Friends of Haiti,
We are using this picture to illustrate what is going on in Haiti right now.
All of us know the effects of the weather patterns we are seeing in the U.S. now. In Missouri we had more rain in December than ever before, a very mild winter and more rain during March. In Haiti, it has been just the opposite…no rain at all and at a time when those who can farm are unable to do anything because of a severe drought caused by the El Nino weather pattern. According to the World Food Program, and in an article in the Miami Herald by Jacqueline Charles, those farmers are facing a 70 percent crop loss . This has doubled the number of “food insecure” people since September of 2015 and malnutrition rates have dramatically increased.
Of course, what all of that means is there just isn’t enough food to go around, and what food there is, is just too expensive for the average person to buy. As our friend Beaubrun told us, “Even if you have a few gourdes (Haitian money, sounds like ‘good’) there isn’t a lot you can buy with it now.” Just after the 2010 earthquake you could get 43 gourdes for 1 US dollar. Now a dollar is 61.25 gourdes.
Of course, our programs are operating normally, but it has got to the point we are having to turn people–kids and adults-–away, and we don’t want to do that. If anyone would like to help add to what we do, we and they would appreciate it.
Add to this the political turmoil. We had thought they had solved their presidential problems by appointing an interim president until new elections could be held. But those elections are being contested, as well. Now, no one knows where this is headed. To say the very least, Haiti country needs our prayers and help.
Medical update: Although there were no myeloma proteins in Terry’s latest tests her problems are far from over. A nerve conduction test showed the chemo meds badly damaged her leg and feet nerves, which are causing her to be in pain much of the time. She is also having problems with bronchitis, so keep her in your prayers as well.
Thank you for all you do.
Steve and Terry
