Haiti--URGENT Update

Dear all,

Since my original update earlier this morning (based on information we received late last night), the situation at the crèche (orphanage) has changed and things have gotten much more serious.  Apparantly, much can happen in the darkness of night and I have been crying all morning after learning the latest, which I've summarized here in a brief report . . .

We received word from the orphanage director this morning that the situation in the orphanage is becoming quite dire:

One nanny is now deceased and the orphanage needs her body to be removed.  (At this point in time we don't know the cause of her death or if it's related to the earthquake or something that happend during the night.)

The orphanage has no drinkable water.

In addition they need:

• formula for babies
• medicines
• IV fluids (one child is currently on an IV)
• charcoal to cook
• diesel
• cash to buy supplies if they find them. They are running out of cash and there are no banks open to get cash, so it needs to be delivered by someone already on the ground or by helicopter.

Others are beginning to rob them of what supplies they do have and last night was not a good night.

There are helicopters flying over the orphanage and they have made a sign on the roof that says they are an orphanage and need help.

The staff is also working to get together all the paperwork for each child that has an adoptive family in a way that it can be attached to their body if there is an opportunity to evacuate.

So . . . please pray.  At this point in time, that's the most anyone can do.  We are working every angle we can from a professional standpoint, however our hands for the most part are tied until those in higher offices (US State Dept. and Haitian Government, mainly) make the decisions needed to get these kids out of there.

Also, if you feel so inclined, please contact your local congressperson and Senator's office to let them know you support doing whatever it takes to get these kids out of their current situation.  Especially because we know they are so vulnerable, and need basic supplies badly . . . putting pressure on the US Government to allow the evacuation of the children by whatever means is necessary might be our best hope to bring immediate change to the situation . . .

And as I think about those sweet faces down there just WAITING for things to change for them, how scared they must feel . . . I just think about how many folks here are thinking of and praying for them, and/or taking other action to bring them home . . . and I feel a little better knowing that despite the chaos and trauma, the Lord is watching over them and knows each of them by name . . .

Thanks for your support,

Kim