June 25, 2010 -5:58am – Friday (Haiti Time) – Bon Repos, Haiti (Ruuska Village) – Report submitted by Joe Hurston – Air Mobile Joe

I brought Peter to downtown Port-Au-Prince yesterday. We drove by building after building that had been completely destroyed by the earthquake. I could not help but remember the terrible images from the January 12th earthquake. While in front of the palace, a gentleman named Frantz walked up to us and asked why we were photographing. We explained that we were seeking to get help for the people of Haiti and these images help us to do that. Still, he was skeptical. We continued to talk. He explained that he had lost his wife, 2 children, his home and his “possibilities” for a future. He was tired and hungry. We continued to talk. He told me about his home (valued at $175,000 U.S.) his career as a businessman and his ability to travel to and from Canada. When he spoke of his family, he simply handed me a stack of photos. Frantz had an absolutely beautiful family. He said in matter of fact way that after the quake, he lost his mind. By this time, Peter and I were invited into his tent. There at the entry was an elderly lady with 2 large leeches attached to her leg. Upon inquiry, we found out that she had “bad blood” and needed to get some out. This was her medical treatment, the hospitals were too expensive and the 2 leeches cost $10 Haitian dollar or about $1.20 U.S. We offered to pray for the families living inside the 12X12 structure. Everyone bowed their heads and prayed earnestly with us. We had 4 children and 3 other adults in the small tent. After the prayer, I offered to bring some of the food that we have been receiving. We hope to do that soon. Frantz assured me that he would help to pass it out. I truly believe that he will. I also, quietly, gave Frantz some money to buy food right now. Our Lord told us to do more than “just pray” for those in need, although, as I have said many, many times….PRAYER IS SO IMPORTANT! We left the tent with a new friend. We will continue to check up on Frantz and his “new family”. So often, the overwhelming feeling of “where do we begin, who do we help??” comes over us. We just do what we can, when we can. 

Now, here is how yesterday began. Peter and I were up early and loaded a Voyager on our little mission motorcycle. We headed straight to the airport to fuel our trusty mission aircraft. By the way, we are thinking about naming it – “Ti Burik” (Little Mule in Creole). Everytime we land, our usual airport helpers come out, some of whom I have known since they were teenagers, now they are GRANDPARENTS! We always laugh at how much load our “little mule” can carry. We passed by the Mission Aviation Fellowship hangar / office and had a delightful time with Mark, the Head of Operations. I’ve known Mark for nearly 20 years. It’s alway good to see him. We prayed for the Lord’s will to be done in “this earth” (us) as it is in heaven. From the airport, in blustery, rainy weather, Peter and I worked our way across Port-Au-Prince to the Carrefour area specifically known as Diquini to the Adventist Hospital. Now folks, let me say that this hospital is very special to Cindy and I. Not only has it saved Cindy’s life (many years ago), we have sent literally hundreds of patients there over the years. The hospital is a beacon of hope and help in this desperate part of Haiti. Our mission – deliver a water purifier. Now, the hospital has a large water purifying system. However, from deep experience, we know that our little Voyager will be used fully. Also, the hospital sends out teams of medical personnel. We met the new Deputy Administrator, Nathan and his wife. We explained the simple operation and with great joy, placed this incredible tool in Nathan’s hands. There is much that we will do together in the days ahead. 

As we drove throughout the city, we saw the winds tearing at the hundreds of thousands of make-shift structures. We saw rusty tin flapping and tarps tearing. It is just a matter of time before a big storm comes through and ravages this area again. That is why I ask you to pray!! From the Palace encounter with Frantz and wild ride through Port-Au-Prince, Peter and I headed back to the airport. The winds were picking up and we needed to check our aircraft to be sure our chocks and brakes were holding. We don’t want the plane to ” blow away” with big wind. While standing in the rain, under the wing, Peter asked, “Can we go back to the Village now, I’ve seen enough”. I agreed. We returned to Ruuska Village for a late lunch of hot dogs. I was beat and just had to lay down for a bit to process all of what we had seen today. Peter is holding up well. Then we headed just north of Port-Au-Prince to the Samaritan’s Purse Operations Center. We met with Nick, the Deputy Director and laid out our “Evacuation Plan” to him. He’ll pray about helping us to establish a safe place for the 10,000 plus tent dwellers in our immediate region to flee to. The plan is definitely coming together. We just ask our Lord lead us and guide us! It was a long, full day! Well, the crew here in the village has begun to stir and it’s time for me to wrap up this wordy blog today. Will try to give a quick update later this afternoon.

Air Mobile Joe & Peter 

PS – If you are new to this “rambling, running blog” and feel like you’ve jumped right into the middle of a story, you have! Just read on down a bit to see how all of the pieces & players are connected.

Joe