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