they felt that they ought to go toward the center of things and help people who had not yet received any aid. They felt safe traveling, even through Port-au-Prince, and they feel safe where they are now. As I was talking to him, they were being ushered into a building where a meal was being served.
Brian said the group dynamics are unbelievably fantastic. Everyone is getting along great.
Oh, backing up a bit, he said that they were given free food on their flights Monday. Lines were opened up for them to get through security, customs, etc. Everyone was being as helpful as possible and things went very smoothly.
They are excited about the news that at 6:00 am tomorrow a Ross Perot plane is expected to land and provide them with supplies they were able to specifically request. They asked for a lot of things, including a portable x-ray machine, and they have been told that 90% of their requests are being met. Jimmy Seibert (sp?), pastor of Antioch Community Church in Waco, is expected to be on the plane as well.
Two members of their group are assessing an orphanage where apparently about 30 children have died and other children are crawling/walking around. They will know more soon, but it seems that no aid has reached these children yet. Tomorrow they will go there to set up a food and water distribution point and to provide medical care. Brian's sense was that there are many, many people still in desperate need. Despite all the help that has arrived, many have not yet been reached.
That's all I can remember from the phone conversation. Thanks for remembering Brian, the team from Antioch, other rescue teams, and the Haitians in your prayers.
Stephanie
Needed Items
I received this from Heather with AMI. Not even sure where to begin on getting these items down there, but maybe someone does.
My Email: I3yrdman (at) gmail (dot) com
David Byrd
"I just got off the phone with the team and these are the medical supplies they need more of:
Hydrocodone tablets or liquid
Oxycodone tablets
Rocephin
Silvadene cream
Kerlix gauze
Saline IV fluids
IV morphine
IV ketamine and versed
2 ambu bags
Vaseline gauze
Fiberglass casting materials – casting plaster and wrap
Tylenol suppositories
Stretchers
Sleeping mats/pads
So, if you know someone going who will be connecting with our team and who could bring supplies, please let us know!
Thanks,
Heather"
My Email: I3yrdman (at) gmail (dot) com
David Byrd
"I just got off the phone with the team and these are the medical supplies they need more of:
Hydrocodone tablets or liquid
Oxycodone tablets
Rocephin
Silvadene cream
Kerlix gauze
Saline IV fluids
IV morphine
IV ketamine and versed
2 ambu bags
Vaseline gauze
Fiberglass casting materials – casting plaster and wrap
Tylenol suppositories
Stretchers
Sleeping mats/pads
So, if you know someone going who will be connecting with our team and who could bring supplies, please let us know!
Thanks,
Heather"
Official Team Update AMI #2
Hey everyone,
I spoke with the team this morning and they are all OK. They were not close to the second earthquake that occurred this morning although they could feel it. They should be currently loaded up and headed into PAP where they will arrive midday. They are going to be working in an area (building/tent) that is half occupied by a US military group so hopefully they will be secure! They will set up a “hospital” and will continue to treat and care for as many as they are able to serve.
The team is all in good spirits and encouraged about all the favor they have been given thus far. God has connected them with the right people at the right times and they are really being able to make an impact.
Please keep praying!
Heather
I spoke with the team this morning and they are all OK. They were not close to the second earthquake that occurred this morning although they could feel it. They should be currently loaded up and headed into PAP where they will arrive midday. They are going to be working in an area (building/tent) that is half occupied by a US military group so hopefully they will be secure! They will set up a “hospital” and will continue to treat and care for as many as they are able to serve.
The team is all in good spirits and encouraged about all the favor they have been given thus far. God has connected them with the right people at the right times and they are really being able to make an impact.
Please keep praying!
Heather
New Update
We triaged, treated, and operated on innumerable Haitians yesterday. Helicopters now coming and going every 15 minutes. We hear there may be thousands more coming. While we wait for our bus, we are heading to a World Vision tent hospital.
Aftershock news
I texted Brian this morning when I read about the big aftershock in Haiti. It sounded bad from the news. Brian wrote back and said they felt it, but it was "light" where they were in Jimani and lasted about 10 seconds.
Brian said they may be moving into Port-au-Prince today. They have been invited to stay in a building half-occupied with US military. The military wants them to set up a triage clinic there. There are some issues getting into the capital, lots of aid streaming in and injured streaming out. They anticipate a long ride. I told him we would pray about that.
Brian said they may be moving into Port-au-Prince today. They have been invited to stay in a building half-occupied with US military. The military wants them to set up a triage clinic there. There are some issues getting into the capital, lots of aid streaming in and injured streaming out. They anticipate a long ride. I told him we would pray about that.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Official Team Update AMI
Hello friends and family,
I just heard from Justin Boland, one of the leaders of the team in Haiti . They arrived safely last night to the Dominican Republic and he said everyone is doing well and in good spirits. They worked for several hours today in the Good Samaritan Hospital in Jimani, DR treating puncture wounds, broken limbs, and performing some amputations. Tomorrow they are planning on all sticking together and heading in as a team to Haiti to continue serving the need. They have had great favor with the people there and have several options for how to proceed in Haiti .
I will be in touch again as soon as I hear more. Please continue to keep praying for our team there that they will be strong, healthy, and able to give beyond measure to the people.
For Him,
Heather
ami | regional manager africa & east asia
I just heard from Justin Boland, one of the leaders of the team in Haiti . They arrived safely last night to the Dominican Republic and he said everyone is doing well and in good spirits. They worked for several hours today in the Good Samaritan Hospital in Jimani, DR treating puncture wounds, broken limbs, and performing some amputations. Tomorrow they are planning on all sticking together and heading in as a team to Haiti to continue serving the need. They have had great favor with the people there and have several options for how to proceed in Haiti .
I will be in touch again as soon as I hear more. Please continue to keep praying for our team there that they will be strong, healthy, and able to give beyond measure to the people.
For Him,
Heather
ami | regional manager africa & east asia
New Update
We are stationed at a makeshift hospital in Jimani. There are probably 100 medical personnel, and 500 or so injured Haitians. Helicopters coming and going with patients. Doctors and nurses from all over the world. At least 7 orthopedic surgeons, and we hear more are coming. The surgeons are pinning broken bones in the or. We are dressing wounds, placing chest tubes, fixating broken limbs, giving antibiotics, and pain medicine. Most communication is done with broken French and interpreters.
There is nowhere for these people to go. They have to sleep, eat, and take care of bodily functions with people lying all around them. They scream when we set their broken limbs. We are scrambling to discharge them to make room for the incoming injured.
Port-au-Prince, as we have been told, stinks. All efforts are aimed at evacuating as many as possible to areas all over this island. So we expect more to arrive tomorrow. The injured people are devastated emotionally, but they are appreciative, generally. So far there hasn't been any violence.
The team hasn't slept since we left DFW yesterday. It is 2:30 pm and we are driving back to World Vision headquarters to try to find a place to set up our tents. I'm sticking with beef jerkey and power bars for nourishment. There is plenty of bottled water. Prayers for ortho supplies have been answered. Thank you.
The best description of it all might be good juxtoposed against awfulness, nausea and sweetness together. Pray for replenishment of our physical and emotional tanks. Pray for our Lord's comfort for these people while their wounds and broken bones heal. Pray for the Haitians who have lost limbs and loved ones. Pray for the organizers of this medical treatment center.
There is nowhere for these people to go. They have to sleep, eat, and take care of bodily functions with people lying all around them. They scream when we set their broken limbs. We are scrambling to discharge them to make room for the incoming injured.
Port-au-Prince, as we have been told, stinks. All efforts are aimed at evacuating as many as possible to areas all over this island. So we expect more to arrive tomorrow. The injured people are devastated emotionally, but they are appreciative, generally. So far there hasn't been any violence.
The team hasn't slept since we left DFW yesterday. It is 2:30 pm and we are driving back to World Vision headquarters to try to find a place to set up our tents. I'm sticking with beef jerkey and power bars for nourishment. There is plenty of bottled water. Prayers for ortho supplies have been answered. Thank you.
The best description of it all might be good juxtoposed against awfulness, nausea and sweetness together. Pray for replenishment of our physical and emotional tanks. Pray for our Lord's comfort for these people while their wounds and broken bones heal. Pray for the Haitians who have lost limbs and loved ones. Pray for the organizers of this medical treatment center.
News from Jimani
At 9:30 p.m. our time the crew landed in Santa Domingo.
A little after 6:00 this morning I received another text: In Jimani. It is beautiful, mountainous, green. Pleasant weather. It was a 6 hour drive from San Domingo. Lots of Haitians here with broken bones - in a small hospital, lying in the hallways, lots of pain. More coming from Port-au-Prince, we hear. We are headed to the larger hospital to assess. Biggest problem is lack of orthopedic supplies and pain meds. We are at World Vision headquarters, and will be working out of their hospital tent. But that tent hasn't gone up yet. No security issues so far. No sleep last night. But crew is in good spirits.
A little after 6:00 this morning I received another text: In Jimani. It is beautiful, mountainous, green. Pleasant weather. It was a 6 hour drive from San Domingo. Lots of Haitians here with broken bones - in a small hospital, lying in the hallways, lots of pain. More coming from Port-au-Prince, we hear. We are headed to the larger hospital to assess. Biggest problem is lack of orthopedic supplies and pain meds. We are at World Vision headquarters, and will be working out of their hospital tent. But that tent hasn't gone up yet. No security issues so far. No sleep last night. But crew is in good spirits.
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