Back in February, it was day-to-day whether or not I’d actually make the trip. The U.S. had issued a “Level 4: Do Not Travel” alert the week before we were going to leave. The concern then was the everyday violence, kidnappings, demonstrations, political instability, etc. I was traveling with some of the folks from Partners with Haiti in Florida again, and there were many changes of plans up until the day we left. Because of the situation there, we took a small 5-seat airplane from the Port-au-Prince airport directly to La Gonâve Island … it was too dangerous to drive up to the wharf to catch the ferry.
My nephew Chris was able to go with me, which was a nice change from my usual trips. We spent the week at the parish, staying with Fr. Raynold. Between the two of us, I think we took almost a thousand pictures! I also took several pages of notes, and we took measurements and notes for all the buildings on the grounds.
On the evening before we were to leave Haiti, we found out our flights back to the U.S. were suddenly cancelled. That set up a wild scramble to find an alternative flight, hotel, connections, etc. I finally made it back to Warsaw on March 18th, and spent the next two weeks in self-quarantine in case I was exposed to the coronavirus.
Since then, the situation in Haiti has deteriorated.
The coronavirus has come to Haiti in full force. Because of the lack of hygiene supplies, clean water, and medical care, this could be a potential humanity disaster for the country. There are over 5000 cases of COVID-19, including nine on the island of La Gonâve (I had the foolish hope it wouldn’t get there). Social distancing is extremely difficult, and staying at home is often not an option – they need to get out to work, buy food, etc.
With inflation nearing 20%, the already desperately poor people in the parish are in worse shape than ever before; I was witness to instances where people were going without food for two, even three days in a row. Since the schools are closed now, the children don’t get the lunch we were providing them … often, their only meal of the day.
Because of the violence and demonstrations on the mainland, Fr. Raynold is having a very difficult time transporting food from Port-au-Prince to the island. He can only transport a small amount at a time, for fear of someone trying to take it from him. The transportation costs (gas, fare for the ferry, etc.) are also getting more expensive daily.
We did make the decision to continue paying the teachers even though school is out … it had been budgeted; and, more importantly, it is the right thing to do.
We did have some good news: the non-profit organization we formed (and you are now visiting), Dignity for Haiti, was approved by the federal government after I got back from Haiti. This has long been a goal of mine … our first website effort may be a little crude, but give us time! I’m an engineer, and “artsy” stuff is definitely not my forte!
Finally, Fr. Raynold wanted me to pass on to you how grateful he is for your support and prayers. Chris and I had the opportunity to walk around the surrounding neighborhoods with him, and it was remarkable to see how much he is loved by everyone, both Catholic and non-Catholic. He truly cares for all, and is much appreciated by them. He and the parishioners of Notre-Dame constantly pray for you, their benefactors, and thank God for you.
From Denise and me, and all Board members, thank you so much for your prayers and support. It’s easy to get discouraged when setbacks follow on the heels of successes, but we believe with all our heart that we are helping hundreds of people (our brothers and sisters) have some dignity as we help them have a better future in Haiti. We know you do, too.
God bless you.
In Christ,
Mike Wack