...a surprise in the night

Yesterday was Sunday and like so many, we went to church service. We were meeting outside in L'Acul, with some tarps to provide shade since the building usually used has some damage. Following the service, there was a church member meeting where Manno (the pastor) distributed to each person a bag of rice and then, until they ran out, a plastic tarp to be used for temporary shelters. I've seen lots things given away in Haiti, and unfortunately, the usual response has been without much display of gratitude...not because they aren't grateful, but I think because they've just become so used to life depending on the gifts, there's a numbness that sets in. Yesterday, however, was different. So many of the folks stopped on their way toward the back to hug and kiss and say "thank you, thank you." One young man made a point of asking me to tell the people of the United States how much Haiti appreciates them. It was very humbling.

Our afternoon was rather eventless until a couple of men arrived from the Dominican Republic -- an engineer from the States, a doctor from the DR, and a young Dominican man who's arms had been whacked with a machete as his motorcycle was being stolen from him. Life isn't always pretty. Shortly after the first car arrived, another group of doctors and surgeons arrived (from Hearts of Fire). This latter group will be working in this area for about a week. Augustin (the young Dominican) was operated on today, and although he'll lose some dexterity, he will have his arms!

We learned today that the hospital in Petit Goave is not seismologically sound. In other words, the physicians must work with acknowledged risk, and the patients receive service with the same knowledge. I saw some very committed and devoted doctors this evening...to a man heading into harm's way tomorrow. Pray for good safety and a strong witness.

Something interesting: the patients and medical emergencies that are being treated are NOT earthquake related. The earthquake medical needs, for the most part, have ceased...that part of the crisis has ended. These emergency medical teams are seeing the "normal" Haitian medical needs. It's quite a surprise for many!

I was looking forward to star-gazing again last night, and I settled in quite comfortably. I awoke with the pitter patter of rain drops. It's a neat sound and I was quickly falling back into deep sleep, until I turned over. Oh yuk ... my sleeping bag was soaked with water on one corner and I found a puddle had formed near the tent flap. Well...the puddle continued to grow and my sleeping bag continued to soak it up. Squish squish until dawn and a welcome sunrise! Hopefully tonight will be different :)

There are thousands of folks sleeping under patchwork tents, sheets of cardboard, scrap tin, or under nothing at all. Many are staring at the flattened, distorted mound of cement and rebar or wood and straw that once was home. Many looking to see the face of a loved one who is no longer there. So many are going to bed tonight in foreign cities, without a leg that supported them a few weeks ago and wondering where they can ever find another place to call "home". And the most grievous thing: many are facing the night without hope, without any security, with no source of comfort -- these things cannot be bought. They're only found in our Living Hope, our Good Shepherd, the God of all Comfort. If you know Him tonight, ask that many more will enter into rest along with you.

Lots of love in my heart for all of you.