When Fear Is As Strong As The Winds: Hurricane Matthew

There hasn’t been a lot to report to you regarding our Haiti adoption the last two years.  And that is simply because we have been in a standstill waiting for our official referral to come through IBESR.  Recently we heard from our Bethany Service Global worker that they were expecting a referral shortly and for the first time we were allowing ourselves to think about Haiti, the adoption, and how it was going to be changing our lives.  And then Hurricane Matthew happened.  Our referral never made it all of the way through, and so here we are knowing that we have been matched but with no information on the child.  And this child of ours is sitting in a creche riding out the storm, surrounded by the vicious winds howling around them.  It has been a long time since I have felt so helpless.  I saw this quote in one of my adopting from Haiti FB groups this week, and it is something I have been clinging too this week.

“The presence of fear does not mean you have no faith.  Fear visits everyone.  But make your fear a visitor and not a resident.”  Max Lucado

I know that our child is safer than most children on the island, riding out the category 4 hurricane in a building that has real walls and a roof.  Not a makeshift home with tarps and cardboard.  But this child who has already experienced so much trauma is now going through a vicious storm.  The storm has passed and we are still waiting for official word from our creche that they are all well and safe.  There is so much misinformation swirling around social media that I’m trying my best to just sit still and wait for reliable sources.  When I receive word I will share with you.  In the meantime if you would join us in praying for Haiti we would appreciate it immensely.

You can pray for the people of Haiti and for the following needs:

• Safe medical attention for those who are hurt and sick.
• Disease spreading would be kept to a minimum.
• Physical safety for those who are without a home.
• Preservation for those who are working down in Haiti to help the people recover and rebuild.
• Help for the government, knowing how to best help their country recover.
• Financial help for the country as the work to rebuild.
• People would find the resources to rebuild homes that are sturdy.
• Comfort for those who are frightened and mourning the loss of possessions and people.

If you are able to help the people of Haiti as they recover from Hurricane Matthew please consider donating to an organization that is based in Haiti.  These people know how to best serve the country, and you can know that your money is going directly to the people.  While some working for major organizations in the US may have good intentions, the truth is 100% of your money will not go to the people in Haiti.  It will be split up between plane tickets, hotels, food and more.

Below is a list of reputable organizations based in Haiti, which means 100% of your money is going to Haiti.  These people know the country and it’s people, and so they know how to best help.  I have linked to both donation pages, as well as a page that gives you more information on the organization.

Haiti Foundation of Hope | A Christian Organization that helps meet the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of those in Northern Haiti.  | About Organization & Donate Here

Haiti Foundation Against Poverty | Empower people of Haiti through jobs, medical clinics, schools and orphan care. | About Organization & Donate Here

Heartline Ministries | Provides a maternity center as well as programs for men, women and children. | About Organization & Donate Here

Three Angels Haiti | Serves orphans and at risk families in Haiti. |  About Organization & Donate Here

Mission Of Hope Haiti | Provide health care, orphan care, feed Haitians, and help provide training and jobs. | About Organization & Donate Here

Fondation Enfant Jesus | Provides children protection, health clinics, education and community development.  |  About Organization & Donate Here

God’s Littlest Angels | Provides short term care for children with medical needs, and long term care for orphans.  |  About Organization & Donate Here

If you would like a larger list of organizations to donate to you can check out this post.

You can help Haiti recover from #hurricanematthew Click To Tweet

Thank you for coming along side and praying with us and helping in whatever way possible.

All the best,

Becky