A short update before bed.
Today we went as a family to Port-au-Prince with goals of visiting the embassy and searching for friends. When we went to the embassy, there was a line that wrapped around the entire building full of hundreds of people, all waiting to get inside. Patrick asked about adoption issues, but was told to get to the back of the line, the sick came first. As the embassy official said this aloud, several woman moaned for dramatic effect on cue. So we left, having a lot of loose ends to tie up and not wanting to waste a day without food and water with a baby in the sun and no guarantee that such an exercise would give us any more information. When we return, we'll be better prepared.
Today our phones started to work patchily. With them we were able to contact Miss Fanor and her husband to hear, with great relief, that they were ok. Patrick found out that the dean of the seminary in Leogane was ok an uninjured in a place arguably hardest hit by the quakes. They have 10,000 dead and still many to be unburied.
We drove to the Livesay family home for hugs and updates. They invited us to shack up with them for a while and we may take them up on the invitation. After sending most of their children on a flight to the states, they stay with their two youngest children whose unfinished adoption paperwork lie under a pile of rubble. We hope to be able to share information and work together to find visas and do combined relief work while still on the ground here.
We stopped by one of the CONASPEH orphanages that Patrick volunteers with. All the children were accounted for and camping outside. The pastor and his wife gave us big hugs, not having had access to transportation, they were eager for news and glad to see Mr. Patrick alive and well. Lots of hugging all around.
Finally we were able to get through to Miguelson's house and found he and his family unharmed and well. More hugging and tears.
We have braved searching out these friends knowing the very real possibility of finding horrible and tragic news. Today, however, the news was charmed. Not sure our hearts could have handled more loss just now.
I write this update because many have asked specifically about the orphanage, Miguelson and Miss Fanor. I'm thrilled to only have good news to share.
Good night and thanks for your continued prayers.
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KIM WE ARE ALL PRAYING FOR YOU IN BELLEVILLE AND FOR ALL IN HAITI. GOD BE WITH YOU DAWN SURBER
ReplyDeleteKim, thank you for sharing -- the good news and the not-so-good. It's such an important way to stay connected as we wait and pray that somehow Haiti will again rise from destruction. If any people can overcome such adversity, it will be the wonderful people of Haiti. With prayers for you all...Pedge
ReplyDeleteA good news day indeed. It is also good to know, from your post about yesterday that as you say, not all of Haiti is in rubble. From reading your blog for more than a year now, I can sense the resilience in the people that you know so well. I hope some of our clumsy relief efforts don't get in their way!
ReplyDeleteWe continue to rejoice with you in every little sign of hope. May they multiply, and in it may you all find joy. Our prayers continue with you who love the living, those who are tending to burying their dead, and those seeking to rebuild their lives. WV loves you. The names "Kim, Patrick and Solomon" will be spoken in prayer and appeals around this region. Blessings to all...David Chafin
ReplyDeleteKim and Patrick- we found your story in the KC Star (we're native to KC, living in MO) and tonight I spent two hours reading your blog. I don't have words to describe how I felt reading it. So many emotions. Thank you for continuing to update. You will be in our prayers!
ReplyDeleteLaurie
On our last trip to Haiti in July 2008,we were involved in helping with an orphanage in Crois des Bouquet and Pastor Gee(? don't know correct spelling). Is this the orphanage you referred to in this writing? I know we have sent more money with Karen on her last trip for the orphanage and just curious how it fared. Thanks for all your reports. Our prayers continue for you and our Haitian friends. Sandy & Mike Allen, Shawnee KS
ReplyDeleteIts a blessing to us that you take the time to share your story with us. A very humble thanks.
ReplyDeleteAnne and Nancy
Hi Patrick & Kimberly,
ReplyDeleteThis is Lily from CCAI. As you know we’re trying everything we can here to be of any help. We have secured a private jet and a landing slot at Port au Prince airport from 2:00 pm to 5:00pm on Monday. We can bring up to 1500 pounds supplies in the cargo area (water, formula, charcoal, medicine. Let’s us know what kind of medicines are most needed), as well as cash. We can’t leave the airport since we need to unload quickly to make space for other airplanes. Do you know if Kiki, Pierre, you or any of your friends will be able to come to the airport to meet us with a truck and receive the supplies? My cell is 720-5601238. You can call me any time.
We are praying hard for all of you!
Lily
Lily Nie
Founder & CEO
CCAI Haitiadoption.org
BIG HUGS ...
ReplyDeletewe are praying for you all
thanks for the updates ...
we watch for them ... and pass on ..
all out love
mona & the girls
Patrick and Kim --
ReplyDeleteThis is Karyn (I went to Iliff with Patrick). I just wanted to let you know that Jeff and I are thinking of you guys and all the people of Haiti. Thank you for your insightful and deeply personal updates. Your words help us State-side to understand what's happening with more compassion and understanding. love, karyn and jeff.
Kim and Patrick, One more thank you for the continued updates. I feel God has placed you where He wants you to be and know you are doing all you can and more, even if it doesn't always fee that way to you. I can in October with the RCC group and just wanted to know if you have had any word of Tillus. He was so helpful while he drove us around. Stay strong! Lynn
ReplyDeleteSince I have the luxury of sitting with my laptop at home (in St. Louis) in front of my TV, I thought I'd pass along some encouraging news from CNN. They are still rescuing people LIVE from the rubble. The first report I saw this morning was of a little girl who looked to be about a year old. As the rescuer held her, she looked around seeming quite happy. She was dusty but appeared unharmed. An uncle claimed her almost immediately. I guess we have to count the small miracles.
ReplyDeleteHi Kim and Patrick, this is Carly, Mary and Matt Friedman's daughter. We have been reading your blog and following the news on Haiti. We are so thankful that you and Solomon are ok and that in the wake of this horrible event, you are still finding occasional tidbits of good news to share. We just wish there was more we could do from here. You are in our thoughts. -Carly
ReplyDeleteYour blogs are the only thing that give me relief and solice. US news is constantly mentioning that violence is to break out any minute, but the videos only show the Haitian people only stuggling to get the water and food in desprit short supply in the most orderly fashion (too much drama and not enough reporting). The burocracy and lack of US military leadership is maddening. I am so grateful for all your friends in Haiti and stateside that are doing all they can to get your story out, to secure a visa for Sol, and to bring relief. Chris's interview for KC TV was incredible. You and Patrick's strength and resolve are awsome. You couldn't have a prouder Auntie...I will know more this week if University Hospital can connect me with local Denver organizations to send medical suppilies. If you can, Please let me know the best way to get them to you directly. Living for the day when I can wrap my arms around you all. Love you sooooo much, Joy
ReplyDeleteKim and Patrick and Solomon,
ReplyDeleteWe are all continuing to pray for you and for Haiti. I shared some of your very moving words in worship today and can't describe the impact they have had on a somewhat sleepy little Iowa church. Thanks for finding the good news in this horror, thanks for being God's hands and feet, thanks for being present to the Haitian people and being witnesses back to us.
We are sending prayers and financial support. Please continue to keep us informed.
Linda Hanson
St. Paul's UCC
Madrid, IA
Our prayers go to all in Haiti and all those who are doing what they can to help. We're awaiting word (and may be for months) about our children's siblings still in Haiti. They live in Petit Goave by the epicenter of the quake. Gregory (18) and Neli Louchard Toussaint (16). Thank you for all you're doing there. We'll keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteKim, Patrick and Dear Sweet Solomon,
ReplyDeleteLots of prayers are coming to you from Liberty, MO! Thank you for your courage. Good bless you!
Greg and Katie Lawson
Kim and Patrick,
ReplyDeleteYou don't know me, but want you to know that I found your blog and have passed word of it to my Pastor of our little UCC church in Guilford, VT. We are praying hard for YOU and for all whose lives you touch. It is good knowing that you are there to extend hugs and all of the many other kinds of support you have given, and will give.
Our litte congretation raised $1,000 today for OGHS and it is all coming to Haiti. Our youth group is also providing a Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Spagetti supper tomorrow night and they have also voted to donate all proceeds to Haitian relief.
May you be surrounded and uplifted by the prayers and support of strangers, and by all the angels who are hovering around you this day.
Blessings,
Elizabeth Fisher
Tilis is alive and well and working ever diligently for the Guest House
ReplyDeleteHello, my name is Sheryl and I've just discovered your blog via a minister at church. I am so sorry that you are going through what you are - but happy to know you are doing well and still sharing the word and love of God.
ReplyDeleteI will continue to keep both of you in my prayers.
Kim and Patrick,
ReplyDeleteGood to know that you all are safe. Praying for your family and everyone there in the days to come. I am a member of Raytown Christian Church and have followed your work through the church. Stay safe. God Bless.
Laurie
The Haitian Ambassador to the U.S. was on CNN last night and said that Haitian passports can be issued from Washington D.C. I know Solomon is pending a visa, but didn't know if he still needs a passport. This may be useless but I thought I'd pass this along. We are praying for you at Webster Groves Chritian Church is St. Louis.
ReplyDeleteDenise
Dear Kim,Patrick and Solomon,
ReplyDeletePraises for the sweet words you are safe! Knowing your gentle, caring heart Kim, I could feel your fustration and helplessness. Strange as it sounds, I find comfort for the Haitians knowing you dear ones are there. I pray for your safety. Thank you for taking time to write and getting to know you Patrick thru words.
God's loving arms are wrapped around you as you share His love, Linda Rist
Receive strength and power from HIM!
ReplyDeleteKim, Patrick and Solomon,
ReplyDeleteWe are praying for you and all the others affected by this disaster. Kim, I called your mom the other day. It was nice to hear her voice. I wanted to let her know we have all of you in our prayers. You have been so brave throughout all of this! Please keep strong, hang in there, we love you all! John, Julie, Jackson and Jordyn.
Appreciate the time you spend on this, Kim. It does help us feel connected. Hope you can stay in Haiti and maybe being rebuilding.
ReplyDeleteRev. Janet Fower, FCC, Festus, MO
Dear Patrick and Kim~
ReplyDeleteAmanda Reed (a fellow MDiv Grad) from Iliff shared this blog with me tonight. I thank God that you are both alive after reading your blog! We have been praying for the people of Haiti, and know that God brought you to them for such a time as this. I took my Advanced Field Ed Class with Patrick. We will be praying for you, specifically asking God to send you the resources and strength that you will both need to get through this crisis. We will especially pray that your adoption paperwork will be expedited in such a way as you will see that it comes to completion quickly, as a miracle at the very hand of God. Also, I spent 25 years doing wound care as a licensed Physical Therapist. If your agency needs a wound care specialist, let me know and I can fly down there as I still am a licensed PT in the State of Oregon. If nothing else, please send me an address and we will send $$ your way so that you may purchase the needed bandages and supplies for your work there in Haiti. My home phone is (503) 631-7211 and our email is knightfam@ccwebster.net. In the meantime, may God continue to give you the strength and the stamina that you will need to continue your work there with the people of Haiti.
Grace and peace,
Rev. Bonnie and Douglas Knight