In Jacmel, Haiti

Carlos and I traveled to Jacmel, Haiti. It took two hours over the mountain and through the palms. It's located on the south coast of the Haitian island. We met up with a contact and stayed with his family on the street. Their house was not destroyed, but you can see cracks running along the wall. They are waiting for the government to come and assess the house for damage.


Yesterday was the beginning of a week of mourning or prayer for the country. Local churches have seen this as an opportunity to bring common believers together to pray for the Haitian leadership and thank God for those that did survive. Local businesses and professionals will be grieving the great losses they have sustained and remember those that have passed on. It's been a month since the earthquake, but the fear of another "big one" looms over many minds. Haitians usually celebrate Carnival for 3 days before lent, but this year it has been replaced by the week of mourning or prayer.

"This will be the best year for Haiti. Through this earthquake, they will rise stronger." Wilbert Placide, a Haitian pastor, explained. "This is a great opportunity for Christians to come together and seek God's face." Watch a video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPTGzSlBxts

Transportation in Haiti ranges from big tap-taps to motos. From big buses to motorcycles, Carlos and I have experienced local transportation. Here's a video shot yesterday on the back of a moto. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGH7LsaLeW0

Reaching out to those in need

Local Valley residents and sponsors around the United States have given enough money to feed 100 children for 15 days. ASCASH the local non-profit organization located here in Carrefour, Haiti is the organization we're partnering with. Tata, the resource director for ASCASH, has successfully fed hundreds of children with donations from friends and families.

Today, over a hundred children were fed rice. There were even left-overs. The school kept their doors opened and invited more kids until all the food was gone. The full stomachs remind the children they are loved. The greatest need for children is security. The food gives them that. What a simple, yet powerful gift to give. Watch this video shot today. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ea1VM-60xTQ&feature=sub

The principal of the school taught a short lesson on gratitude and the importance of saying thanks. Watch this: http://www.youtube.com/user/natemanthey1#p/a/u/0/dmYbCaIQytE

NateManthey

"Thanks You!"

Yesterday was a great day as children were fed in the school yard of their collapsed school. Tata the cook for ASCASH prepared meals and organized the effort. As the children received their plates of spaghetti, their faces brightened and they said, "Thanks you!" The mounds of spaghetti bent the plates as they were being passed out. Hungry kids were able to eat. Today, more kids will eat rice provided by generous supporters like you.
Watch this video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYFxEpbFHWw&feature=sub

The bus ride back to Carrefour was filled with tension. Tempers flared and people were kicked off the bus. Some on that bus were on their way back to their families empty-handed with no job. One man we talked to scraped the bus fare together in hopes of employment. He hung his head in disappointment as he explained his story to Carlos.

26 days since the earthquake

It’s been 26 days since a 7.0 earthquake shook Haiti to its economic knees. From tourism to trade the country was establishing itself into a self sustaining economy. On January 12^th, dreams were destroyed and destruction followed. Sheelove, a 22 year old entrepreneur had her own wedding planning business. Her hopes of providing for her mother and brothers now lay buried under the rubble. The clothes she wears are borrowed from a friend; the sheets she sleeps on were part of a few of the items that were pulled from her collapsed home. Her world has changed, but her drive is the same. She wants to keep giving. Today Carlos and I went to a hospital and Sheelove sang for several patients outside in makeshift tents and encouraged them. From kids to grandparents the songs lifted their spirits and showed them they were loved.

We were able to give baby formula to a mother in need as well as the hospital we visited. They were both really grateful to receive the aid.

Carlos and I received funds today from supporters and we were able to give $100 to ASCASH to feed a child a day for $1 a day. They will be feeding 100 kids for two days with this money. We shot a quick video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MR40OHZurU&feature=sub