You might be wondering, why so many updates on Haiti?  April 12th, will mark 3 months after the earthquake struck on January 12th.  Media outlets have many other “news” to broadcast and Haiti has lost center stage. Many people have made generous donations, but the restoration of Haiti, will take a lot more money and a longer time commitment.

The living conditions are terrible. Some areas and tent cities are far worse than they were last month. The rainy season has destroyed communities and tent cities, once again, displacing the displaced. There is a growing concern for sanitation, medical aid, and safety. This issues and hunger are still considered emergency issues in need of emergency assistance.

After returning from my first trip to Haiti in February, my life has become quite busy planning, working, and mobilizing. There are new updates on life (recently became an uncle to twins) and word (more to come soon!). It’s been tough to catch up with friends, supporters, and family. There is much to report and share. Stay tuned…I will try to write more posts on my blog to keep you updated.

Leaving today: April 1, 2010

Early morning, I’m going to join a team of friends from Puerto Rico, including Andrea Perez, Mitzy Rivera, and Pastor Eliacim. I’ll be on the same airplane with a team of 14 Puerto Rican doctors. Andrea and Eliacim have been in Haiti since Monday, setting up the clinic and meeting other members of the team coming via Dominican Republic. Eliacim’s ministry filled a 43 feet container at full capacity!! The container includes tons of food, water, medicines, relief aid, clothing, and 552 tents. As you all know, the rainy season in Haiti is rough and has severely affected the relief work on the ground. You can see a video interview (Anderson Cooper interviews Sean Penn) where Penn talks about a tent city with 45,000+ people.

In my previous visit, it was difficult to witness the horrendous living conditions. The photos and videos on the media do no justice to the realities on the ground. It is FAR WORSE than you think it is. Therefore, the HELP IS FAR MORE important now than it was at thte beginning.

My commitment, along with Andrea Perez (good friend, servant-leader, and missionary) is to keep Haiti on the radar so the people receive the help and the resources necessary to get back on their feet and THRIVE, NOT JUST SURVIVE. We want to fuel sustainable change in Haiti. There are visions, ideas, and plans in motion. You will hear more about it all in due time. For the moment, we covet your prayers and support. If you want to get involved email us.

Below are more photos from the first trip:

Funeral at Carrefour

Local teenagers at La Lycee Petion, now a football field behind the Cathedral in Port-Au-Prince.

When you feel a 4.8 quake at 1:30am followed by a 4.7 just ten minutes later, you want to sleep outdoors. Just in case.

Happy kids in Leogane.

Village life in Leogane.

Downtown Port-Au-Prince.

Related posts:

1. Haiti #2: The team and more photos from Port-Au-Prince
2. My Haiti Trip: Postponed…
3. Haiti #3: On the street, when the sunsets, HIV, and photos
4. Haiti #1: Back home safely and a photo preview
5. Happy Holidays Amigos