January 22 2010 newsletter

Praise God! We found diesel fuel, kerosene, propane and gasoline! The water truck brought 3000 gallons of water to fill our cistern! God is SO good! He promised to provide and He is still doing it. Natasha is taking Marie shopping for fresh fruits and vegetables today.

[Wednesday] A big tremor this morning made me jump out of bed and scurry outside. My big wardrobe shook. I wasn't surprised to learn it was a 6.1 quake though 35 miles outside of Port au Prince and deeper than the first one. The nannies said to me "See, it isn't finished. We cannot sleep inside yet." I don't know how to make them understand what is happening, that it is unpredictable.

We are still feeling aftershocks and Haitian people are still panicking. At the HIV clinic yesterday an aftershock sent people screaming for the stairs. The doctors stopped them before they could harm each other in their rush. Our children and staff are still sleeping outside but our staff are getting braver. They watch Natasha and I look around then go right back to work during an aftershock, then they do the same. I heard Jesula tell another nanny not to worry, God will take us when He's ready and we'll be in heaven. Until then we're okay here.

Good news from the HIV clinic: Johnny's blood test showed his CD4 count very high, a really good thing. We thank God for this precious child.

People ask what we need. At first, thinking only of us for the next few days, I hadn't listed very much stuff. Then we ran out of toilet paper. That's enough to bring you back to reality. For the moment we have what we need. Over the next few weeks we will need everything. We are still finding out what is available on the streets.

We are able to change some money at the gas station. Before the earthquake we got over $8 Haitian for each $1 USD. Now it's only $7 Haitian per $1 USD. Prices have doubled. Christian Light Foundation and Much Ministries brought cash to us so we can buy what we need. We can't thank God enough for providing for us and others here in Haiti.

Violence has not come to our neighborhood: we have only heard about it. In our old neighborhood the citizens formed watch-committees. They beheaded 2 thieves. No mercy is shown for wickedness. What I see the most of is people helping other people.

A family came and said the mother of a 3 month old baby was killed, would we take the baby. We said yes, bring it to us. That was several days ago and they still haven'tcome back. I pray the baby is getting milk made with clean water.

I have been sick - bronchitis, I think. Thank God for azithromycin! Natasha is getting a cold. The kids are starting to cough and run fevers and get stuffy too. Our pediatrician has been helping with relief but will come soon to check our children.

Small groups of civilians are getting in, many thru the Dominican Republic. They have been great help to us and other people in neighborhoods. We have received milk, sardines, tomato paste, diapers, antibiotics, toilet paper, wipes, infant formula, ready to eat meals, cases of Kids Against Hunger meals, and Pop Tarts. Despite great difficulties, God's people have found a way to help others.

Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for your love and prayers. We can only take one day at a time. It is much easier to do with your support. Much love from all of us.

Dorothy Pearce