Updates from Haiti

Notes on August Trip (Haiti update, August 2010)

2010-11-24T09:27:00.000-08:00

We returned from Haiti at midnight. This morning, Friday, August 20th, I sat in our spacious, lush garden, allowing the green, beauty and cool morning breezes to welcome me home. As I reflected on one of Thomas Merton's psalm prayers on nature, I couldn't help but feel joy and gratitude for the beauty and morning calm. At the same time, I was aware of this sad, hollow, helpless feeling as I thought in silence: there is more beauty and more food in this small community garden than in any of the encampments that continue to cover every inch of available space in the destroyed city of Port au Prince.

We returned to Haiti in order to continue to work with Dr. Joey, the health care agents and members of the board to further develop the Kay Lasante Project for health care and disease prevention services. In addition to assisting at the clinic and visiting the Solidarite' des Handicapees Moteurs, the camp for the disabled and elderly, and other organizations, our time was spent primarily in meetings to assist with staff development and to better understand how we, The House of Grace, together with Tom Gumbleton, can best continue our accompaniment of St. Claire's parish as they continue to provide health care and outreach services for the community.

Our first meeting with the health agents and board members was, as usual, hopeful and inspiring. The health agents and board members shared their reactions to the experience of their recent participation in the Open Space/ Circles of Change Seminars. We had arranged for participation in these seminars as part of staff development. Open space is a method of assisting groups of people working together, or who are concerned about issues, to develop collaborative leadership styles in approaching and resolving problems. Their participation in these seminars and circles of change has proven to be very useful in creating cohesiveness within the group. Since our team of health agents and board members are leaders in their community, these tools will be very valuable as they continue not only to work at the clinic together, but to deal with the complex issues facing Haiti during this critical time of recovery. We were encouraged by their enthusiasm over the seminars.

The clinic continues to operate out of the tent site in Ti Plaz Kazo two afternoons each week. The work that Dr. Joey and the health agents are doing is most impressive. We were amazed at how many people lined up in the hot sun to be seen. It was heartening to see that services are being provided and that the people of the community know that they have somewhere to turn for help. Basic health issues can be dealt with very easily. More involved cases become challenging to deal with. For example , we saw two older women - both very sick; one with a possible tumor, the other with cardiac disease. They needed to be referred for further lab tests. We await the results to determine what can or cannot be done to help. We do take comfort in knowing that the health agents will follow up and assist these women to get what services they can.

The most exciting part of the trip was discovering the availability of a building across the alley from the tent clinic site in Ti Plaz Kazo. Daniel, our liaison, and the board members, Pierre and Carlo are in the process of negotiating the terms for renting this building. It is in very good shape and will serve our purposes very well . In addition to three rooms that can be used as exam rooms,a bathroom, and storage space, there is a large meeting room. Dr. Joey and the health agents are looking forward to using this space for the clinic, community education meetings, staff meetings, and circle of change seminars for the community.

What continues to amaze us, is that out of the chaos, suffering and utter devastation of the earthquake the people have found within themselves the courage to carry on. We meet the most incredible people - - Haitian people first of all, but also so many others who are working in solidarity with them.

As mentioned above, we made a return visit to the Solidarite' des Handicapees Moteurs, the camp for the disabled and elderly in Cite Soleil. We were pleased to see the people again. It was touching to be recognized and so warmly welcomed back. We were able to visit with a number of the people living in this camp and do an assessment of their health needs. We plan to have a health care delegation visit this camp in the near future. Since our first visit in June, the situation for the people has greatly improved thanks to the generosity of people like you. While this is by no means the ideal solution, the people do have much better tents, a water tank on the property, and a small outdoor kitchen for cooking meals. The kitchen is actually an unbelievably hot little bamboo-like hut with a dirt floor. However, they do have what they need in order to provide meals: pots, pans, cooking utensils and charcoal. We have made a commitment to continue to support the people of this camp with finances in order for them to purchase food and water.

What is so impressive is that this camp is being organized by the people for the people - some of the most vulnerable people. A few of the women of the camp have come forward to take responsibility for cooking the food for the 150 members of the camp. They are proud to be serving local Haitian food. Daniel explained how much it means to some of the residents of the camp that the children from the nearby Pax Christi soccer club carry the meals to the elderly and disabled who are not able to walk to the little kitchen area

There is one woman living in the camp who is 80 years old. She is disabled from being hit by a car four years ago. She talked with us about the chronic pain in her left leg. She had never received any treatment following the accident. Her leg is now completely deformed. For pain management she wraps her left knee with a piece of cloth from an old dress and ties it tightly with a shoe string. She was quick to smile and make sure that we knew that this does not stop her from being active: She attends church, helps in the kitchen, and visits her grandchildren. Her eyes are so clear, her spirit is so strong. She beamed because she will now have a photo of herself with Tom to show her family.

We were also privileged to visit with Sr. Marthe Van Rompay. She is a Missionary Sister of the Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Sister Marthe has lived in Haiti and worked with restevek children for 30 years. These are children who, for various reasons, are forced to live life as slaves in the homes of wealthy Haitians. The children are treated inhumanely. Their basic human rights are denied. Although often times their parents think otherwise, the children are not provided an education, and life is not better for them. Sister Marthe rescues these children from the abuses of this situation and finds them better homes to live in where they will be cared for and treated like human beings.

Sister could not contain her joy over our visit. She bowed her head and cried " I can't believe it". She was overwhelmed to finally sit and talk with Tom whom she met in Detroit 30 years ago and with whom she has been corresponding these many years. She was truly delighted to know that I was working with the Catholic Worker, and that Manuel Padilla was with Pax Christi. She kept repeating how blessed she was by the visit - as were we. To be in her presence and hear about her journey and her dedication to these children was most inspiring.She has devoted her life to helping these children to be free of a life of virtual slavery and to helping them find their dignity and worth as children of God.

We had the good fortune of spending time with Sasha Krammer and Amy Ross of SOIL. Sasha, the founder of Soil, has been working in Haiti since 2004. SOIL, Sustainable Organic Integrated Livelihoods, is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting soil resources, empowering communities, and transforming wastes into resources in Haiti.
Sasha has graciously agreed to work with us in Ti Plaz Kazo to place some community composting toilets in the neighborhood near our clinic. In addition to this being a much needed, wonderful service for the community, our goal is to use the installation of these toilets as an opportunity to do health education in the community, especially with the children.

There is much speculation about the upcoming elections. The elections are scheduled to take place on November 28th. These elections will be flawed. In an article, The Assault on Haitian Democracy, posted by the Institute of Justice and Democracy, Kevin Edmunds states, " the strongest and most popular political force will again be excluded from these elections... the United States and the principal International power brokers have stated over and over again that the promotion of a stable and democratic political process is the primary goal in Haiti. However, the international elites continue to support and fund an election that openly excludes the political party Famni Lavalas , the party founded by former Haitian President Jean Bertrand Aristide." As a result of this, there is no candidate who is clearly a champion of the poor, or committed to bringing about the changes needed to promote justice for all.

It was good to be in Haiti and see that life, however fraught with challenges, continues. The Haitian people are full of life. A spirit of hope and determination persists in spite of abnormal circumstances, and the painfully slow progress towards recovery. We remain in awe of the dignity and beauty that the Haitian people bring to such difficult life situations.

We thank you for your continued interest, support and prayers.

Peace,

Johanna Berrigan, House of Grace Catholic Worker Community, Phila., Pa.
Bishop Tom Gumbleton, Detroit MI.

June 2010 Six-Month Anniversary Update

2010-07-20T10:52:00.000-07:00

Psalm 47: Come, behold the works of the Beloved, how love does reign even in

humanity's desolation.

As I read Psalm 47 in the book, Psalms For Praying, An Invitation to Wholeness by Nan C. Merrill, this excerpt held deep meaning as I thought of the people of Haiti. Our recent trip to Haiti in mid-June was an experience of witnessing the continued desolation of post earthquake Haiti, and also the deep and abiding spirit of love in the people.

It is six months since the devastating earthquake destroyed the Capital City of Port au Prince, killing more than 300,000 people, and leaving untold numbers of people severely injured and homeless.

All over the city of Port au Prince, a tragic, completely abnormal situation has become normal. The obvious and most striking thing upon our return to Haiti is how little anything has changed since our last visit - and in some respects the situation is worse.

It is bewildering and beyond comprehension that Port au Prince remains a makeshift - tent city. More than 1.5 million people continue to live on the streets. There are approximately 1,300 camps in Port au Prince and neighboring communities. Lack of safe, secure, sanitary shelter remains one of the most pressing problems that the Haitian people face.

Sadly, there has been an increase of violence and rape against women and young girls in these camps.

Huge mounds of concrete rubble and rotting garbage are everywhere. Severely damaged, partially collapsed buildings stand threateningly unstable along the main streets in downtown Port au Prince. It seems that even a thunder storm could knock them over, not to mention another earthquake. Damaged electrical wires hang from poles that teeter precariously along the streets. In addition to homes and local businesses, the ruins of the National Palace, the Cathedral, and other ministry buildings remain standing but beyond repair. They are a powerful, painful testimony to what has been - and even more so to what has not been.

Curiously absent is the site of equipment, bulldozers and other heavy machinery that would speak to some serious effort at clean up, recovery and reconstruction. What we saw were groups of Haitians working together with the use of their bare hands, shovels, and wheelbarrows determined to face and accomplish the enormous task before them . What is increasingly obvious is that the Haitian people continue to work in whatever ways they can to improve the situation for themselves and their country. We witnessed examples of this everywhere we went.

According to a New York times OP-ED article, Haiti's Eternal Weight by Reginald DesRoches, Ozlem Ergun and Julie Swann, twenty million to 25 million cubic yards of debris fill the streets, yards, sidewalks, and canals of Port au Prince. They report that less than 5 percent of this has been removed since January, and even less has been properly disposed of. They continue,"Today debris is one of the most significant issues keeping Haitians from rebuilding Port au Prince and resuming normal lives".

Beneath and alongside all of the earthquake damaged buildings and rubble that literally fills the streets, the people of Haiti continue to try to eke out a living. They continue to work despite a stifling heat index of 115 degrees and punishing rains that pour forth everyday. They continue to struggle to survive, despite the lack of action or planning on behalf of the Haitian government.

Though there are these many challenges that Haiti faces, there are encouraging stories to share. Our health care project, Kay Lasante, continues to serve the parish community of St. Claire's in Ti Plaz Kazo. The clinic continues to operate out of the tent two afternoon each week. During the week, the health agents make visits to those patients who require follow up care. Dr. Joey was effusive with his accolades regarding the work of the health agents. He continues to value the approach of treating people on site at the clinic and then relying on the health agents to do community outreach and follow up care.

While assisting at the clinic, our Administrative Assistant, Wilda, approached me to ask if it would be possible for us to assist a patient to get lab work done. He was very sick with a history of malaria and typhoid. I was pleased to be able to say yes. We have allocated a certain amount of money each month specifically for lab tests. I said to Dr. Joey, " A Doctor from another clinic has referred a patient to our clinic for help." He smiled broadly, "that is happening more and more."

It was heartening to hear stories about the various people that Dr. Joey and the health agents have been able to help. One story stays with me: Dr. Joey was so grateful that after he left the clinic one afternoon, Julienne, one of the health agents contacted him because a young mother arrived late, and yet her child was extremely ill. He returned in time to rush the child to a pediatric hospital where they were able to get emergency treatment and save the child's life.

The health agents through Dr, Joey and his associates will continue their education. And plans are still in effect for two of the women to become midwives.

The soccer field at Matthew 25 House is still home to some 500 families. The work on behalf of the community left homeless and wounded the night of the earthquake continues. We were able to visit with people who remain in the "in-patient field hospital." We met them previously in January and on subsequent visits. They are amputees who are now in the process of having prosthesis made and learning how to walk all over again with their new limbs. The community joined together to erect a more secure dome-like structure for them to stay. It is very sturdy, but we didn't last inside more than five minutes - the heat was unbearable; yet the people were composed, gracious and grateful for our visit.

Most impressive is that there is now a school for children on the soccer field. With the need for post earthquake health care diminished, Sr. Mary Finnick and the Haitian community have set about meeting another pressing need: education. Unlike previous visits when all you could feel was sorry for the children left wondering aimlessly in the camp, it was heartening, thrilling actually, to see the children sitting in makeshift classrooms on benches under white tents for their lessons. The teachers were very welcoming, their joy so obvious.

We had the privilege of meeting a young girl, Uberland, who lost her left arm , three fingers and the thumb of her right hand. She has a smile that lights up the whole room - not to mention your heart. Daniel Tillias introduced her to us at the request of Cathy Bentwood who was on the delegation with us. Cathy and her husband, John, have started an organization "The Haiti Limb Project." Their goal is to meet the prosthetic needs of people who otherwise would not be able to obtain a limb. They have made a commitment to Uberland and her family to accompany her through the process of evaluation, treatment, therapy and a new limb.

The most unforgettable visit was a visit to Solidarite' des Handicapees Moteurs Camp, camp for handicapped and elderly persons in Cite Soleil. After seeing the deplorable condition of the tents in that camp, we asked Daniel about it. The tents were totally inadequate, made out of pieces of rusted metal, plastic, rope, bricks - whatever the people could find. To make matters worse, the tents are situated on an open area of concrete with no possibility of shade - not a tree in sight. The sun was blazing hot. Daniel Tillias, our translator, shared their story: the people living in this camp were disabled and marginalized before the earthquake. In the earthquake they lost their homes. They had very little possibility of survival alone, as an association they decided to set up a camp and help each other. To say that life is rugged in this camp is an understatement.There is no electricity, no bathrooms and no potable water. They have not received any assistance from any agency. One of the leaders of the camp, Michel, explained that some NGO's have stopped by and taken photos but no one has done anything to help them. Each day the people from the camp that are physically able go out and beg for food. It is appalling that we saw a woman washing clothes in a basin with contaminated water from an old well at the edge of the camp. Beside her a young boy was bathing, and behind them toddlers drank this water from old plastic bottles.

While standing amidst these people who showed us such kindness and hospitality, it was impossible not to feel overwhelmed, sad and furious all at the same time. Especially in light of the fact that the people couldn't have been more lovely and welcoming. They were more than eager to show us their tents and share with us their plight.

Perhaps one of the most tender moments of the trip happened after visiting one woman's tent. She graciously pulled back the curtain for us to see inside. The poverty just brings you to tears. We noticed her rosary hanging from the side of her tent. I asked Daniel to explain to her who we were and what we were doing. He then introduced us and made a point of telling her in Kreyol that Tom was a Catholic Bishop. A few moments later she shyly walked up to him, without a word, held her rosary in her out stretched hand for a blessing. It continues to amaze us that we actually left the camp with the people following us, and smiling with a spirit of joy so present.

Because of the generosity of so many of you, House of Grace Catholic Worker community and Tom Gumbleton have adopted this camp. Since our return from Haiti we have made arrangements through Daniel Tillias and the organizers of the camp to financially support the people of this to camp so that they might have food and water. We plan to visit the camp with a health care delegation in the future.

Haiti's future is uncertain and the road to recovery is long. The challenges that Haiti faces are staggering. I think of Daniel Tillias while we were driving the streets of downtown Port au Prince. He wanted us to see the dangerous conditions that people are living and working in. At the same time, he insisted " it is not too late, there is still time for people to understand and do the right thing for Haiti."

There is much to be desired for Haiti in terms of leadership from the Haitian government, and assistance from the International Community, but the quote by Margaret Mead, "never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has" has never seemed more true. We remain encouraged and inspired by the courage and hard work of the Haitian people.

Thank you for your support, please keep the people of Haiti in your prayers,

Johanna Berrigan, House of Grace Catholic Worker

Bishop Tom Gumbleton, Detroit, MI.

Update #6 March 6, 2010

2010-07-20T10:36:00.001-07:00

Dear Friends,

It is two weeks since our return from the second trip to Haiti. Tom Gumbleton, Colleen Kelly and Johanna Berrigan went back to Haiti to deliver a tent to the health agents to be used as a clinic site during this crisis, and to take more medicines and supplies. With the shock of the impact of the earthquake over, we face with the Haitian people the challenge of looking squarely at the damage, embrace the suffering, and doing what must be done in order to carry on. The situation is bleak and dismal to say the least. There is a temptation to yield to hopelessness and yet, the energetic, heartfelt determination of the Haitian people to do what they can for their community inspired us once again. Our time in Haiti was hopeful in many ways, even though ever more mind numbing. It is painful to bear witness to such tragic circumstances made all the more difficult because there seems to be no clear planning for rebuilding.

It poured rain the first night that we were in Haiti this time. We were awakened many times by the sheer loudness and force of the rain against our tent. We were dry, but as Colleen Kelly so poignantly said “ it was difficult to sleep just thinking about all of those people without tents to help keep them dry.” The short walk in the rain from the field to Matthew 25 house, sloshing through the mud, was sobering enough. I don't know how the Haitian people will continue to endure these discomforts and daily challenges.

At one point, we heard that there was a decision not to distribute tents. The officials determined that providing tents was not a long term solution. It was decided that each family would be given a tarp starting May 1st. Tom Gumbleton, who did not have tent but a tarp draped over a bed, can tell you first hand that this is not a solution at all. By 2:00am he was soaked.

There still seems to be no plan in place to assist the more than one million people left homeless since the earthquake. The rainy season begins in April. Editorial Observer, Lawrence Downes, wrote in the New York Times that the most recent plan approved by the Haitian officials is to move the tens of thousands of displaced people from the tent cities back to the shattered streets of Port au Prince before the rains come. This, of course, is not an adequate plan and speaks to how the Haitian government and aid agencies remain overwhelmed by the crisis.

There are major concerns for the health and well being of the Haitian people as the rainy season approaches. In addition to the psychological and physical suffering from the earthquake there are now additional problems because of a serious lack of sanitation in these areas. This along with the with mounting trash and sewage backup will increase the cases of cholera, and typhoid. With the mosquitoes that the rains will bring, there will also be an increase in the cases of malaria and dengue fever.

There is a Haitian proverb that says “Men anpil, chay pa Lou.” “ Many hands make light a heavy load.” This proverb describes our journey and our efforts to secure a tent for the health agents. This was the main purpose for returning to Haiti so soon. Through the determined efforts of many people, we were able to ship a 500 lb tent to the Dominican Republic. Through the efficient, kind service of Fed Ex employees, we were driven to the Haitian border with the tent and all of our supplies. Once we arrived at the border, Daniel organized a crowd of young people that had gathered to help. With seemingly little effort, almost no talking, no noise, chaos or arguing this group of young people virtually levitated the 500 lb. tent into the van. Because of the help of these many hands from Detroit to Haiti we now have a tent large enough to accommodate at least 4 exam rooms. The very next day, Kay Lasante, House of Health, was standing tall.

We are very pleased that in addition to the work being done by the health agents in the community, we have hired a Haitian Internist, Dr. Joey Prosper, who will work with us at the clinic and see patients two afternoons each week. This is a new, very hopeful, exciting development for the Kay LaSante project. Dr. Joey is eager to work with our health agents and to be part of our project to provide health care, health education and disease prevention services in this desperately poor community of Ti Plaz Kazo. We are delighted to welcome him as part of our project.

Sadly, during our time in Haiti, there were extremely few signs of clean up or recovery efforts taking place. We thought that what we had seen during our first trip was horrendous enough, only to witness on this trip more shocking sights. Daniel drove us through Port au Prince via Desaline Boulevard, one of the main streets in downtown Port au Prince. We had not been on this street during the previous trip. We saw building after building totally destroyed - an overwhelming number. Amidst this destruction, people are carrying on with their activities of daily life as much as possible. It was just surreal to see people selling goods at their curb side markets along side collapsed structures, huge mounds of concrete, and ever mounting piles of trash. I was at once filled with respect and sorrow as I watched the way the people, especially the women and children, walk carrying goods on their heads, passing by these ruins with such dignity.

We went to visit The Little Sisters of St. Therese in Carrefour. They have a sister city relationship with the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary here in the states. The earthquake caused extensive damage in the area. The elementary school was completely destroyed. Tragically, there were more than 100 children in the school at the time of the earthquake attending the afternoon session. The bodies of the children remain buried under the rubble. The smell was putrid and the sight of desks, notebooks and toys scattered around the destroyed building spoke profoundly of the lives and dreams lost. Four of the Sisters were killed along with three lay teachers. The Novitiate was also completely destroyed.
Like everyone else in Haiti, the sisters now sleep outside in tents. They have received no assistance from either the government or the Church. We were at first puzzled why their Bishop had not come to visit. They explained that their Bishop was Bishop Miot, who was found dead under the rubble of the Cathedral Office building the day after the earthquake. They have no idea how they will begin to clean up these sites in order to continue with their mission.

Another area of huge concern is Education. Tom Gumbleton and Colleen Kelly were able to meet again with Fr. Pierre Andre Pierre, the President of Notre Dame University in Port au Prince. He expressed his desire to obtain some tents that could serve as classrooms so that they can get classes started at the University as soon as possible. Fr. Pierre is hoping and praying that there might be some Universities in the states that would partner with Notre Dame University in order to help them through this crisis. It is imperative to resume classes immediately so that the Haitian Students are not forced to let go of their dream of a University education. Colleen Kelly returned to the States and went right to work on behalf of Fr. Pierre and the University students. As I write, two classroom size tents are being shipped to Port Au Prince.

One of the most inspiring stories that we heard during our trip was that Carnival was cancelled this year. Carnival is the celebration that takes place right before the the season of Lent. This year instead of the Carnival, there was a call for three days of fasting and prayer. The fast ended with a huge outdoor Mass near the destroyed Presidential Palace . We were told heartening stories of how all of the Haitian people gathered together to pray, sing and dance.

We will return to Haiti tomorrow, March 7th . Our plan is to be with Dr. Joey and the health agents for the official opening of Kay LaSante at the new site. We will take with us more medicines and supplies in order for the them to operate the clinic on a long term basis. Our presence and the health care project in this location will bring much hope and healing during this desperate time.

Our gratitude for your concern and generosity is boundless. Please continue to pray for the Haitian people.

Peace,
Johanna Berrigan, for House of Grace Community
Bishop Tom Gumbleton
Colleen Kelly

Update 2/18/10

2010-02-19T19:35:00.000-08:00

Update No. 5, 2/18/10:

Dear Friends,
Johanna Berrigan, Bishop Tom Gumbleton and Colleen Kelly returned to Haiti yesterday for a few days via the Dominican Republic. They are bringing medicine, medical supplies and tents. They will be working on the health project and earthquake relief. Johanna asked that I write you all for prayers for their trip and for the Haitian people. Below is a powerful article written by their driver, translator and co-worker, Daniel Tillias. Please take a few minutes to read it. I will send reports from the group when available. Thanks for all your support,

Sincerely,
Mary Beth Appel for House of Grace Catholic Worker

The Earthquake in Haiti Can Be A Sign of Peace for the World (Reflection from Daniel Tillias, Pax Christi Haiti)

Daniel Tillias and Bishop Gumbleton �

Update No. 3 2/09/10: News from the delegation to Haiti:

2010-02-10T10:37:00.000-08:00

Dear friends,

So much to try to tell ... it's mind numbing.
Taken a good three days just to try to think about how to put it all down
in words. "It" of course being Haiti .. its people, its devastation, its culture,
its earthquake, its resilience and patience. So be patient with me too, as the story is not easily compartmentalized, and there's so much to be passed on.

Things you already know:
Haiti is the most impoverished nation in the Western Hemisphere. Haiti achieved independence from France in 1804, with slaves leading the revolt. The political life of Haiti has alternated between occupation, brutality and chaos for the past century.

Our group included Bishop Tom Gumbleton of Detroit; Johanna Berrigan of the House of Grace Catholic Worker in Philadelphia (a physician's assistant); Susan Rice (family practice doc); Bill Quigley (human rights lawyer); Miriam Ford and myself, both family nurse practitioners.
Tom and Johanna have been traveling to Haiti for years, and only by overcoming enormous obstacles, recently established the Klinik Sen Michel. The clinic building is not yet operational, but 'the people' certainly are. There are very few medical providers in Haiti, and certainly no
health insurance. To see a doctor costs money. As most Haitians live on less than two dollars a day, health care is practically nonexistent. Tom and Johanna have been supporting ten "community health agents" for the past two years - financing their academic training and providing supplies (often as basic as notebooks, pens, and a blood pressure cuff). The
health agents are being trained to both educate and care for their community (the parish of St. Claire and neighborhood of Carre Dieu)), and are looked upon as a resource within the community for health issues. All the health agents survived the quake, as did their immediate families.

We stayed at 'Matthew 25', a house of hospitality for more than 400 American parishes participating in the parish twinning program between the States and Haiti. Matthew 25 is run by the capable hands of Sr. Mary from the Grey Nuns of Yardley, PA, and Vivian and Patrick, a couple who came to help out for a few weeks and never left. Structurally, Matthew 25 is standing, but certainly no one was allowed on the second floor. We were also warned to spend as little time as possible in the 'back rooms' on the first floor, as damage to the floors and walls was apparent. The motto was 'pee, then leave .. quickly'. We remarkably experienced no aftershocks during our week in Haiti. Still ... no one would think of sleeping inside.

Post-quake, Matthew 25 exponentially increased its well earned reputation as collective of community resources. A soccer field on the property adjacent to the actual house was converted to a 'sheet city' the first night. One portion of the field serves as a field hospital, with a small 'in-patient' ward area, and larger 'outpatient' clinic. When we arrived on Tuesday, Jan. 26th, a Dr. Michael Grady was 'medical director' (he's an OB/GYN from Florida). Several amputations had occurred on the dining room table of Matthew 25; those patients were recovering in the field and
being cared for by amazing RN's from Georgia - Diane and Carol. Wound care and dressing changes happened daily under their terrific professional eyes. And by the time we left, hospitals were discharging patients TO Matthew 25! ** Carol and Diane were flown into Port au Prince on a private jet with a neurosurgeon serving cocktails on board. We requested that flight for our next trip! These women have earned their place in heaven for the consistent, wonderful care they continue to provide. Our own Susan Rice took over for Michael when he returned stateside. She
in turn was replaced by ER docs from New Mexico when we left. No long term
plan. Just a cadre of medical people flooding in to help. An infectious
disease specialist also stayed at Matthew 25, consulting for us in the early morning, then working all day and eve at the various operational hospitals in Port au Prince. She was treating 5 cases of tetanus (two life threatening), a disease we never see in the States anymore thanks to vaccinations, but caused by dirty wounds. There was also a pediatrician and RN (Dr. Don and Lynne) who went out in the streets and countryside daily treating the wounded or those in need.
Other folks at Matthew 25 included a gang of smart young people, most of whom had lived and worked long term in Haiti, spoke Creole, and were working on various water, soil and community organizing projects. One example - the 'sheet city' next to Matthew 25 housed more than 2000
people. There is no trash pickup. There were no latrines. The young crowd not only organized the sheet city residents to dig trenches around sheet city in preparation for the coming rains (God help us all when that happens), but also taught the children fun songs and games about 'where
it's ok to poop and where it's not' - SUPER important detail to work out when 2000 people are living and eating in close quarters! The children then taught the parents.

What we did:
Our team was in the field. Tough to comprehend, but two weeks post quake, there were still injured people who had never seen medical care. The vignette below I hope accurately portrays both the generosity and resiliency of the Haitian people, and what we generally experienced.
We set out in the morning with the health agents in a 'tap tap' (Haitian 'taxi' of sorts - basically, the back of an old Toyota pickup with benches). Daniel, our driver, translator, mechanic, negotiator and all round advocate for the Haitian people, led the way. In the Carre Deaux neighborhood, Daniel stopped near a ubiquitous sheet city, next to a crumbled building. We decided on a 20' x 40' field for our mobile clinic. Children (always interested and curious) appeared and began helping usclear the rubble to make a flat space. Branches wrapped in twine wereused by a health agent to 'sweep' the dirt. Then chairs began to appear. From where .. I don't know. People's homes or what was left of them. Two men carried over a table. And then, unexpectedly, a child brought a white lacy tablecloth to adorn the table we would use for supplies. Within minutes we had a crowd patiently waiting to be seen. We had three 'stations', Miriam, Johanna and I seeing patients intermittently. Some health agents organized the waiting patients byhanding out numbers. Others went from child to child giving them 'de-worming' syrup. Tom was the 'marker', putting a big T on each child's hand who had received the syrup (kids wanted more because it tasted sweet). What did we see?? Lots of what we call primary care (or lack thereof). Lots of what we call 'the worried well' in the medical field. Post traumatic stress was very apparent; headaches, backaches, even Haitians whose accurate chief complaint was "my heart hurts". Of course it does - of course it does - all this devastation. Some had fractures, some
lacerations. Many children needed rehydration therapy. One woman was so anemic she was carried semi conscious to our mobile clinic. We immediately
transported her to Matthew 25 for IV fluids and iron injections. Saw a four day old baby born in the street; both mom and babe doing well!. Also an elderly woman with what must have been a deep laceration to her forehead. She had packed the wound with ash, and covered with banana peel (all of which we initially mistook for dried blood). Miriam further
cleaned and dressed the wound which looked remarkably well. Brought a pregnant woman with a deep laceration to one foot, and what turned out to be multiple fractures of her other foot, to General Hospital in downtown Port au Prince. Ultimately, she was casted and is recovering. Many crush injuries as you can imagine people were hit with falling debris during the quake.
Our mobile clinic also delivered medications and supplies to medical teams doing the same work - a group of Turkish ER docs had set up camp in the 'school' area of St. Claire's for example. As we did, they were seeing well over 100 people per day, and chronically short on supplies. Also delivered to a clinic in Cite' Soleil, the notorious slum in Port au Prince; stocked the pharmacy at Matthew 25, equipped the health agents for their ongoing work, and provided needed meds and equipment to Hospice St. Joseph (not a hospice like we have here in the States, but more of an all - service center). As I reported to the medical center I work for, not a
single donation was wasted or unappreciated. We also spent one full day with the health agents hearing their stories of what happened to them on January 12th, as well as organizing a workshop on post traumatic stress - how to recognize its signs and symptoms, and how to help. These ten health agents all live in Haiti, and will continue to be seen as leaders and a resource for communities long after we left. Our team thought it vitally important that we provide both education and support for the agents who will be continuing this work. One agent described being with friends. She didn't feel well and went inside to lay down for a few minutes. A little girl was helping the friends cook, which as the health agent explained, was something they would let the little girl do. The girl was often hungry and without food, but wanted to 'earn' food from the women by helping out, a situation the agent and her friends readily agreed to. Someone sent the little girl inside for an onion. Then the quake happened. The health agent was
trapped on the second floor (the stairs collapsed), and the little girl was killed. Our health agent described feeling directly responsible for the death of this little girl. As with 9-11, or disasters anywhere, the guilt that the health agent felt is hard to understand, and difficult to assuage. Those are the exact feelings and emotional trauma our workshop intended to address.

The food situation:
I want to report on this as objectively as I can - reporting only what I
saw, knowing that other things were hopefully happening in a city as large
as Port au Prince, but not having firsthand experience. Haitians are hungry ... chronically. I say that as fact because there is simply no obesity that I observed, nor people who are overweight. I don't know where the bottleneck is, but food is simply not getting to many Haitians.

I saw two food distribution trucks in my entire week there. Both bright
yellow and run by a "Pan American" organization. There were armed guards present.
Over 3000 hot meals were being served daily at St. Claire's. Food was
already being served there to Haitian schoolchildren (about 1000 meals per
day) through the 'What If' foundation. That number tripled after the
quake. They were equipped for massive distribution, with a large kitchen
and necessary equipment. An Islamic Relief organization bought two
thousand more bowls and spoons, as well as helped purchase food. I
watched Haitians line up peacefully for their meal, small children first, then
school age, then women, then older teens and men. One bowl per person.
Allorganized and orderly, no weapons. Saturday eve I walked through Matthew 25's sheet city. People were in two lines with red tickets. I was told by 'Henri' (a Haitian teen helping out)
that the tickets were for those enrolled in a food program by Care
International, and were being exchanged for another color ticket for
their next meal. Orderly, patient, no weapons.
Sunday eve about 5 PM there was a commotion outside Matthew 25. A Haitian
man with red tickets in hand was being followed by a crowd - women
attempting to form a line. Men surrounding the man trying to get a ticket.
I don't know who or where this man was from; neither did anyone else. He
kept backing away from the crowd, and even jumped on the back of Daniel's
taptap, but he did not distribute the tickets. Eventually, a car backed
down the street and picked him up. This scene greatly upset Daniel, and
everyone at Matthew 25. The crowd quickly dispersed. But it seemed a
lesson in how to confuse and anger people.
Compare that image with Sunday night about 11:30 PM
Sr. Mary had told us from the get go that a Haitian man named Tay was in
charge of sheet city outside. Tay was a known community leader, and well
respected - all five foot one of him, and probably in his mid twenties. Any problems ... Tay was your guy.As we walked to our tents that night, there was Tay, with about ten of his
guys, packing up vinyl bags with oil, rice, beans and water for the two
thousand sheet city residents. The bags were to be delivered around
midnight to each family's 'tent', thereby providing necessary food for a
few days. Orderly, quietly, without confusion or weapons. Haitians
helping Haitians. To enhance this surreal scene, a Haitian-American woman was
standing nearby as the men worked, softly singing Beyonce's song "Halo" a
capella. I can't tell you how beautiful this sight was to stumble upon,
nor how grateful I was that this was to be the last image I had of Haiti
before leaving four hours later. There were three times I saw U.S. military: army guarding the entrance to General Hospital at Port au Prince with guns; soldiers cutting down really
high grass in a large field near the airport; and a singular U.S. Coast
Guard at the Haiti-Dominican Republic border on our way home.
Water was available in several neighborhoods at pre-existing communal
pumps. Clean water is another subject altogether

The devastation:
Downtown Port au Price seemed most heavily hit, although teams who
traveled to certain city outskirts reported sometimes even worse damage
there. As you've seen on CNN, destruction is random and near total.
Buildings over two stories are predominantly flattened. Gone is the
National Palais', the equivalent of the Supreme Court, and Dept. of
Treasury. Universities have crumbled, as have banks and hospitals. The
National Cathedral is ruined. To see this in 3D is overwhelming. A health
agent who traveled with us downtown to drop off a patient, saw this for
the first time and cried and cried. As she took in the near complete
destruction (including her secretarial school), she said, "My future is
gone."
I can only compare it to Ground Zero in Lower Manhattan - 18 acres. Port au Prince is about 25 square miles. It took eight and a half months for the most powerful and well resourced
nation on earth to clear Ground Zero. I can't fathom how long it will take
any nation, or collective of nations, to rebuild Haiti. It seems those with know-how in post war reconstruction (think of WWII) would be extremely useful.

Thank you for your support, your donations, your emails, your prayers.
Especially your prayers. There were times when a situation would get
tough, and it was unclear how things would go. Having Daniel with us was
a gift of humanity. Having the Holy Spirit with us was a gift from God.
For my spiritual friends, one can't help but think of Jesus as the
suffering servant in Haiti. And just as Jesus cried out, "Father, why
have you forsaken me?", my hope is that we all stay present, in some way small
or large, for the remarkably courageous and faithful people of Haiti.

Much love,
Colleen

2/9/10

2010-02-09T07:43:00.000-08:00

Update No. 4, 2/09/10:

Dear Friends,

We did not want too much more time to pass without sending an update on our time in Haiti. We all are home safely. We can't express enough our deep gratitude for what we were able to do and to bring to the people of Haiti because of your concern and generosity. Haiti is a devastated country and much of what we saw was overwhelmingly tragic and sad, but we were equally touched in a warm and positive way by the presence of people from all over the world who were in Haiti to serve. The desire to help and the outpouring of compassion was palpable. We were humbled and inspired by the strength, courage and relentless faith of the Haitian people whose suffering never seems to end. It is a blessing to walk this road with them.

After the long journey through the Dominican Republican to Port au Prince, it was a relief and so wonderful to see our dear friend, driver, and translator, Daniel Tillias, as planned, at the border. He and his friend did a marvelous job of accommodating us with our 18 bags of medicines and supplies in one truck. It was our first time in a "tap tap"the Haitian taxi. At the last moment our friend and human rights lawyer, Bill Quigley, joined us, so we were six. In addition to Bill, in our group was Catholic Bishop Tom Gumbleton, Doctor Susan Rice, two Nurse Practitioners: Miriam Ford and Colleen Kelly, and Physician Assistant, Johanna Berrigan.

We went directly to Matthew 25 house. The atmosphere was entirely different from any other time at Matthew 25 house. As you know, it has been turned into a clinic and field hospital. The second floor of the building is uninhabitable. The rooms on the first floor have been turned into storage rooms and a pharmacy. The work being done there and the organization of the whole operation was most impressive. There were 10 people being kept as inpatients for ongoing care - 3 of whom had amputations on the dining room table. During the day, with help from various health care professionals from all over the country, they operate an outpatient clinic. In addition, there are upwards of 500 people living in sheet tents on the soccer field. Sr. Mary, Patrick and Vivian Tortora are doing an amazing job. However, Sr. Mary insists that none of this would be happening were it not for the leadership and organization of Tay, an unassuming, hard-working, humble Haitian man.

In spite of all of their hard work, organization, and professional help, we found it jarring to see people suffering, all bandaged up lying on the ground under open air tents - which serve as their hospital rooms. The soccer field, now home to more than 500 families living in sheet tents, was very organized, but one can't help but to worry what will become of them and every other Haitian who is forced to live in these tent cities, both when the rains come and for the indefinite future. No one in Haiti is sleeping inside. Even if their homes were minimally damaged, or not at all, the fear is so deep that one person actually said that she will NEVER go in her house again. Never.

For those who prayed so much for our safety and well being, we want you know that we were fine. Of course, like everyone in Haiti, in the back of our minds was always the very real possibility of another aftershock. We appreciate your concern and prayers. We did sleep outside in tents, but we had access to cold showers and drinking water except for one day. We also had breakfast and dinner at Matthew 25. There were, at any given time, upwards of 30 community organizers, health care workers,and assorted others sleeping in tents and makeshift beds on the small field outside the house. Very cozy.

We started early the first morning unpacking and sharing some of the supplies with Matthew 25, and then went on to see our Klinik Sen Michel health agents to learn how we might help in the community. It was good to see a number of the women who work with us as health agents running with smiles on their faces up the dirt road to greet us. We then all boarded the tap tap to drive into the community to begin our work together. It was a wonderful moment of knowing that traveling to see them and be with them to serve their community during this tragic time was absolutely the right thing to do.

They wanted us to go to the neighborhood of Carre Dieu, because this neighborhood had had no health providers since the earthquake. They had received permission from one of the people in the community to use his land. So, we set about clearing the land of cinder blocks and setting up our tent clinic. It was heartwarming and rewarding for us to watch the health agents in action. Somehow, what we needed to function appeared: chairs, a table covered with a white lace table cloth, sheets to create exam rooms, a tarp etc. They worked quietly in an amazingly efficient and productive way. They ran a very professional clinic. Each one had their role of intake person, triage, pharmacist, assistant, etc. Miriam, Colleen and I saw patients along with Susan Rice or another doctor from Matthew 25 each day. We saw people with injuries from the earthquake, a woman who was hemorrhaging, a woman who had given birth 4 days before in field. We saw people that one would see on any given day at any primary care office. We saw children who had fevers over a long period of time who had never had care. We saw people who were still in shock, grieving losses, and suffering from psychosomatic effects of the earthquake. It is truly heartbreaking to think of them, their vacant eyes and fragility - all that they had, gone. Some of the elderly are living in tent cities with nothing - not even their children. The health agents intend to continue to visit them so that we may be able to provide whatever manner of support that we can. Thanks to Miriam Ford's foresight, experience and planning, we were able to provide deworming medicine for the children. So many children and adults were dehydrated. Each day we distributed water as much as we could.

Tom Gumbleton became an official member of the health care team. He helped with the packaging and distribution of medicines and supplies. He assisted Miriam and Julienne, one of the health care agents, with the deworming project by marking the hands of each child who had been given medicine. We so appreciated him giving water to the children, calming a malnourished, crying baby, and visiting with people while they waited to be seen.

I am pleased to report that the woman who was hemorrhaging received wonderful care at Matthew 25 field hospital. She was to be discharged home the day after we left. We were also able to take a woman who is six months pregnant with a badly infected foot and 4 fractured toes to the General Hospital. She was kept for three days of treatment and is home now with a cast and antibiotics. She had received very good care. We understand that oversight of the General Hospital in Port au Prince is being done by Partners in Health.

The most important, comforting aspect of this one-week emergency response effort is that we have an established group of seven health care agents, one nurse, and our administrative assistant who will do follow up care with the patients whom we treated. The health agents will continue with the work that they have already been doing in the community. Our plan is to put up a permanent tent that will remain on this plot of land for the health agents to use for the duration of this crisis. The health agents have chosen a name for their project, which more clearly describes the scope of their work in the community. "Kay Lasante, Proje Pawas Sent Kle, Ti Plaz Kazo, Pou Prevansyon ak Edikasyon". House of Health, Project of St. Claire Parish, Ti Plaz Kazo, For Prevention and Education.

In addition to working most days in Carre Dieu, and sharing supplies with Matthew 25 house, we were able to see a few patients, and share supplies and medicines with three other groups: Lamp for Haiti in Cite Soleil, Hospice St. Joseph, and St. Claire's Parish community. Sr. Mary confirmed our belief that most of the aid that was getting directly to the people was coming from small groups like ours who had connections to Haiti before the earthquake.

The medical emergency relief for those in life threatening situations continues. What is imperative now, is follow up care for those who have received medical attention, in order prevent further complications and infections that could lead to amputations and death.

The Klinik Sen Michel building is in remarkably good shape. There are two walls with cracks in them. It did our hearts good to see it. It is a beautiful, functional building. As reported earlier, the Klinik did serve people in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake. Since the completion of the construction of the building, the services, organization and financial responsibility have been turned over to Dr. Romy Morency and others. We understand, since this crisis, there are groups of health care professionals coming to assist Dr. Morency. We will share medicines and supplies as we are able to during this time of crisis.

We are partnered with Fonkoze, a micro lending bank in Port au Prince under the name Klinik Sen Michel. We will continue to use this account for our ongoing work with the community health agents and for earthquake relief efforts.

In the late afternoon on a couple of occasions, we had the opportunity to see downtown Port au Prince. We would come home from these outings feeling numb and speechless. I can still hear Wilda, the Administrative Assistant, saying, "Fifty seconds, this took fifty seconds" the destruction is mind boggling. Wilda could not contain her shock and sorrow when she saw the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral, the Secretarial School that she graduated from, and a friend's house all destroyed. She simply lowered her head and wept. We could only hold her hand and be there with her. She is carrying so much grief as she was with her friend when the earthquake happened. Apparently, Wilda was resting and her friend had asked the daughter of a friend to go into the kitchen to get an onion. In that instant, the earthquake happened. Wilda was trapped inside for 45 minutes, she and her friend were able to crawl out of the house with assistance, but her friend's daughter was not.

We held a seminar on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder for the health agents. We thought that this would be appropriate for our health agents to be aware of, as they try to meet the needs of their community that has been traumatized in every way. We began by listening to each person's personal story of where they were, how their families were, and what their losses were. Colleen Kelly graciously shared her story of her brother's death in the World Trade Center on 9/11 to begin the sharing. It proved to be a comforting healing circle for all of us. Many spoke about calling on the name of Jesus. A few spoke of surrendering to God's will - whatever God wanted in that moment for them and for their children. A few concluded that God had spared them so that they could be of service in the community. One woman said that this made her realize that she had to get prepared for when the real end of the world happens. Another young woman is now more determined than ever to become a nurse or a doctor. It was very emotional and we were filled with amazement as Wilda shared, "God is so good that God would have never done this to us, it just happened, and now we understand better that we should examine our lives, live differently, and take better care of the environment."

We visited the Pax Christi Soccer Club in Cite Soleil with Daniel and Wilda. They use this club house, on a narrow cobblestone street, and the game of soccer as a means to reach children in the community to teach them about non-violence, peace making, and human rights. It was inspiring to listen to Daniel tell about some of the projects that he has done with the children. Cite Soleil is the poorest slum in Haiti. To see Daniel in this dark building, surrounded by the poorest of the poor, talk about how they try to hold up for the children a vision different from growing up to be gang members, was awe inspiring. One project consisted in asking each young person what they dreamed of being. He then took a photo of each one in a borrowed suit and tie with their name and dream written below their photo so that they could begin to see themselves differently and have confidence to pursue their goal. He was quick to give credit to "the whole team" working together - not just him.

We also visited St. Claire's Church and the food program facilitated by Margaret Trost and the What If Foundation. It was heartening to see that meals were once again being prepared and served daily to upwards of 3000 children. The people of St. Claire's were running a very organized, dignified distribution of meals. As far as we know, this is the only place that is providing a regular, daily meal. Food and supplies are obtained in the the Dominican Republican and transported by truck to the food program. It is through generous donations, and because of the tireless efforts of Margaret and Caitlin of the What If Foundation in California, and Lavarice Gaudin, her co-worker in Haiti, that this program continues. With your support, we were able to contribute to this worthwhile effort.

On Sunday evening, prior to a very early Monday morning departure, Tom Gumbleton concelebrated Mass with Fr. Pierre Andre Pierre, President of Notre Dame University in Port au Prince. Mass was outside on the soccer field at Matthew 25 house. Even under the distressing circumstances, there was quite a large crowd gathered: people working at Matthew 25, the Haitian people living in the sheet tents, the inpatients that we staying in the open air tents, and people from the surrounding community. It was a faith-filled and even joyful celebration in spite of the circumstances. As usual, we were inspired by the Haitian people.

Many have asked about the situation in Haiti and what can be done to help. At this point Haiti remains in dire straits with many needs. What we observed is that there are still communities without access to health care, food, water, or shelter. The best that can be said seems to be that aid that has poured into the country, but the distribution is uncoordinated, disorganized and sporadic. People remain desperate.

We hope to discuss in the very near future with other organizations that have long been involved in Haiti how we can best advise people what to do. We will be sending updates with those suggestions as soon as we have them.

We intend to continue to visit Haiti more frequently. We do know that we must continue to help with this immediate crisis by hand carrying medicines, supplies and tents as we are able. The Fonkoze office in Port au Prince is operational, so we have the ability to send funds to support the work that is being done by our health agents.

We must support the efforts of organizations working in desperately poor communities to provide food and water. We must, as the Institute of Justice and Democracy has done, urge our Government and the UN to improve the distribution of aid, especially to outlying communities that have had no services. We must join with Congresswoman Maxine Waters who is calling for debt relief for Haiti. We must insist that the Haitians have the leadership role in the rebuilding of Haiti. We must, as the news reports on Haiti dwindle, keep our eyes on Haiti.

Thank you again for your generous support of the Haitian people during this time of crisis.

Peace,

Johanna Berrigan, for the House of Grace Catholic Worker Community

Bishop Tom Gumbleton, Detroit, MI

Click picture for video

Haiti delegation update no. 2 January 29, 2010

2010-01-31T14:40:00.000-08:00

Update No. 2, 1/30/10: News from the delegation to Haiti:

Dear Friends,
"Another day is winding down. Before I go out to the tent, I decided to send at least a little something like I said I would. Each day has been this incredible combination of bearing witness to overwhelming destruction, suffering and death. At the same time we are with people who exhibit such courage, hope and faith. I am in awe of the outpouring of compassion and help from all over the world. Yet, so many people in these poor communities still have not received aid, food, or water. A priest from one of the local parishes here in Port au Prince said, 'the emergency medical relief is about over; now everyone needs food, water and shelter.' He, along with anyone we have spoken to, live in fear of what will happen to the people when the rains come. It is awful to think about, everyone is living on the streets. A 'fortunate few' have tents, but most are living in makeshift 'sheet tents' as Bill Quigley called them. We are trying to get information about aid and why it is not reaching these communities.
We are trying to investigate what is being brought in because we have seen no sign of food and water being distributed by anyone. People are begging for tents. We understand that there are tents available, but they are not being distributed because apparently the UN doesn't want the people to stay in the city. They want them to go to organized displaced persons camps outside of Port au Prince. For all of the promises made by our administration to not abandon the Haitian people in their hour of need, the Haitians are not exactly feeling the support. This is most disturbing in light of all of the love, compassion, support, and concern we have witnessed from people all over the country before we left.
Each day we have gone out to the neighborhood of Carre Dieu, the location of our future community health center. This community near the church of St. Claire had not seen any health care providers since the earthquake. Our health agents organized in an amazingly efficient and humbling way a “field clinic” consisting of a tent, and a tarp. Exam rooms for privacy were created out of sheets. We saw from 88 to 134 people each day. Some who were wounded by the earthquake and still had not had care: fractures, infected wounds, various kinds of trauma. A young woman was brought to us who was extremely ill and had been hemorraging for days. There was no possibility of care for her. We were able to carry her in a sheet to the car and take her to the “field hospital” here at Matthew 25 house. She is receiving very good care. She would have died without intervention. We saw a woman who gave birth four days ago in a tent on a football field that has been turned into a displaced persons camp. She explained that after the baby was born another woman helped her cut the cord, most likely a lay midwife. Heartbreaking in an inexplicable way is looking into the eyes of the elderly who have lost everything: their homes, meager possessions, and children. There are so many stunned, grieving and fear filled people.
The destructon of Port Au Prince is beyond imagining. It is very sensationsal to see it on the news, but to see it up close, smell the stench of death, and listen to the stories–while tears flow - of who is under the rubble is another thing all together.
I woke up at 5:00 this morning to the sound of the people singing songs of praise to Jesus. The dignity and the faith of the people under such duress is yet another mind-boggling aspect of the experience of being here. Yesterday we went to St. Claire's church to drop off medicines. As I walked to the door of the rectory, there were about 60 women in the courtyard singing and praying the rosary. Our health agents sang a song to open our meeting, they explained they were singing for mercy and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Early this evening we saw the Sacre Coeur church. It is totally destroyed. However, the free-standing Crucifix in front of the church remains. I thougt it a powerful symbol of the crucified Haitian people who await with hope, their resurrection For all of the tragedy, you don't feel a sense of desperation or see hysterical drama. They continue to pray, work hard and take care of each other. May their and all our prayers be heard for them.
Peace,
Johanna Berrigan on behalf of
Miriam Ford
Bishop Tom Gumbleton
Colleen Kelly
Bill Quigley
Susan Rice

Haiti Delegation Update No. 2, January 28th, 2010

2010-01-30T06:47:00.000-08:00

Update No. 1, 1/28/10: News from the delegation to Haiti:

Dear Friends,

Johanna and the delegation are in Port au Prince staying outside Matthew 25 house of hospitality. Presently living at Matthew 25 are 500 Haitians living in the soccer field, sick patients who have been getting care there and an assortment of health care and aid workers staying in tents. Johanna's group arrived Tuesday after a 10 hour ride from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, thanks to the Grey Nuns of Canada who facilitated providing their van and driver. Their team has joined the group of aid workers caring for people at Matthew 25 and visiting nearby "sheet" and tent cities.

Johanna, Tom and Bill have met with the health care agents from Klinik sen Michel. The team set up a clinic yesterday in a neighborhood near St. Clare's identified by the health care agents as an area that had not received health care up to that point. Four Turkish doctors are running a makeshift clinic out of St. Clare's rectory.The team and local Haitians cleared a field of rubble to set up their outdoor clinic.

The delegation includes Colleen Kelly and Miriam Ford, nurse practitioners from the Bronx, Bishop Tom Gumbleton and Dr Susan Rice from Detroit, Bill Quigley, a human rights lawyer from New Orleans and Johanna. The group has brought in as much medicine and medical supplies as allowed on the planes to use and distribute.

I will update you as I can. Communication from Haiti is sporadic. Thank you for your overwhelming support, donations, prayers and calls.

Peace,

Mary Beth Appel

for House of Grace Catholic Worker, Philadelphia, PA

Klinik Sen Michel post-earthquake update

2010-01-30T06:43:00.000-08:00

Update on Klinik Sen Michel and Monday's trip to Haiti from Johanna Berrigan:

Dear Friends,Included in this message:

*An update on the situation in Haiti from our Haitian co-workers.
*A link where you can view a short video about what is happening at Matthew 25 house, which is where we stay every time we go to Haiti.
*A photo of the soccer field next to Matthew 25 house that has been turned into a field hospital that was taken by our friend, driver, and translator, Daniel
*Questions answered about ways to contribute

We are overwhelmed and so grateful for your outpouring of loving concern, support, and generous donations that have come in since our urgent appeal for Haiti last Wednesday. We deeply appreciate all that you have given. Please forward to your e-mail lists. We have received many donations from people for whom we have no e-mail address. If anyone would like to be added to our e-mail list for periodic updates, please send to: einiegal@yahoo.com.

Through various sources we have learned that the neighborhood where the Klinik Sen Michel is located is not as badly damaged as some of the other neighborhoods. We have heard that all of our health care workers are alive. However, Wilda, our Administrative Assistant, said on the phone days after the earthquake " everyone is homeless, we need help, we need everything."

The Klinik Sen Michel building was not badly damaged. It is not being used at this time because they ran out of supplies, and because they are too afraid to be inside a building. Understandably, that fear has escalated with yesterday's 6.1 " aftershock." We leave for Haiti on Monday, Jan. 25th for one week. Bishop Gumbleton and I will be joined by a team of health care workers including Dr. Susan Rice, Colleen Kelly, FNP and others. We will get to Haiti via the Dominican Republic. Our friend, Daniel, will meet us at the border and drive us to Port au Prince. Our hope and plan for this emergency trip is: To meet with the health care agents from Klinik Sen Michel and to learn from them what they need from us both now and in the future. To take as many medicines and supplies as we can. To be of assistance to Sr. Mary, Patrick and Vivian at Matthew 25 House which has been turned into a makeshift hospital. To determine how the Klinik Sen Michel building can best be utilized at this time; both by us, and perhaps visiting teams of health care workers in the future. We want to visit the St. Claire's parish community to see how they are doing. We understand that many people in the community are distressed that their loved ones have died and they have had no proper funeral, or burial. It is our hope, that as on previous visits, Bishop Gumbleton will be able to say masses and be a pastoral/ spiritual presence for the community during this time of profound sadness.

Your response to our appeal for help will allow us to provide much needed emergency health care services, medicines, supplies,and a compassionate presence in this time of tragedy. The aid provided by your generosity will get directly to the Haitian people faster than some of the larger aid organizations. Please keep us and all of the Haitian people in your prayers.To view the short video on Matthew 25 house "Doctors struggle to save lives" go to this link

Anyone interested in making a donation can make the check out to:

Make checks payable to:
Fonkoze USA,
memo line: Klinik Sen Michel
Send to:
Bishop Thomas Gumbleton,
4800 Grand River Ave.
Detroit, MI 48208

Note: If you are not concerned about a tax deduction, checks can be made out to: House of Grace Catholic Worker and sent to Johanna Berrigan
1826 E. Lehigh Ave.
Phila. Pa. 19125

This makes obtaining cash quicker and easier.

With deepest gratitude,
Johanna and Mary Beth for the House of Grace Catholic Worker
and Bishop Tom Gumbleton, Detroit, MI