December 28, 2010 Tuesday – 7:48am (Eastern U.S. Time) – Cocoa, FL – Report submitted by Air Mobile Joe

Woke up to 28 degrees in Cocoa, FL.  Now that is COLD for Florida.  Have some hearty volunteers who will be helping us move the Air Mobile / CSA office today.  Again, we are so thankful for folks who help, especially on a real cold morning here in sunny Florida.


The death toll continues to mount in Haiti from Cholera.  There has been no stabilization, about 40 people PER DAY are dying.  The death toll is now “officially” 2700, though I suspect the number to be higher.  Having worked in all 10 provinces of Haiti over the last 32 years, I know how isolated so many villages are.  For many Haitians, this is just “one more mountain to climb”.  One more battle to fight, one more day of staggering struggles.


After 32 years of living and working in this country, I can tell you – these are some of the toughest people on earth.  No matter how many times they are knocked down, they keep getting up, though some don’t – they just die.  But the survivors pull themselves together, often with a prayer and manage to put one foot in front of the other and go find some food, or get to the market to sell what little they have or head to their field and work their meager crops.  The dread disease of Cholera is new to many, but…it is just one more obstacle to overcome. 


In Port-Au-Prince it’s more complex.  What systems they had prior to January 12, 2010 have changed dramatically.  Hundreds of thousands had a place to live and a place to “work”.  It was far below many standards around the world, but still, many “managed” to get by.  Today, all of that is changed.  Over 15% (1.3 million people!!!) of the population lives outdoors  in deplorable conditions.  Shelter, food and water, much more difficult to find.  Yet, they keep moving forward.  I have spoken with hundreds about their conditions.  They manage to find a smile tell me about how they are learning to “re-manage” their lives.  Often, I am moved to tears (inside) and marvel at the pure resilience.


Yes, from time to time people “blow up” in anger and frustration.  Usually, it does not last very long because most don’t have very much extra energy.  What strength they have must be applied to getting enough food / water / medical care etc. for the day.


I am reminded of the many mornings that I have awakened quite early to the sound of singing and praise.  It usually begins about 4:30 in the morning.  The sound is sweet and intense.  The Haitian people know how to call upon the Lord.  Their praise permeates the whole area.  It reaches deep into my heart.  This is probably why I have “managed” to get back to Haiti 22 times this year.  So many missions have begun the launch preparation without enough money for fuel and an empty “little” mission plane.  But, it seems, just like my Haitian brothers and sisters, by the time it’s time to “crank” up the engines, there is enough.  It so often comes through at the very last minute.  I never cease to marvel.


Well, I’ve rambled on a bit today.  There is so much more that I want to say.  Over the next few days, I may ramble a bit more and share some of the “treasures” that our Lord has given to me over this last year. Better get out in this very chilly morning and join our volunteers and get our Headquarters moved.  We’re getting ready for 2011….I suspect it’s going to be quite a year.  God Bless and THANKS again for your prayer, love and support.  


Air Mobile Joe