Report from Hurricane-Tomas Land

Greetings from Janet Portzer in Port-au-Prince. Missy is still in Leogane and doesn't have Internet access so I'd thought I'd give you all a report.

We are not yet experiencing anything other than light rain and light winds. We don't think the storm is really here yet, or that it is on either side of us, because here at Matthew 25 we don't have any flooding either. Last night included only gentle rain and wind, too. A sick child from the adjacent tent camp came in for the night with his sisters as a precaution. The rest of the tent dwellers are doing okay.

Missy reports that the streets are flooded in Leogane, but that is not really unusual in a heavy rain. They have received some heavy bursts of rain, unlike us here in PAP.

Yesterday was a great day. I visited 8 employee homes and took lots of photos. I was very encouraged by all the progress. The employees who received emergency funding have made great progress on their homes. Everyone is in a safe dwelling except Aliette, who is in a constructed tent that looks to be well-built, but still with tarpaulin walls. I look forward to sharing all the good news as well as the ongoing needs.

Today the Blanchard Clinic is closed so I'm staying with a few other people who have had planes cancelled - 5 guests in all, plus the irrepressible Nancy Hibbard and her staff here at Matthew 25. Everyone is in good spirits, enjoying an unexpected, free day.

Missy was to come into PAP and spend some time here with me, but hasn't felt good. Instead, I have spent my time with Denis as translator and Emile, our driver. Both have done a great job of getting me around - and they are fun to be with, too.

Pray for the people in the camps, please.

-Janet