"An Incredible Day in the History of Haiti"

An engineer for Radio Lumiere and is still active as a volunteer engineer, is in Haiti; he wrote the following report, dated yesterday, February 12, 2010.

Subject: An Incredible Day in the History of Haiti

I think that I will remember this day as one of the most significant in my life, not because of what I did,  but for it's meaning. In fact, what I did today was insignificant, and may have even distracted from me fully engaging in the day.

"Not sure I would go to Haiti"

Over the last few weeks, many people have said they totally understand why David left for Haiti as soon as he had the chance. Several others have not been surprised that if given the chance, I would also go in  a heartbeat. A few people have said that while they appreciate our desire to go to Haiti, they are not so sure they could themselves go. Understandable. We are all wired differently and have different gifts and talents.
This blog entry from CNN Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta expresses something of our desire to go to Haiti at this time in her history.
Returning to Haiti. Tipping the scales of faith.

Heading home

David in his element in Ethiopia, November, 2009

David is heading home. Well, at least he is heading back to Sisters. He flies out of Haiti on next Monday and arrives in Sisters some time on Tuesday.

As we regroup and evaluate how the Uttley family will continue to be involved in the story of Haiti, we have to thank  anyone who has been following our story within a story. 

If I have one request, it is this: don't forget Haiti. I will continue posting to this blog in an attempt to keep the interest in Haiti's recovery alive.

There is much yet to be done. But we serve an awesome God. A God who is able.

Another David

Out of the Rubble: In Memory of David Hames

We never met. I don't know his wife or kids. But as I followed the story of this man and the ones he loved, I've been reminded how precious our relationships are and how easy it is to take our loved ones for granted.

Full circle

David and I met while he was working in a print shop in Port-au-Prince. I walked in to have forms printed for the outlying hospital I worked at. It was exciting work in an exciting place during an exciting time. Did I mention it was an exciting romance?

Over the last 20 years as we have raised our boys,started and sold a business and built lasting relationships in Central Oregon, we have dreamed of someday working together again on the mission field. Even in Haiti.

I have been told for more than a week that it was possible that I would be joining him.  World Health Organization  with the approval of Haiti's Ministry Of Health has initiated a major immunization campaign for children under 7 at strategic sites. Samaritan's Purse will set up a site at a clinic in Cite Soleil. There was the thought that I might be a good fit for this task. This plan would enable David to extend his stay. He has proven to be a valuable help. Otherwise, he would be relieved to come home for some much needed R and R. 

My heart thrills at the prospect of getting to go! Obedience to the Lord in this would be sweet. Can't wait to serve the Haitian people again along side David. But, as it stands tonight, it does not look like it works for them to rearrange their medical teams just to get me there. It makes more sense for David to come home, regroup and plan with me to return.

There is irony here. When I first moved to Haiti in November of 1985, I was expecting to work primarily as a nurse-midwife. Much to my chagrin, that was expanded to include community health nursing. In that capacity I wore many hats, including hiring and training a team of six to run satellite immunization clinics. Now I am willing and equipped to do exactly that but the door is not opening.
So? I continue to wait on God who is able. We deeply appreciate your interest in, support and prayers for this one family's puny contribution to Haiti's full restoration. 

Bon Die kapab! God is able!

Super Bowl Sunday

For a taped interview of David Uttley, go to 
David Uttley Taped Interview
David called me this afternoon after taking a nap and before joining the 82nd Airborne Division at their Super Bowl gathering. It sounds a world away from what he has been doing the last three weeks; I think he needed the break. 
It is almost four weeks since the earthquake and his departure for Haiti. The decision will soon be made by Samaritan's Purse whether to bring him home or to send me down.
As we wait on God's perfect plan and timing, we both thank you for your prayers. I will keep you posted. 

What Haiti needs most

What does Haiti need most?

Food? Jobs? Safe Water? Adequate sanitation? Moral leadership? Re-forestation? More schools? 

The responsibilities of former President Bill Clinton, presently the UN Special Envoy to Haiti, now extend to the rebuilding phase:

"I want to build the capacity of the country to chart its own course, so they can trust me not to be a neocolonialist," Clinton, 53, said about the former slave colony's populace. "I'm not interested in doing that, and I'm too old. What I want them to do is be able to dream their own dreams and then make them real. That's my goal."

He noted that previous aid efforts have failed to improve life in the poorest nation in the hemisphere. 

"Too often, the aid that has flowed -- whether it was generous or stingy -- did not do anything to fundamentally increase the capacity of the country to stand on its own feet, to chart its own course, to run its own good schools, run its own good health system, run its own diverse economy." excerpt from http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/americas/02/05/haiti.bill.clinton/index.html

Whether you are a Clinton fan or not, I for one appreciate his intentions for Haiti to have a chance to thrive. I wonder though what the Haitian people think about their future. I suspect they have been so misled, abandoned, abused and taken such advantage of that they need to put their faith in something more reliable than the promises of foreign diplomats or local politicians.
And although I think Clinton accurately observes the failure of previous attempts to aid Haiti, I don't think that international aid, no matter how well co-ordinated, is  the entire answer for Haiti's future.
What does Haiti need?
I think the Haitian people need to know where to place their hope.

Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many. 2 Corinthians 1:9-11 (New International Version)

In for the long haul

Whether David stays another week or another month, the work in Haiti is only just beginning. With a well-earned reputation for entrenched corruption, pervasive poverty being the norm and the Atlantic hurricane season coming right after the imminent rainy season, the hurdles which lie before Haiti's full recovery are daunting.


Add to this overwhelming task the apparent jockeying for position to help and challenge of co-ordination of international aid efforts, and I have to sigh as I pause to consider what shape the country of Haiti will take in the months and years to come.


That's when I am reminded that I follow a God who is able. 

Able:  having necessary power, skill, resources, or qualifications; having unusual or superior intelligence, skill, etc. 

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2010.

I remember the countless "hopeless" situations God has redeemed. Familiar Old Testament stories of deliverance heard since Sunday school days. Goliath felled by one stone hurled from a shepherd boy's slingshot. The Red Sea parting long enough, but only just long enough, for the Israelites to escape to safety. The widow's little jar of oil being refilled each morning. 


Are these just stories?


Yes, they would be if I didn't have the daily assurance that the ultimate redemption and act of deliverance was real. Daily, I am convinced that the horrific death of Jesus Christ on the cross did not end there. His resurrection, or return to full life, has been proven to me over and over. How? I experience a supernatural peace and hope and even joy in the midst of challenging and painful situations. An assurance that can only come from God, who cares. Who is able. Daily.


So, I cling to the Lord of all creation, look into His face and am assured that He is able to redeem, rebuild and restore Haiti. 


P.S. I fixed the link to Tuesday's taped interview. Also, I added some new links. See the sidebar on the right. Today's new photos posted to Samaritan's Purse website: http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/In_Pictures/photos/haiti_relief_day_20/