Destiny Village

We were all amazed at the destruction in Port Au Prince and the surrounding areas. You really can not put it into words how bad the country has been hit. The capitol looks like a war zone that has been bombed over and over. There inside the rubble were peoples remains. A hand here a skeleton over there and within just a few feet were people still going about there normal routines. They still have to try and exist among all the devastation. They have created tent cities all around PAP but most are not really tents but bed sheets draped over a rope to provide some kind of shelter. The sad part is there is no telling how long they will have to continue living in these conditions. Every night they sleep on the ground and then the next morning they get up and try and survive. When we were giving out the supplies the people would run to the truck and try and get something. They would push, shove and scream just for one small bag of water or one pack of crackers. I wonder how we would act if we were really hungry? I don't mean the kind of hunger I am used to, the one between lunch and dinner, I mean truly hungry. How would we act if our kids had not had clean water to drink for days? So when they get a little crazy I just try and put myself in their shoes (well most don't really have any shoes) and except them as they are.. Pastor Marcel said he feels so helpless, that all we can do seems so little but God knows our efforts and I am sure he takes notice. To all of you who have given we say thanks and ask you to continue to remember the people of Haiti.

 

On other news we had the four new children checked for AIDS and all came back negative, praise God. They will be joining us on the compound soon. I have enclosed some pictures for you to see, they are beautiful kids. Pastor Marcel is continuing to seek out the children that God has for us, there are so many orphans that finding them is not an issue. If it were up to him we would have more than we could ever hold, he has such a burden to help the people of Haiti. We have started the new dormitory building and it will be progressing at a rapid rate now. Nene is the contractor in charge and he is the same gentleman that built the current buildings and so we know he does a good job. We are going to be sending down a semi trailer in the next several weeks full of supplies and needed items for the new dorm. I will keep you updated on those developments as they become available.            

 

As most of you probably know the DiGiorgio family will be coming back to the US in June to stay (see Maria's blog). They have done a remarkable job in Haiti. They have given themselves to helping children who without their help would not be able to survive. I remember when Patti took Mark from his mothers arms and held him as she walked away. Patti took him and loved him and today he is full of energy and full of life. I remember Maria calling me when the compound was being overrun by armed men. She held her ground and refused to be shaken. Through all the struggles that happen in Haiti there were also many bright spots. The best of those I think revolve around Maria and Papi getting married. Maria went to Haiti to serve God but as a bonus found a wonderful man. Then of course came Vincent and the joy he has brought all their family. Ross worked tirelessly on the things that always seem to be broken there and imparted the Word of God into the children. Kristen sewed, cooked and mostly just simply loved on the children. Together they have accomplished so much in their time there. We all appreciate their efforts and will always owe a debt of gratitude for their sacrifices. We pray God's blessings on them and know that he has plans for them that will be remarkable. The doors of our village will always be open to sister Maria, sister Kristen, uncle Ross and Aunt Natti.

 

Thank you.

Rick Alford