December 21, 2010 Tuesday – 5:47am (Eastern U.S. Time) – Cocoa, FL – Report submitted by Air Mobile Joe

By the way, from the photo, you can see what we did yesterday.  We quietly slipped out of Haiti.

 Several weeks ago, I first learned about Richard, a 3 month old baby boy born with club feet.  This condition would make his life extremely difficult in Haiti.  Barbara (Rambo in the Blue Dress) immediately began working with the U.S. Embassy to arrange a medical visa for the little one, after a wonderful family in the U.S. began working on arranging care and surgery for Richard.

On Sunday, it all came together and Air Mobile was given the wonderful privilege to fly little Richard to America.  That same evening, we called the Vice Consul of the U.S. Embassy and advised him of our plans to fly Richard to the U.S.  

Early Monday morning, we processed Richard through Haitian Immigration with absolutely no problem.  All were gracious, kind and very happy for Richard.  

Lisa, from Reach Out to Haiti, accompanied the little one.  He was a perfect passenger in Ti Burik (our little mission airplane).  Somehow, it seemed he “knew” what was happening.  Our flight went beautifully, though we fought 30 -50 mph headwinds.  This necessitated a fuel stop at Exuma International airport in the Bahamas.  

Following an uneventful flight we arrived in Titusville.  There we met the host family (John & Kendra)  that will be caring for Richard and arranging for his “life-changing” surgery.  The little one traveled so well and seemed to win everyone’s heart whom he came in contact with.  Cindy reminded me of the “Little Orphan Annie” song, “I’m going to like this place”. 

I’ve been through a wide range of emotions the last few days.  On Sunday morning, we learned about the “Old Daniel” passing away (read yesterday’s blog below for details).  Then on Sunday night, I was called upon to help get “Little Richard” the help he needs.  The two events balanced one another.  Life goes on.

Leaving Haiti was difficult, it usually is.  I have missed my family quite a lot, as we had back to back missions to Haiti following the recent political unrest  and the need to rescue quite a few missionaries.  We thank God that we have been able to help during these turbulent times….and they are far from over.  

As we departed Haiti yesterday morning, we knew that the “powder keg” was about to blow.  Once those election results are published, a lot of people are going to be very unhappy.  Violence, death and more suffering will likely follow.  We pray for our Lord to intervene and bring His peace and love to this ravaged country.  Haiti is about to conclude 2010, without question, the worst year in Haiti’s turbulent history.  Our hope and prayer for Haiti is that many will look to and call upon the Lord for help.

Yesterday evening, my son Peter and I met Curtis, our Operations Officer for our Company (CSA) at our new location in Merritt Island.  We are relocating both CSA and Air Mobile Ministries to a beautiful facility right next to Kennedy Space Center.  My wife Cindy (who is doing a “Heroic” job) and the CSA / AMM crew and volunteers have begun this move.  Everyone is working so hard to make this move.  We are very excited about the new location and believe that our Lord will bless our endeavors.  If you are reading this blog and live in the Central Florida area and would like to assist us with this move, please give me a call at:  321-544-7757.  WE CAN REALLY USE SOME HELP!   We have a full day ahead of us. 

We could not do the things that we do without a lot of prayer support and volunteers and above all, God’s Amazing Grace & Joy!  We so appreciate you.   Thanks again!!

Air Mobile Joe 

PS – IF YOU ARE NEW TO THIS BLOG AND FEEL LIKE YOU’RE JUMPING RIGHT INTO THE MIDDLE OF A STORY…..YOU ARE.  JUST KEEP READING ON DOWN TO SEE HOW WE HAVE GOTTEN TO THIS CHAPTER.  IT’S QUITE A STORY FILLED WITH GOD’S AMAZING GRACE!!  Joe