First and foremost, I would like to wish each and every one of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Thanks to you, the fundraising for Haiti has been a wild success. Friends new and old, family, workplace associates, and folks I have never even met have contributed graciously over the last month and I am overwhelmed with gratitude and appreciation. I am thrilled to announce that my $4500 goal has been met. Any additional contributions will now be donated directly to the Mt. Carmel orphanage for food and supply purchases.
The instability in PAP seems to have settled down. American Airlines has resumed flights back in. The riots have quieted. NGOs and missions are now moving a bit more freely about the county doing their humanitarian work. While the Pastor tells me the plight of his area is still dire, he at least is able to make it to the local market to purchase beans and rice for the orphans. I went ahead and wired him $500 of the raised money basically for calories for the children.
During this wonderful time of year, as you wrestle thru the mall crowds, or sip eggnog, or gather around the adorned table, or hear the sermon, or sit in front of the fire with Chablis, think of the contribution you made to a desperate people in a little corner of the world that one year ago had the attention of us all....
God Bless You.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Friday, December 10, 2010
Bad to Worse....
It's no secret that the remnants of Haiti civil infrastructure, already in a shambles, has suffered the increased burdens of a cholera outbreak and national election fraud to make things unstable and downright dangerous for all, especially foreign aid workers. The Pastor is very nervous; there is an imposed curew for all U.S. Embassy personnel; local police presence is virtually non-existant. Many places of business are shut down or looted. I received from the State Department the following email yesterday:
December 9, 2010
The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the risks of traveling to Haiti and recommends against non-essential travel. This notice replaces the Travel Warning dated June 24, 2010 to reflect continued high crime, the cholera outbreak, frequent disturbances in Port-au-Prince and in provincial cities, and limited police protection and access to medical care.
The Department of State strongly urges U.S. citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Haiti. The level of violent crime in Port-au-Prince, including murder and kidnapping, remains high, and Haitian authorities have limited capacity to deter or investigate such acts or prosecute perpetrators. While most kidnappings are financially motivated, some kidnapping victims have been physically abused, sexually assaulted, shot and even killed. No one is immune from kidnapping, regardless of one’s occupation, nationality, race, gender, or age.
In a number of cases this year, travelers arriving in Port-au-Prince on flights from the United States were attacked and robbed a short while after departing the airport. At least two U.S. citizens were shot and killed in such incidents. Police believe criminals may be targeting travelers arriving on flights from the United States, following them, and attacking them once they are out of the area. Travelers are advised to use extra caution in arranging transportation from the airport.
Beginning in October, protests, demonstrations, and violent disruptions have occurred regularly in downtown Port-au-Prince. In November, violent demonstrations occurred for several days in and around Cap Haitien, making travel in and out of the area very hazardous. In several cases UN police had to shelter U.S. citizen missionaries and Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) workers and coordinate their departure once protests ended. Following the first round of elections in late November, demonstrations occurred in numerous parts of Port-au-Prince and in cities throughout the country. During demonstrations protestors have damaged vehicles, thrown rocks, and burned tires to block traffic. Given the nature, intensity, and unpredictability of these disturbances, U.S. citizens are urged to exercise special caution and avoid areas where demonstrations are occurring or crowds are forming and to maintain a low profile. U.S. citizens in Haiti should be extremely vigilant with regard to their personal security, stay current on media coverage of local events, and be aware of their surroundings at all times.
The Haitian National Police (HNP), with assistance from UN Police (UN Pol), are responsible for keeping peace in Haiti and rendering assistance during times of civil unrest. Given the size and frequency of violent protests, the ability of HNP and UN Pol to come to the aid of U.S. citizens in distress during disturbances is limited. While the U.S. Embassy will make every effort to coordinate HNP and UN Pol assistance, U.S. citizens in Haiti should have well-prepared security plans, including a location to shelter-in-place with provisions and a departure strategy. The U.S. Embassy does not have the capacity or infrastructure to evacuate U.S. citizens and relies on the Haitian National Police to provide assistance.
Travel within Haiti is hazardous; even U.S. Embassy personnel are under an Embassy-imposed curfew and must remain home or in U.S. government facilities during the curfew. Some areas are off-limits to Embassy staff after dark, including downtown Port-au-Prince. The Embassy restricts travel by its staff to some areas outside of Port-au-Prince because of the prevailing road, weather, or security conditions. Transportation is also a safety risk in Haiti, which has no reliable public transportation. Crowded vans and “tap taps” should be avoided because they are often overloaded, driven unsafely, and mechanically unsound. Erratic driving, poor road conditions, and frequent accidents exacerbate the safety situation. These conditions, as well as incidents of violence and demonstrations further limit the Embassy’s ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens outside Port-au-Prince.
The January 12, 2010 earthquake significantly damaged key infrastructure and greatly reduced the capacity of Haiti’s medical facilities. Inadequate public sanitation also poses serious health risks. A recent outbreak of cholera has killed thousands of Haitians and exacerbated these difficult conditions, further strained medical personnel and facilities, and undermined their ability to attend to emergencies.
U.S. citizens wishing to assist in Haiti relief efforts should be aware that – in addition to facing safety and health risks, and despite good intentions - their travel to Haiti will increase the burden on a system already struggling to support those in need. NGOs report that their capacity to absorb additional volunteers is limited. Cash donations are the most effective way to help the relief effort in Haiti. Cash allows established organizations to purchase the exact type and quantity of items needed to help those affected by the earthquake and the cholera outbreak without having to pay the high costs associated with transporting physical donations to Haiti. Financial contributions can be transferred quickly and reduce the challenges posed by limited staff, equipment, and space.
My plans to head to Haiti in six weeks are unchanged at this time. I suppose those New York City "street-smarts" will soon come in handy....
December 9, 2010
The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the risks of traveling to Haiti and recommends against non-essential travel. This notice replaces the Travel Warning dated June 24, 2010 to reflect continued high crime, the cholera outbreak, frequent disturbances in Port-au-Prince and in provincial cities, and limited police protection and access to medical care.
The Department of State strongly urges U.S. citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Haiti. The level of violent crime in Port-au-Prince, including murder and kidnapping, remains high, and Haitian authorities have limited capacity to deter or investigate such acts or prosecute perpetrators. While most kidnappings are financially motivated, some kidnapping victims have been physically abused, sexually assaulted, shot and even killed. No one is immune from kidnapping, regardless of one’s occupation, nationality, race, gender, or age.
In a number of cases this year, travelers arriving in Port-au-Prince on flights from the United States were attacked and robbed a short while after departing the airport. At least two U.S. citizens were shot and killed in such incidents. Police believe criminals may be targeting travelers arriving on flights from the United States, following them, and attacking them once they are out of the area. Travelers are advised to use extra caution in arranging transportation from the airport.
Beginning in October, protests, demonstrations, and violent disruptions have occurred regularly in downtown Port-au-Prince. In November, violent demonstrations occurred for several days in and around Cap Haitien, making travel in and out of the area very hazardous. In several cases UN police had to shelter U.S. citizen missionaries and Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) workers and coordinate their departure once protests ended. Following the first round of elections in late November, demonstrations occurred in numerous parts of Port-au-Prince and in cities throughout the country. During demonstrations protestors have damaged vehicles, thrown rocks, and burned tires to block traffic. Given the nature, intensity, and unpredictability of these disturbances, U.S. citizens are urged to exercise special caution and avoid areas where demonstrations are occurring or crowds are forming and to maintain a low profile. U.S. citizens in Haiti should be extremely vigilant with regard to their personal security, stay current on media coverage of local events, and be aware of their surroundings at all times.
The Haitian National Police (HNP), with assistance from UN Police (UN Pol), are responsible for keeping peace in Haiti and rendering assistance during times of civil unrest. Given the size and frequency of violent protests, the ability of HNP and UN Pol to come to the aid of U.S. citizens in distress during disturbances is limited. While the U.S. Embassy will make every effort to coordinate HNP and UN Pol assistance, U.S. citizens in Haiti should have well-prepared security plans, including a location to shelter-in-place with provisions and a departure strategy. The U.S. Embassy does not have the capacity or infrastructure to evacuate U.S. citizens and relies on the Haitian National Police to provide assistance.
Travel within Haiti is hazardous; even U.S. Embassy personnel are under an Embassy-imposed curfew and must remain home or in U.S. government facilities during the curfew. Some areas are off-limits to Embassy staff after dark, including downtown Port-au-Prince. The Embassy restricts travel by its staff to some areas outside of Port-au-Prince because of the prevailing road, weather, or security conditions. Transportation is also a safety risk in Haiti, which has no reliable public transportation. Crowded vans and “tap taps” should be avoided because they are often overloaded, driven unsafely, and mechanically unsound. Erratic driving, poor road conditions, and frequent accidents exacerbate the safety situation. These conditions, as well as incidents of violence and demonstrations further limit the Embassy’s ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens outside Port-au-Prince.
The January 12, 2010 earthquake significantly damaged key infrastructure and greatly reduced the capacity of Haiti’s medical facilities. Inadequate public sanitation also poses serious health risks. A recent outbreak of cholera has killed thousands of Haitians and exacerbated these difficult conditions, further strained medical personnel and facilities, and undermined their ability to attend to emergencies.
U.S. citizens wishing to assist in Haiti relief efforts should be aware that – in addition to facing safety and health risks, and despite good intentions - their travel to Haiti will increase the burden on a system already struggling to support those in need. NGOs report that their capacity to absorb additional volunteers is limited. Cash donations are the most effective way to help the relief effort in Haiti. Cash allows established organizations to purchase the exact type and quantity of items needed to help those affected by the earthquake and the cholera outbreak without having to pay the high costs associated with transporting physical donations to Haiti. Financial contributions can be transferred quickly and reduce the challenges posed by limited staff, equipment, and space.
My plans to head to Haiti in six weeks are unchanged at this time. I suppose those New York City "street-smarts" will soon come in handy....
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
The Pastor's Latest....
Dear Dr. Eric,
I am exiting to see the burden god puts on your heart to love Haitian people.
The eyes of the Lord watch upon everybody and everything in this wide World.
We deeply appreciate your efforts to make fundraising to relief suffering of our orphans children in Haiti. Our bad situation increasing day after day. The high cost of living become worst. I send suplies cost but not all. Try to work on them please.
1 bag of beans cost : 82.50 US
1 bag of rice cost : 51.00 US
1 gallon of cooking oil cost : 8.20 US
1 smaller box of milk cost : 2.50 US
1 gallon gasoline cost : 6.75 US
1 bag of cement contruction cost : 11.00 US
The lady shoes like payless shoes # 8 cost 39.50 pair
The man shoes like payless shoes # 10 cost: 44.75
They continue to raise up the prices.
If you need some others informations just let me know.
Thanks for your patience. Tell your wife, thanks for working
around your ministry to save Haitian people from the death. May
God will pay you back. Looking for Psalms 41.
Will keep in touch.
Your sincere friend,
Pastor Geordany
I am exiting to see the burden god puts on your heart to love Haitian people.
The eyes of the Lord watch upon everybody and everything in this wide World.
We deeply appreciate your efforts to make fundraising to relief suffering of our orphans children in Haiti. Our bad situation increasing day after day. The high cost of living become worst. I send suplies cost but not all. Try to work on them please.
1 bag of beans cost : 82.50 US
1 bag of rice cost : 51.00 US
1 gallon of cooking oil cost : 8.20 US
1 smaller box of milk cost : 2.50 US
1 gallon gasoline cost : 6.75 US
1 bag of cement contruction cost : 11.00 US
The lady shoes like payless shoes # 8 cost 39.50 pair
The man shoes like payless shoes # 10 cost: 44.75
They continue to raise up the prices.
If you need some others informations just let me know.
Thanks for your patience. Tell your wife, thanks for working
around your ministry to save Haitian people from the death. May
God will pay you back. Looking for Psalms 41.
Will keep in touch.
Your sincere friend,
Pastor Geordany
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Halfway There!
Due to a bit of pushing and thanks to a few stunning contributions, the 2011 Haiti Medical Mission fund has just surpassed the $2K mark....with two months to go! PaPal has been giving me fits, requesting all this documentation to ensure my fundraising is "legit," so I have provided them with ample papwerwork with regards to the Mt. Carmel Orphanage, Pastor Geordany, and the Mt. Pleasant Church of the Brethren. However, the hospital contributions have really picked up this week thanks to some very socially-minded doctors and nurses....they saw me scramble last year and do in two weeks' time what I have two months' luxury to perform this time around.
As we head into this Thanksgiving Holiday, we have much to be thankful for, not least of which is each morning we wake up safe, in warmth, in health, and surrounded by our loved ones. But we should also give thanks that we are not starving, dying of cholera, or living in a tent city with displaced/deceased family scattered to the the four corners of a third-world land.
Thank you everyone who has contributed so far!
As we head into this Thanksgiving Holiday, we have much to be thankful for, not least of which is each morning we wake up safe, in warmth, in health, and surrounded by our loved ones. But we should also give thanks that we are not starving, dying of cholera, or living in a tent city with displaced/deceased family scattered to the the four corners of a third-world land.
Thank you everyone who has contributed so far!
Monday, November 15, 2010
Off and Running....
Well, in one week the Medical Mission has passed the $1000 mark...a pretty decent start. Last year the entire project cost about $4500, but that included airfare, which I will take care of myself this time. In addition to food, medications, and supplies, dollars were used to hire Hatian travel guides/bodyguards, gasoline for the generators (everything at the orphanage is run on generator power, and gas sells at a premium), and some construction supplies to expand the orphans' bunk room (one 8' 2x4 in Haiti....$40!!). So....I make my appeal....let's keep the donations coming,
Special thanks so far to Hurricane Mikey, Angy, VegasLindaLou, Tim M, Marc R, Paul N, David W, and a whole host of others for getting me to this point.
I plan on posting an entire contributor list as the trip gets closer.
Eric
Special thanks so far to Hurricane Mikey, Angy, VegasLindaLou, Tim M, Marc R, Paul N, David W, and a whole host of others for getting me to this point.
I plan on posting an entire contributor list as the trip gets closer.
Eric
Sunday, November 07, 2010
A Letter from the Pastor
The most recent correspondence. Press the PayPal button on the previous post or in the upper right of the screen if you would like to donate.
Hello Dr. Eric,
Hope this email finds you and family well. The GOD,s mercy upon us because through the earthquake, the cholera and the hurricane Tomas during 9 months, we are safe. How great
our God? He is good all the times. Praise His Holy name.
We never cease to pray for your comeback to help this poor people in their needs. The Island of Haiti is really suffering for everything.
Dr. Eric my friend, trust that, my problems are increasing day after day. I am fighting and
staying on my knees praying to take care of the orphans. You remember that before the earthquake I got 22 children, after that, I got 34 and now I have 41 orphans children.
They cannot stay at home without school. The Lord blessed me they all going to school but,I have lot of money to pay soon. It,s very hard for my wife and I. We need more patience, more love to support them.
They living in the new building, praise the Lord. If God leads you to the electrician and painting people who has same burden with you, bring them to help us please.
Ask your folks to pray for my ministry because you know I have 16 poor churches to take care and some schools to pay teachers. Let them know to trust with me, God can do all.
Dr. Eric please, try to find some relief for the orphans suffering everyday.
Anytime you have money for them, send it via Western Union or Money Gram and after 2 hours I will receive it. Just send me the confirmation number.
Please, share our sincere greetings to your wife and children. Try to bring more people with
you next months. May God continue to bless your ministry.
Your Haitian friend,
Pastor Geordany Joseph
Hello Dr. Eric,
Hope this email finds you and family well. The GOD,s mercy upon us because through the earthquake, the cholera and the hurricane Tomas during 9 months, we are safe. How great
our God? He is good all the times. Praise His Holy name.
We never cease to pray for your comeback to help this poor people in their needs. The Island of Haiti is really suffering for everything.
Dr. Eric my friend, trust that, my problems are increasing day after day. I am fighting and
staying on my knees praying to take care of the orphans. You remember that before the earthquake I got 22 children, after that, I got 34 and now I have 41 orphans children.
They cannot stay at home without school. The Lord blessed me they all going to school but,I have lot of money to pay soon. It,s very hard for my wife and I. We need more patience, more love to support them.
They living in the new building, praise the Lord. If God leads you to the electrician and painting people who has same burden with you, bring them to help us please.
Ask your folks to pray for my ministry because you know I have 16 poor churches to take care and some schools to pay teachers. Let them know to trust with me, God can do all.
Dr. Eric please, try to find some relief for the orphans suffering everyday.
Anytime you have money for them, send it via Western Union or Money Gram and after 2 hours I will receive it. Just send me the confirmation number.
Please, share our sincere greetings to your wife and children. Try to bring more people with
you next months. May God continue to bless your ministry.
Your Haitian friend,
Pastor Geordany Joseph
Donate to the Haiti Mission
Dear friends,
This January's destination will be the same- Pignon, Haiti- an inland town overrun with orphaned children from the earthquake. The caretaker is Pastor Geordany Joseph, a man of about 70, and his wife. The nurse practitioner and I will pay our own travel expenses and incidentals, and would like to let the prospective contributor know that all proceeds will go to purchasing medications for the clinic, as well as basic necessities for the children (water purifiers, hand sanitizer, etc...).Simply click on the button below to make a contribution to my medical mission to Haiti that much more successful. Thank you!
If you would like to donate but not thru PayPal, contact me at edk1228@gmail.com and I can give you an address to send a check or money order. I also need to let you know that since I am not a federally recognized charity, tax deductions do not apply.
A few pictures from my 2010 Mission....
This January's destination will be the same- Pignon, Haiti- an inland town overrun with orphaned children from the earthquake. The caretaker is Pastor Geordany Joseph, a man of about 70, and his wife. The nurse practitioner and I will pay our own travel expenses and incidentals, and would like to let the prospective contributor know that all proceeds will go to purchasing medications for the clinic, as well as basic necessities for the children (water purifiers, hand sanitizer, etc...).Simply click on the button below to make a contribution to my medical mission to Haiti that much more successful. Thank you!
If you would like to donate but not thru PayPal, contact me at edk1228@gmail.com and I can give you an address to send a check or money order. I also need to let you know that since I am not a federally recognized charity, tax deductions do not apply.
A few pictures from my 2010 Mission....
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