Haiti Assessment Trip #5

Church AM. Service in French Creole. Met 2 American structural engineers who reported that many of the collapsed buildings could have been prevented if Haitian builders used different techniques (wiring rebar with longer struts, 135 degree ties etc). Seems like Haiti has enough of the right building supplies, just need better training/technique etc.

Returned to Pastor G's guesthouse. MRE’s, freeze-dried food for lunch. Visited IDP camp in afternoon where Pastor G has relationship with town mayor. People seemed glad to see us and eagerly showed us the damage to their homes. Most houses standing but had sustained enough structural damage to render them unlivable. Other houses had been reduced to piles of rubble. These houses were basic to begin with (maybe 2 or 3 rooms) but now they were unlivable. Met one man who had lost 10 children; I placed my hand on his shoulder and said I would pray for him. He acknowledged me but I felt so unable to comfort him in any meaningful way.

Spent time chatting with Pastor G about how we can partner – time checking each other out. Encouraged to hear him talk about “justice and compassion”. I feel that SKDE, Pastor G’s social development initiative is a good fit for CoAid. I’ve sensed a right understanding on the issues of dependency and accountability. Gave $100 for cost of staying at the guesthouse and $600 to another Pastor to purchase tarps for IDP – received receipts for both amounts. Hope to receive report later with photos. Sensed a meeting of minds and good rapport that can be built upon. Plan to send more funds to Pastor G very soon to purchase more tarps.