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Saturday february 20, 2010

We have made it to Petionville and checked into a hotel. I took a 20 minute shower that felt like heaven. We have been non stop vigilanties since we arrived, and now the quiet and enclosed walls of the hotel surround us. It blocks out the devastation just beyond the front steps, and makes us feel isolated. We have not taken the time to reflect or let the emotions sink in. I think there is a part of me that is so afraid of allowing that to happen. I have fought back tears on so many occasions, trying to remain professional and focused. But the truth is, I have never been in a more sensitive, volatile, emotional and heartbreaking environment. I sit here now, and tears stream my face as I think of all the lives destroyed by this earthquake. This nation had very little prior to January 12th, and the everyday struggle to survive today is absolutely unimaginable. The everyday luxuries that we assume and take for granted are staggering. Something as small as walking into a room, and flipping a switch, and lights turn on. That we can flush a toilet. Electricity, running water, and high speed internet. Yesterday at the UN, we asked if given the entire population of Port Au Prince, what percent would you say have received proper aide? Their response was less than 20%. Every organization is trying as hard as they can, but nothing is easy here. I have been given something most critical to evaluate and ponder. A possible partnership with IOM in helping to manage the smaller tent cities. Any location or site that has less than 100 people, are overlooked, or as they say "-not tracked". This is the specific reason why our tent city, Delmas 75, has received no aide. After spending 18 hours fighting for assistance for them, I realized I am THEIR voice. I am their advocate. Not only do we need you to help us survive, but they need me in order to see this through. If you are already a partner and wish to help, contact Geoff. If you are a friend or a newcomer to PINP and wish to donate, your funds will help me get attention to the hundreds of people I have met and so desperately need your help. I came here with the intention of providing food and water. I quickly realized that those needs can only be met temporarily. I do not intend on supporting more people than we can handle, but as it is now, we have gone beyond our means. If I remain focused on these specific groups, I feel I can take on a role of "social worker and advocate" for them. If you have ideas- please feel free to express them or email me directly at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). In regards to partners, we are planning another food delivery next week. Marcel has been out daily keeping tracks on all of our children and has been posting updates. Myriam has had a key role in helping me translate and organize all the information. I could not accomplish anything without everyone here helping me. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart, and ask for strength, patience and wisdom to see this through. For my family and friends who send emails of love and support, I thank you more than words could ever express. I could not get through this experience without you. Sometimes, in the blackness of the night... I cry. And I remember my love that waits for me at home, and I feel your love here. I will always be ok, because I have you....
Feb 20, 2010

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