Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Angels All Around Us

From Vanessa:

On my last trip to Haiti, I met an angel. Her name is Monique Jacques. She is a mother of 5 children she lives in Citie Soleil. Her husband passed away 2 years ago. She has no possibility of a job. She was on her way to see the Nuns to ask for food to feed her children. In the road trash pile she saw a newborn infant. The baby we have now named Grace. She said she stood there and looked. What could she do. She has her 5 children who she can not feed. But she knew she could not leave the baby lying there. She picked her up and took her to our friend Karen, a missionary who lives in Delmas 31. Karen told her that they need to take the baby to the police because there would need to be a report. Karen took Monique and baby Grace to the police station. Sadly, they would not take a report. They accused Karen of purchasing the baby and now not wanting her. Karen and Monique repeatedly told the baby's story to everyone at the police station. No one would listen. Karen called me and asked if I had any ideas. I told her to bring the baby to Angel Clinic and we would seek care for her. Little Grace has club feet and very tight hands. She was also covered in a terrible rash and there appeared to be other possible issues with this beautiful baby. After making some phone calls around to others we know, Dr. Joey said he would come see her that night. He agreed to her to Father. Rick's hospital, Petit Freres Et soeurs (Little brothers little sisters hospital).

People often ask me why do you continue to go to Haiti. Well here is a perfect example. Monique, a mother of 5 who can not feed her own children, spent her entire day trying to find care for a very sick, abandoned baby. This woman who had nothing for herself or her children today stepped out on faith to help a precious child of God. We were able to give her some money that should help feed her family for a week. We also gave her a care package of things we could come up with from the clinic.

I ask that you please keep Monique and her children in your prayers. Please pray for baby Grace and for us to get her all the medical care she needs. If anyone feel led to help us help Monique get her children into school, please contact Vanessa at
AngelMissions@hotmail.com

Please pray for all of the mothers in Haiti who have children going to bed hungry tonight.

All my love V




Monday, August 18, 2008

August Team Update

Vanessa sent an update from Haiti today. She and the August Mission team have been incredibly busy! The team arrived last monday, the numerous (but not surprising)complications they all traveled to Jacmel and arrived around 5 pm. The group were there for the week to run a soccer (futbal in Haiti) camp and a small clinic for the children of Jacmel who have no opportunity for these experiences in their daily lives. The children of the Trinity School located at Trinity House we excited to see such a big group! It was a good turn-out as over 75 children attended. Every morning, this hard- working team made the children a breakfast of bread and peanut butter. After having singing time and a bible story, they would break up into two groups. One group handled the soccer camp while the other who did physicals on all of the children. It is VERY HOT in Jacmel this time of year but the team members were real troopers and did not complain. The week went by too fast and soon they were driving through Tropical Storm Fay back to Port-au-Prince. The next two days were spent working at Angel Clinic doing tons of building projects, helping out at two nearby orphanages. On Sunday, they held a open clinic at Angel Clinic and saw 20 new young patients. Early this morning, the team left for home.


Vanessa says she misses them so much already and cannot say enough great things about the Desperation Church in Missouri. They have been coming to Haiti for the past 3 years. They always go out of their way to get all the supplies requested and then some. We were able to bless so many children with brand new soccer uniforms, soccer balls and new shoes. The children were fed 2 meals each day, and with the price of food right now in Haiti that is a huge blessing. Four of the poorest moms in Jacmel were blessed to have their roofs fixed and water-proofed by the carpenters who were with the team. Driving in the rain on Saturday morning, the team was happy to know they had helped them and their children to stay dry though the storm. Please keep the team in prayer as they travel all day today not getting in until late tonight.

We have been delayed in getting visas for 6 children who have approved medical. Unfortunately, this means we will not be able to get the children here this week. Vanessa and her son, Omri, had hoped to escort one little boy to the Philly area and bring another home with them to the Roanoke area. Both of these little guys are needing surgery for hydrocephaly as quickly as possible. Please say some prayers that we can get visa appointment soon as any delay can have devastating effects on this little guys.

Lastly, we are putting out a call...well, actually it is an "on your knees and begging" call to all our supporters. We are in desperate need of fundraising. We have so many children needing help and we just cannot afford to pay all the costs to get them here. Donations of any size are so appreciated. Perhaps you could help by doing a yard sale or car wash. Maybe your youth group at church would do a bake sale or raffle to benefit the children of Angel Missions? With everyone's finances being pinched, it is getting more and more challenging to raise money. Truly we are open to any and all ideas! We are a non-profit 501 (c)3 group and all donations are tax-deductible. Vanessa and I work as volunteers. We have only one paid employee and his is essential to our mission. We would love to hear your ideas!
Fran


Sunday, August 3, 2008

Happenings...

Well, I think things are starting to get moving again. We have two children returning to Haiti this week. Nakeyshia is returning after successful heart surgery. I will try and get photos of her soon. Also, Juline (who charmed every single person she has met since arriving only a few short months ago) will be heading home as well. Juline did incredibly well with her surgery for hydrocephaly and we are so happy that her parents will get to see her smiling face within the next week!

A special thanks to my wonderful partner in all of this....VANESSA! While I was sunning myself at Myrtle Beach this last week, she was driving up to PA to retrieve these little ones so that she can take them to Haiti with her. I haven't been to Haiti in a long time as Chedner's medical issues are keeping me hopping, but I do want to get down there again soon. Until I do go, I remain extremely appreciative that Vanessa is handling that load all by herself...

We have two little boys heading this way for surgery for hydrocephaly. Jon and Chrisno will be coming back with Vanessa and her son Omri when they return in a few weeks. There are two other children we hope to have surgery arranged for within the next month as well.

My AMH email is not working. Neither is Vanessa's. So until we get it fixed, please email me at my home email which is soccermom45@msn.com and Vanessa at angelmissions@hotmail.com

Many thanks to all!
Fran