Haiti News: Post Traumatic Shock, Damage Assessment, Repair, Hydro, Haitian Choirs

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Hello  Everyone,

As well as everything else to deal with following the earthquake in Haiti, we are now dealing with staff and students' post-traumatic shock, and beginning to do damage assessment and repair.

I have never doubted that what we are doing here is important and is right. These last 2 days have affirmed everything we at Starthrower Foundation have been building up for the last 12 years.

I'm also sending some pictures that Auguste (director of education) took at the center. Here's the news from Tuesday at Lakay Fondasyon:

 

Student Nurse Brunie with Sharon, Christmas Box USA

Post Traumatic Shock After the Earthquake (trambleman de te)
Plenitude is back safely! He and Alland and Wisly are here so I had a chance to talk to Alland and Wisly about their experiences in Leogane at the school of nursing, and Plenitude's in Port-au-Prince.

Plenitude says he escaped because his classes are in the morning.  Sadly, the afternoon students and professors were killed when the building collapsed. It is so good to see him.

Wisly and Alland, both usually quiet, talked non stop. Starthrower's center is their earthquake debriefing place. Both Alland and Wisly, like Gaby (previous update) can't wait to return to classes. The trambleman de te (earthquake in Kreyol) and its devastation strengthened their commitment to the nursing program and profession.

Brunie (4th nursing student and the only female) just left our center. She came all the way from Sen Rafayel to talk with me. Each of the nursing students now realizes how important it is to debrief: Post traumatic shock is all too real.

Bruni told me that she phoned a cousin in Sen Rafayel from the Leogane nursing school. He has a motor scooter. He came all the way to Leogane for her. They were stopped on the way back by a man with a machete who stole her cousin's jeans and shoes BUT not the bike.

Just as the male student nurses did, Brunie talks of not being able to sleep, of seeing the buildings in Leogane crumble, of hearing cries for help, and seeing bodies And like the guys, she can't wait to get back to school.

As for the students and staff in Cap-Haitien, their experience was not as graphic as the students who were closer to the epicenter.

When the earthquake struck, Auguste was sitting in the office at our center, and he felt everything move. He looked out the window and saw the trees and telephone poles bending like he had never witnessed before. He knew instantly something bad was happening. He needed to talk, too.

And Carmene, our cook, whose son was killed, also needed to talk. And everyone knows someone in Port-au-Prince who is unaccounted for or dead or maimed for life.

Food, Damage Repair
Today we've managed to buy Haitian rolls and are making cream cheese sandwiches, with banana (fig), water and tea. This morning (Tuesday), there are about a dozen kids on the gallery at the present moment.

Kenston is sleeping on a hammock and the radio is mercifully providing background. It was blaring but they turned it down with no coaching from me. One student is studying on the roof, 2 more are playing chess.

Auguste is confirming damage to students' houses and on Friday, we hope to start home visits to check damage, estimate materials needed to repair, and then hunt the city for them.

Hydro Power and Haitian Choirs
Mirak d'ayiti -- gen kourant!!  The hydro just came on! For how long is anyone's guess. Last night it was on for 10 minutes.

I had  just lit the candles when on it came. I waited the requisite 5 minutes as it's often fleeting. I had just extinguished the candles when off it went.

As I sat in the dusk, one of the many house choirs on the street started its practice. The music was so beautiful and haunting, then they went into one of the amazing upbeat hymns involving very intricate counterpoint hand clapping and finger snapping.

I listened in awe. I have the best life in the world; if not the most unpredictable.

Security
In addition to regular staff (Auguste, Jack, Carmene, Rosenie, Joceline), we have Gaby, Fresnel, Dieugrand and Rosema working security in rotation.

Last night (Monday), I was  glad of another presence in the center as the dogs went wild about midnight. Someone was trying to enter our compound over the parking spot. Between the dogs, Gaby, and me, they were frightened off.  We heard a single gunshot shortly after but no voices.

Planes were arriving overnight also. Most unusual.

Luggage, Supplies
Sister Rosemary (see this post) just called from the Cap-Haitien airport to let me know that the lost / missing suitcases are still not there, and so she will try again tomorrow.

She said that folks who came to Cap-Haitien from the south need to register at the gymnasium if they want help. Carmene already knew that, and said her sisters are too afraid of the crowds and potential for violence.

Marjorie phoned from Canada and got through, so the lines are currently clear. I couldn't get a line out on Sunday to tell my sister I had arrived in one piece until Monday.

Another knock at the portay (gate). A vehicle entering so will close for now.

Tuesday NIght
The hydro just came back on. Thank goodness!  I was trying to tuck the moustike (mosquito net) around my bed by candle light and flashlight and it fell out of the ceiling.

I called Gaby (security) and he went to find the ti nechel -la (small ladder).

After trying a hundred keys, we opened the depot and secured the ladder. As we walked back to the house the hydro came on, allowing Gaby to hammer the net up while I held the ladder. Hope it stays put for the night.

Thanks, everyone, for your support and encouragement. I'll be in touch as soon as I have more news.

Sharon

PS Here are some pictures taken by Auguste. [click to enlarge, then click Back button to return to this page]

 

Gaby and Sharon - Lakay Fondasyon Cap-Haitien Haiti

Alland, Wisly, Sharon - Trauma Debriefing Haiti

 

Lakay Fondasyon Cap-Haitien - Repairing the Generator

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Haiti Flights, Schools, Students, Earthquake Damage, Security, Supplies Cap-Haitien News

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Hello Everyone,

I arrived in Cap-Haiten at 6 p.m. yesterday (Sunday) after long day in the Ft Lauderdale (FLL) airport and then a longer than usual flight.  Here's what's happening today at Starthrower's center and updates on schools, students, earthquake damage, security and supplies.

Flight to Haiti: Florida FLL via Bahamas to Cap
At FLL, we learned that our plane needed an engine replaced and that there was a medical team ahead of us that had been waiting since Friday.

Then another medical team showed up, complete with meds and machines, also for our flight so chaos ensued. The airline [Florida Coastal Air -- website http://www.lynxairexpress.com] chartered 2 planes and both flights eventually made it to Cap-Haitien after a stop for gas in Exuma, Bahamas. (Googlemap FLL->Exuma->Cap-Haitien map)

We arrived but our luggage did not, and as of noon, it's still not here. There I was, with no meds, no nightgown, no vitamins. And the medical team was unable to continue on to Port-au-Prince this morning as they had to return to the Cap-Haitien airport around noon, in hopes that  their lost luggage had found its way to Cap-Haitien.

Lakay Fondasyon Welcome
When I finally got to the Fondasyon, the staff were all waiting to meet me, despite my after-dark arrival. Jack had purchased some ice and drinks (Gatorade, Sprite, Coke), so we had a celebratory drink and then they left me to my own devices. Mirak d'ayiti we had electricity for 2 hours last night. My welcome home present!

Nurses Leogane, Classes Resuming 4th year only
Gaby, one of the student nurses at Leogane, came to our center this morning to study. Gaby had some very graphic tales of the earthquake and aftermath in Leogane about setting up the clinic and tending to the wounded (see this post, link to CNN).

The first year student nurses had completed first aid training complete with certificate, and so they looked after those not so badly injured in the earthquake.

I have never seen a young person so changed as Gaby. The once shy, quiet young man has an energy and a sparkle I could not have imagined. He thinks medicine is the most important career on the planet and cannot wait to resume training. He will have to wait as only those in 4th year nursing will resume studies.

Haiti Schools Closed
All schools are still closed. Deles and Vincent are here in Cap-Haitien; their school, the university in Limbe, is scheduled to open next week but that's all we've heard.

Starthrower Center, Mme Carmene
Kids have been arriving since we opened the center this morning. Carmene (our housekeeper, cook) came to work today. We sat and talked about her son Frandzy's death and the chaos in the rest of her family. (Details)

Carmene now has 10 extra people staying at her house, as her sisters and their children lost everything. Both sisters lost their husbands to undiagnosed illnesses in September and October, respectively. A house filled with grief, and she is the only one with a job.

Guilene
I told you (this post) that Guilene, our blind student, had made her way from Port-au-Prince to Sen Rafayel.

What I did not know was that she had been buried in the rubble of her school for 6 days .

She ate sand to stay alive. She has infected cuts on her face and her right foot. When she was pulled out of the rubble, all she wanted to do was get to Sen Rafayel.

She finally ended up on one of the buses being used to transport the survivors out of Port-au-Prince. She rode the bus as far as it went then somehow hitchhiked the rest of the way.

Earthquake Damage Center, Water System
Auguste, Jack and I have checked the house and although we have several new cracks, they do not seem to be structural.  Our water system has been 'pooched', however. The Bos Plombri (plumber) just left with the bad news: a list of items that need replacing for the toilet and sink. He said parts are scarce and prices seem to change by the hour. We have to make the repairs so we'll pay.

Security Measures at the Center
With so many displaced persons from Port-au-Prince making  their way to Cap-Haitien, I have added security around the clock. Fresnel worked last night and today Auguste and I have put a schedule together. It accommodates school time once classes resume, as classes are either morning or afternoon, not full days.

Feeding, Study Programs
Today we're serving bread and butter, boiled eggs and bananas along with potable water. So far, we've gone through a carton of eggs (30).
We had difficulty finding water to purchase this morning. Jack traveled miles with the wheelbarrow as our usual suppliers had none.

We have set up tables and chairs on the roof and some students are studying up there now. No school still, but they're studying! About 15 students are here now, though they come and go.

 Shipped Supplies
Mlle Kayla's box has not arrived here yet because the key to the warehouse was in Port-au-Prince. It is scheduled to arrive in Cap-Haitien today and Auguste will check tomorrow.

Carmene is singing hymns and Rosenie and Auguste are handing out Christmas boxes that came from Pennsylvania. Not all the boxes have arrived but it doesn't make sense to have them sitting here. We are explaining to those who are waiting that more boxes should arrive soon.

The marengwen (mosquitoes) are having their way with me as my insect spray is in my suitcase somewhere between here and Ft Lauderdale. It's warm (about 90F - 32C) with a slight breeze.

And as I write this, it's not even noon yet!

But thank goodness for solar power and wireless internet!

Pi ta
Sharon

Earthquake Update Cap-Haitien Haiti Schools, Students, Hydro, Water, Food, Study, Jobs

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Hello Everyone,

I am on my way to Cap-Haitien Haiti so by the time you receive this I may already be at Lakay. Here's an earthquake aftermath update about Cap-Haitien schools opening, students, hydro and water, food, study and job programs.

As well, here are a few pictures sent from Haiti before the quake. (Click on the picture to see a larger version, then click the Back button to return to this page.)

Hydro, Schools, Programs
One area of Cap-Haitien had a little hydro on Wednesday but not in our section. More kids are coming every day looking for news about what's happening, and for food and water as schools remain closed.

We plan to start meal hand outs, and food and study programs and job creation on Monday (February 1). I'll give you more information once I have a chance to assess the situation in Haiti, but if schools are not able to open, then one of the programs we will set up will be for studying and tutoring. We can have the students come to the Lakay to do their school work.

Restarting school, university, etc will be a massive undertaking in much of Haiti. See this report on CBC news  for a bit of background.

Guilene, Port-au-Prince
Just before I left Toronto (Saturday,January 30), I received an email from Auguste, our director of education in Haiti. Auguste said that Guilene (see this post) made it safely from Port-au-Prince to San Rafayel. She took the alternate route which by passes Cap-Haitien.

Nursing Students Leogane
Bruni, Gaby, Wesley and Alland, the 4 nursing students at the (now demolished) nursing school also made their way to Sen Rafayel.  I expect that Bruni will help them find temporary accommodation. They are expected to come down the mountain to see us in Cap-Haitien this week. I will let you know when I hear from them.

Plenitude, Peterson, Port-au-Prince
Plenitude remains unaccounted for after his initial phone call (this post). Peterson made it to Cap-Haitien to go to a clinic to get patched up. He has now returned to Port-au-Prince in the hopes of going through the rubble of his dormitory to find his papers (pyes yo) -- his birth certificate, baptismal certificate, high school papers and university entrance papers.

Alternatives to Haiti Schools
I've had several inquires about the feasibility of sending our Haitian post-secondary students to North America or to the Dominican Republic to continue their studies at this time. Other than the cost involved, there is also the language barrier. Our students speak Kreyol (Creole). Some may know a smattering of French and / or English, but not at a level acceptable for post-secondary studies.

Haiti Trips Postponed, Canceled
Visitors who had planned to travel to meet me in Cap-Haitien in the coming weeks have canceled or postponed travel at this time.

Donations, Fundraisers, Christmas Boxes
Thank you for supporting the earthquake relief fund, nutrition and education programs, and for organizing fundraisers. As always, the easiest thing to get to Haiti is cash.

Thank you for offering to send clothing, bedding, etc. but those items are available in Haiti, and so do not require costly shipping. When we buy these items in Haiti, we make best use of your donations.

Thanks again to Mochaberry Cafe, Henning's Salon and Acheson's in Orangeville, ON  for collecting money for Starthrower following the earthquake.

Auguste reports that more of the Christmas boxes are arriving in Cap-Haitien. And just prior to the earthquake, he was advised that a shipment of supplies sent months ago from Mlle Kayla in the U.S. had arrived, but I do not know if he was able to arrange to pick it up at the port:  "CasXpress gen bwat-la pou nou men yo pa livre li paske moun ki pou bay nou bwat la, li pa Okap bwat Mlle Kayla." I'll check into that as soon as I can.

ROCK4HAITI Concert Toronto
For those in the Toronto, Ontario, area, Ryan and his band My Flea Circus are holding a fundraising concert for Sunday, February 21, 2010 at 8 p.m. at Sneaky Dee's (College and Bathurst) in Toronto to raise money for Starthrower Foundation (see Starthrower Foundation Fundraisers).

Next Update From Haiti:
If all goes according to plan today (Sunday), I will be in Cap-Haitien by late afternoon. I hope to be able to assess what's happened at our center (water, hydro, damage to buildings, etc) and the likelihood of schools opening in Cap-Haitien, as well as updates on our students, and let you know by the middle of next week.

Travel To Haiti
As I make my way via Ft Lauderdale to Haiti this weekend, I have been pleasantly surprised at the response from everyone who asked where I was going.

In the past (before the earthquake), when I said, "Haiti," there were grimaces made, and some airline staff, customs agents and fellow passengers wondered why I would ever want to go there.

This trip have found a shift in thinking. Twice folks said, "Those poor people! Haven't they had enough?' Empathy: What a healing, life-giving emotion.

Sharon

Earthquake Haiti Schools, Students Aftermath ~ Hydro, Water, Food Update from Cap-Haitien

Hello Everyone,

As promised, here's an update on the earthquake in Haiti aftermath regarding students, schools, hydro, water and food supplies in Cap-Haitien, as well as a brief note about donations in kind, travel to Haiti and more Thank yous!

Starthrower Students in Haiti and Dominican
Schools are still closed in Cap-Haitien.

Guilene, a blind student at school in Port-au-Prince who received a Brailler and manual typewriter thanks to Pennsylvania donors Don H. and wife, Sharon, along with the Lions Club, and Cindy W., who supplied a portable cassette player for her, is all right, as far as we know.

Auguste received only one phone call from her, saying that she was okay, but she could not find anyone to take her to a bus station or help her find transport north to Cap-Haitien. Her belongings were destroyed, and she has only the clothes on her back.

Our nursing students (see previous update) arrived in Cap-Haitien on Monday, but I have no details about how they got there from Leogane. They came right to the center to let Auguste know they were back in Cap-Haitien.

Bruni, one of the nursing students in Leogane, likely will be trying to get home to Sen Rafayel. She has relatives in Cap-Haitien who took her in before, when she was going to summer school.

Auguste (our director of education) has only had one communique with Sen Rafayel via text message. The students are okay, but there is still no transit up and down mountain. That means Bruni won't get home unless she walks the 28 kms (18 miles).

Alland and Wisly (nursing students, Leogane) are in Cap-Haitien, but may not have a place to stay. Auguste will take care of them, however, as now he is able to get money from the bank.

Gaby (nursing student, Leogane) would go home to his ti kay next door to Carmene's, where his brother Lusnot is.

Peterson, who was injured in the earthquake and unable to travel, and Plenitude are still unable to get home from Port-au-Prince. They are not together and have no way of  connecting.

Dominican Republic Pre-Med Students
Marlen and Elorge, both in 2nd year pre med in university in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic, are among the few sponsored students currently attending school.

Agriculture Students Limbe
Deles (a sponsored student) and Vincent, in 3rd year Agriculture (Agronomie) at university in Limbe, are attending classes. January is a month of 'cours intensif' for them.

Cap-Haitien
Rosenie (2nd year Kindergarten Teacher training) and Joceline (our laundress and Mme Carmene's support staff) are washing bedding and curtains, and mopping and disinfecting the house in Cap-Haitien to get it ready for my arrival.

Carmene, who usually handles the cleaning and cooking for us, is too heart broken at the death of her son (details this post) to work. One of my first visits will be to Carmene to pay my condolences. I will be fending for myself in the kitchen for the first while.

School Closure Alternatives
If schools are still closed when I arrive in Haiti about January 31, we will implement study programs or phys ed programs (both popular with the kids) or any other activities that they suggest, as well as work programs for anyone wanting to earn some money.

Hydro, Banks, Water, Gas, Damage Repairs
As of yesterday (Thursday, January 21), there is still no hydro anywhere and no gas. We are still able to purchase potable water and locally made bread, as a few of the banks are open as of today.

Auguste borrowed a few gourdes from one of the Sisters of St. Joseph who knows us well. The kids are still coming in for rest, bathroom facilities and food.

Jackson, who drives for us, will probably do what he did before the earthquake to get gas. He knows exactly how much gas is needed to drive to the Dominican Republic, so he fills up there. Jackson will pick me up at the Cap-Haitien airport and take me to the center.

We will repair our water system first, then fill  the cracks that need it. Currently we are unable to do any repairs to the students' houses as we can't get to them to do estimates because of the gas shortage. Our students are scattered about the Cap-Haitien area, and at quite a distance from us.

We will also form students in work groups to help repair their houses. Others students can work in the garden, trim the trees, cut the grass etc. Joceline, and Rosenie can keep the house running while I will take turns in the office and the kitchen making sandwiches etc.

We want to establish some kind of normal routine as soon as possible to help deal with the earthquake aftermath.

How To Help Inquiries ~ Donations in Kind, Volunteer

Over the past week Starthrower has been receiving well-intentioned but misguided offers of donations in kind (blankets, tents, clothing, etc) as well as offers to help from those who want to travel to Haiti NOW to help rebuild.

And all we can tell them is thanks, but no thanks. Here's why:

First of all, we work in Cap-Haitien, in the north of Haiti, not the south, where rescue and recovery efforts are centered. For reference, Cap-Haitien is about 130 km (81 miles) north of Port-au-Prince. The road is rough in spots and typically takes 8-12 hours to drive from one city to the other.

If you have been following the updates from Haiti in the media, you will be aware that even large aid agencies and governments are unable to deliver and distribute supplies efficiently or at all, due to quake damage in Haiti.

Even CNN (and George W. Bush, in a statement to the media), asked that donors simply send money, as money is the easiest thing to ship to Haiti. This agrees with Starthrower's long held position and donations in kind. It may seem felf-serving, but it is really the most practical and cost-effective route.

Haiti already has tradespeople, and access to goods and services, What they don't have is money to pay for them.  And if a carpenter, for example, travels to Haiti to volunteer to rebuild, he takes a job from a Haitian and spends money to travel there that could have been better spent to help support a Haitian.

At the best of times, visitors to Haiti use resources better allocated to the residents, and in time of disaster, these scarce resources are even scarcer. Also, at the best of times, shipping to Haiti is a challenge. Following the earthquake, it's even more so, with damage to ports and disaster relief ongoing. Currently we do not know (no one does) when shipping and more reliable air travel will resume in Haiti.

In Charities, Smaller is Better
As well, I am pleased to hear media reports advocating donations to smaller charities and NGOs (non-government organizations) such as Starthrower Foundation because, they say, that these smaller aid groups are already on the ground in Haiti, know the culture and know what is needed and who needs it.

As well, these reports explain, most of the funds donated to smaller NGOs go directly to the intended recipients, with a tiny amount going towards administration costs.

Large fundraisers dominate major media, but it's hard to track their accountability and disbursements.

Thank You, Donors!
Thank you to everyone who has sent a donation. Once I am in Haiti, and am able to visit students' homes to assess damage, etc I will have a better idea of the money needed for dealing with the extra expenses due to the earthquake. We always need funds to support our students, and for food and tuition, and medical care. I am taking with me anti-malaria meds and Cipro, as I don't know what is available in Haiti.

Thanks to Orangeville Ontario Canada business people for supporting Starthrower Foundation:

Thank you, Sigrid at From the Kitchen to the Table for taking our need to the BIA (Orangeville Business Assn).

Thanks also to owners Janie, Sue and Deb at Mochaberry Coffee, who have set up a donation jar.

Thanks also to Dianne, owner of Acheson's, who is doing a fundraising blitz this week.

Thank you to Kathleen. owner, and staff at Henning's Salon who are also collecting donations via jar on the counter.

It means so much to have the support of my local community, and from Starthrowers around the world.

If you are unable to make a cash donation, you can still contribute to the work in Haiti by telling your friends, families and social network sites, and sending them the link to this page and to our web site.

On a personal note:
As of today I have been discharged from home care by the wonderful nurses of St. Elizabeth health care. My wound is manageable, and the restrictions placed by the surgeon will be followed to a T.

So for those who have written concerned about me travelling and living back in Haiti, know that I go with the blessing of my medical support team.

Thank you, Lesley, Jenna, Pam, Elyse, Peter and Dr. Pham.
Thanks also CCAC case workers Barb and Cheryl.
Thanks to Red Cross manager Carrie and PSWs Joanne (both of them), Elizabeth, Kim, and Nancy.

My life has been so blessed by your presence and expertise over the past 15 months.

As more updates come in, or we get other news from Haiti, I'll post it and let you know. I leave for Haiti in just over a week, but will be in touch before I go.

Blessings,

Sharon

PS Here are two links to articles about the crisis in Haiti that you may like to read:
Ted Fellows The Broader Crisis in Haiti  and the Wall Street Journal Leogan.

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Resources from Amazon
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Haiti Earthquake News Cap-Haitien, Port-au-Prince, Leogane, Sen Rafayel

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Hello Eveyone,

News is still coming in sporadically from Haiti, some devastating, some hopeful. With no cell phone service, e-mail has been a lifeline. To upddate our previous news, here's what we know so far:

Port-au-Prince Bad News, Sad News 2 students
Frandzy and Peterson, in Port-au-Prince, until this afternoon were both still unaccounted for. Auguste just emailed to tell me that he heard from Peterson last night, who said that he is injured but alive.

However, Frandzy (Carmene our cook's oldest boy) was killed. Both were studying medical technology. Plenitude is okay.

Our sympathies go out to Carmene. Auguste reports the family is desolee. Another of her sons, Ernst, died of an ear infection about 4 years ago. Ernst was also one of our kids, who we sent to the school for the deaf (Lekol des enfants sourds).  Carmene has 2 daughters as well, both in elementary school.

Leogane School Nursing -- 4 Students

Our nursing students (see earlier post) are shaken but alive. They described the town of Leogane where the nursing school is located as 'kraze' (crushed). The school gave them permission to travel home. I am not sure how this will happen as nothing is moving up and down the Route Nasyonal.

It sounds as though the students were able to get their belongings out of the dormitory. We'll know more soon, hopefully. Obviously my concern is for these 4 kids travelling the 200+ kms (124+ miles) on their own.

BUT CNN just ran a story from the nursing school in Leogane. The students have been operating a clinic as the hospital and 90% of the town demolished.

I saw one of our students, Alland, in the clip looking every inch a competent nurse!!!!

Doctors without Borders have just arrived. The students attended to an estimated 5000 people. The mayor estimates the town has already buried about 5000 although numbers are unreliable as many are burying their family dead privately.


Thanks to Mme Jane in Georgia for responding to my query with news of our nursing students.

Sen Rafayel -- 50 students
The students in Sen Rafayel are okay, but supplies in the village are becoming scarce as transit up and down the mountain is interrupted.

Cap-Haitien Students
All schools are closed in Cap-Haitien, and the banks and government offices are also closed. With the banks closed, it is difficult to make repairs (more detail  about damage below) as we need to pay tradespeople on the spot and we do not keep a large sum of money on site.

Gas Kerosene Scarce
As shipments are not getting into the Cap-Haitien, supplies of gas and kerosene are becoming very scarce. Those with money (moyen ekonomik) are beginning to stock up.

This hoarding mentality means that the poor, who can only purchase a very small quantity at a time, will be left with no light source. As dirty and unsafe as kerosene is, it provides illumination in a very dark time.

Damage at Lakay -- No Water, No Hydro
Our house sustained more damage than initially noticed. The new water reservoir on the roof which we installed about 18 months ago has cracked. The staff did not realize this until they went to draw water and it was empty. Let's hope it only needs repairs and not replacement.

The wiring for our generator (which draws water from the well up to the roof reservoir) was also damaged and needs to be replaced. Jack sustained a shock from anba te-a (underground) so the owner's representative in Cap-Haitien was contacted.

This rep said in no uncertain terms that this was not his problem. We will handle this as we have in the past. Jack and Auguste will do what they can until I arrive.

There is absolutely no electricity! We have dealt with this before. The longest period I remember without electricity is 6 months in 2004.

House Habitable
The staff thinks that the house is structurally sound despite the appearance of new cracks. I have confidence that this is so as Jack has a great  deal of experience as a builder. He has checked everything and declared it habitable.

Students Housing Estimates,Repairs
Students continue to come in to Starthrower's center asking for help repairing damage to their living quarters (ti kay-yo).

Auguste is making a list and giving the kids appointments to come back so they can direct staff to their house. We have to do it in this manner as there are no street names or addresses. Small living spaces are very difficult to find even after having visited once before.

We can then estimate what materials are needed to make repairs and how long the work will take. With both gas, taxis, and building materials in short supply and high demand, repairs could take a while.

We need a taxi to get to the houses to make estimates, we need money to pay for the taxi and the taxi needs gas, which is in limited supply. Once we have made estimates, we'll need to purchase building supplies. All banks and businesses are closed, so the staff  literally have their hands tied.

Travel to Haiti
I will fly from Toronto to Ft Lauderdale on January 30, and purchase some supplies, then fly over to Cap-Haitien on January 31, provided the airport is open by then.

Courage Kouraj
Haitians have been through devastating times in the past. Too many, perhaps. But their 'kouraj' will bring them through this.

If food is available for purchase, we will also restart our meal program at the centre until the schools re-open. It may just be a brief time until the kids can get back to high school. However long it takes, we'll get through it together, one house at a time, one student at a time.

And again, Thank You
Thanks so much to those who have emailed and phoned with words of support an encouragement.

Thanks also to those who have donated for our rebuilding needs.

Thank you to those who let others know of our plight, and thank you to colleagues who share information.

As we learn more of the needs and conditons in Haiti, and the extra funds now needed following the earthquake, we need our Starthrowers more than ever.

Thank you, Everyone! Once I get to Haiti and can assess what's needed in  Cap-Haitien, Port-au-Prince, Leogane, Sen Rafayel, I'll let you know.

I'll also let you know when and what I hear from the nursing students making their way back home.

Beni-w
Kenbe pa lage
Sharon

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