Angel Missions Haiti

Puppies with a Purpose

2012-01-24T21:55:00.002-05:00

Hi All,

One of our fund raisers is Puppies. Pure Bred Maltese Puppies. Hand raised, papers, vet checked, first shots and so lovable. Anyone purchasing a puppy from us makes the check out to Angel Missions. (we take no funds from this) Mom is Sweet Pea and she is on site, Little boy (Sire) is down the road 15 minutes from our house.

These dogs are Non allergenic and do not shed. Easy to train and come already kennel and paper trained. They are a quiet lap dog. Love people and attention.

WE have lowered the price due to the Ecconomy the Girls are $700 and the boy is $600 if you would like more information please email us at angelmissions@hotmail.com

Host Families needed ASAP

2012-01-24T16:02:00.002-05:00

Hi we are in need of two host families. One in the Boston area for up to 6 months for a 2 1/2 year old little boy having eye surgery.

The second in Knoxville TN. Again for up to 6 months. This little boy will be receiving surgery from the University of Pediatric Urology in Knoxville.

Please if you or anyone you know can help either child contact us at
Tamishobe@hotmail.com
angelmissions@hotmail.com

Thank you love V

Baby Jamie

2012-01-24T05:49:00.002-05:00

This job is not always easy. In fact very rarely is it easy. Baby Jamie is one such case. We got him to the States to late for medical treatment. He has returned to Haiti and is living with dear Missionary friends of ours. Here is his latest update: Baby Jamie is doing well. He seems to be communicating more verbally, calling out when he hears me enter the room, trying to "sing" with his music toy, and even smiles occasionally. He makes sounds, but not words. He is still hard to feed, but is really growing taller and getting stronger. He still has the obvious neuro issues, but has not had seizures. Overall, I am very happy with his condition. He is still noisy at night and likes company, but likes to sleep during the day. We have a night nanny who keeps him company, and it works well.

I leave for Haiti tomorrow so I will try to get updated photos when there, while visiting him. Please continue to keep him in prayer. God has a special plan for him. love V

2012-01-22T16:58:00.002-05:00

Judson, is doing great. He is healthy and well and now at home with his forever family.

Thank you to the Embassy and all of the doctors, hospitals, host parents who helped to save his life.

Carley Update

2012-01-22T16:33:00.002-05:00

Look at our Girl Carley,

Growing, walking and even running. She has come so far. She is getting even more surgery at this time but never complains.

I am Sorry

2012-01-22T16:23:00.002-05:00

Dear Friends,

I am so sorry that this has not been kept up. I always worry that I will not phrase something right or that there will be miss spelled words. Well No more. What you see is what you get. I am going to try to update this every month. More if possible. Does anyone know if there is a way for me to upload a word document on here? If so please send me directions. I am not very good with the Internet. love to all Momma V

Help Haiti with the Click of a Mouse!

2011-08-02T12:27:00.002-04:00

There are lots of ways you can help Haiti without leaving your computer! Here are just a few ways that will assist AMH with our work in Haiti.

1. Goodsearch.com - everytime you search or shop through goodsearch.com, they donate money to AMH! Just go to goodsearch.com, type "Angel Missions Haiti" in the box under "Who do you goodsearch for?" and click verify. Then search! Or shop through many popular e-retailers (like Target, Ebay, and Barnes and Noble) - a portion of your purchase will go back to AMH. We have only been using goodsearch since May, but our combined searches and purchases are already adding up!

2. Givingoflife.com - vote for AMH to win a grant of up to $50,000! This is a grant for ministries that "give life" to others. You can vote only once, but you can get four or five votes.

3. Fuelinggood.com - vote for AMH to win a $5,000 gas card from Citgo! You can vote once a day until August11th.

These funds would all be a great help to AMH to further our impact in Haiti, but we can't do it without you! Please take a couple minutes to do one or all of these things!

Chrisno

2011-06-21T20:33:00.002-04:00

Hi to all, Thank you to all who came out or donated to help Chrisno get his next surgery. It will be next month in California. Darlene and Will are both happy and a little scared as any of us would be if our child had to undergo yet another major Brain Surgery. Please keep them in your prayers.

I will try to post photos of the event. We could not have done this without all of the loving caring support of so many. Dave and Patty opened their home and farm, all had a great time. Even the rain could not stop us. Thank you again. love V

Can not get the photos to upload will keep trying.

Packing Shipping Containers

2011-06-01T09:28:00.000-04:00

Hi All,

We are once again receiving a gift of used school equipment. After our earthquake last year less than 50% of schools that came down in the quake have been rebuilt. Considering on about 10% of the Haitian children even had a school to go to before the quake is unthinkable.

We are in the process of opening a new school in the village of Jolivert. This area has NO school and never has. The donation of this school furniture will be shared all across Haiti. We Thank the Plain City School District for there donation. If anyone in Ohio wants to help us load on Monday please call or email Vanessa for directions. We plan to pack 8 shipping containers in 8-10 hours.

More to come about our new school. love V

Baby Marck in need of prayer

2011-06-01T08:59:00.000-04:00

This is the latest update from Baby Marck's host mother please keep him in prayer

I am writing with a difficult update about Marck. You may recall that in my last update I said that Marck was having some stomach issues. Within a day or two of my email to you, Marck was constantly vomiting and we took him to the ER. In the ER, he had blood work done. All of the blood work numbers came back very low. Marck was admitted to the hospital and underwent testing to rule out leukemia. He had a bone marrow biopsy and 2 blood transfusions. Additionally, blood work was taken to test for a number of odd viruses. Marck was discharged after 4 days and doing much better. There was no diagnosis at the time as many of the test results had not returned. One day later, Marck's biopsy site became infected. Again, he was admitted to the hospital. It became clear that his body was having difficulty fighting the infection due to his low blood cell count. He was again given a blood transfusion and a round of 4 different antibiotics. Marck did fight through and was discharged after 5 days. We also received the results of some of the tests. Marck tested positive for a common virus called HHV 6 (commonly called roseola). Everyone has come in contact with the virus by the time they are adults. Some individuals have a rare response to the virus and it can result in bone marrow suppression. It now seems that this may be the reason for Marck's low blood count. Marck's infection (at the biopsy site) is healed and he is improving, but we still see some signs of sickness. Marck is being closely monitored by a pediatric hematology/oncology team and is receiving excellent care. The virus should go away on its own and we should continue to see improvement. In the meantime, Marck has a PICC line to make regular blood draws and IV antibiotics easier.

Additionally, Marck will have his regularly scheduled EUA of his left eye and measurement of his right eye on next Tuesday. Unless something in his health changes between now and then, he should be fine to undergo those procedures.

-Melissa

Baby Jamie

2011-05-31T15:07:00.000-04:00

Hi,

I know there are those of you who have been awaiting an update on Baby Jamie. He arrived in the US on Friday May 20. I have had a hard time though trying to write this Blog and show his photos. As you all know we work for God, these are his children first and he loves them and cares for them more than we could ever imagine.

Jamie is very close to my heart as so many of the orphaned children are. His full assessment though was worse than we had thought. Baby Jamie will have surgery for a G-tube, this will help him to get the needed medications to keep him comfortable. However he can not have surgery to heal his brain. So we will do everything humanly possible to keep him pain free until God takes him home.

Baby Jamie 7 months old only 10 pounds

Please continue to keep Baby Jamie in your prayers, along with all of the children in need of medical care all over Haiti. We thank you for your support. love Momma V

2011-05-25T13:01:00.002-04:00

Adriano has had a tough time but he is doing better and headed home soon

2011-05-25T12:58:00.002-04:00

Judson

2011-05-25T12:49:00.003-04:00

Baby Marck, born blind, brought to the US and operated on right away. Look at how great he is doing, he has a wonderful loving host family

Photos of the kids

2011-05-25T12:36:00.003-04:00

Look at Carly go. She is doing so well.

2011-05-25T11:29:00.002-04:00

AMH has been working very hard since the quake. We have helped with Medical teams both sugical and general practice come to Haiti to help.

At the present we have the following children here getting medcial care:
Carly Delva getting help with braces and learning to walk.

Marck Jonis - has had many surgeries on his eyes. One eye did not take but he now has sight in his other eye. We will continue with his medical treatments.

Judson Candy is in Washington State, his care continues as the doctors have been left stumpted as to what is causing his medical issues.

Adriano Victor had his heart surgery and recovered very well. He was on his way home to Haiti and had other complications with his feeding come up. Adriano has now been cleared to return to Haiti once again and will be reunited with his mother, father and siblings in June.

Sebastien Janvier will return to Haiti this saturday (5/28/2011) He has had his two surgeries and recovered well. We pray Sebastien will have no further complications. We know he is ready to get back with his family who love and have missed him.

2011-05-25T11:15:00.004-04:00

Dear Friends and Family,

I am sorry, that we have been away from posting for so long. There is no excuse, we let the earthquake get in the way and have stayed to busy. I am truly sorry.

UPDATE:

AMH continues to grow. We have been able to process medical visa's since the quake and many children have been able to return to their parents and life in Haiti.

I will try to give you an update of each please feel free to email me at Vanessa@angelmissions.org with any specific questions of any child we will do our best to let you know how they are doing.

fist up Vanessa Mesidor, is home with her family and so happy. She is healthy and walking everywhere, has energy and a zest for life that her family has never seen in her.

Host Family needed

2011-02-01T12:25:00.003-05:00

Hi Everyone, We have a need for a loving Christian family in the Daytona Beach area. This would be for 3-4 months while he is having life changing surgery.

Please contact Tami Shobe if you or anyone you know would like to host this little boy.

Tami Shobe 419-568-2893 or Tami@angelmissions.org

She will be able to give you an application and all the information regarding hosting a Haitian child.

2011-01-10T12:42:00.002-05:00

As all of you know we are coming up on the first anniversary of January 12, 2010 earthquake. So many died, so many were left with major medical problems. Please continue to keep all of Haiti in your prayers.

As we start out this new year AMH is working on a few new projects.
1) the Web site is being redone and the blog will be incorporated with it.
2) We now have 17 children that need sponsors for schooling. This costs $25. a month
3) We have many new children that need to come to the US but getting Haitian passports is almost impossible any more.
4) We had to cancel our first two teams for January due to the polictical problems. But have 4 mission teams set up so far for the spring and summer.
5) Tom and I are looking into working all summer in Haiti with the start of our new school in Julivert.
6) Surgery Center is still on hold pending getting steal in place for the thrid floor.

Haiti needs more schools and feeding programs for the children. We are aware of this and in prayer about what God would have us do to help the children in Port-au-Prince. Land is expensive and building takes a long time now. Please be in prayer with us.

All my love, Vanessa

2010-12-18T17:19:00.002-05:00

Hi Everyone,

So much to report do not know where to begin. Blessings to all of you during this time of our Lord. I rejoice in all of the wonderful people who want to help AMH next year in Haiti and in the US.

As the end of this year draws near, I can not tell you where the time has gone. One day I was packing to go to Haiti, the next the earth quake and then this year has went by in a flash.

Last week Vanessa Mesidor moved in to our home. She is the heart patient who had surgery in October. She is doing great and will stay with us until the Cholera has calmed down. The fear is if she goes home to soon and has not had enough time for her heart to heal completely. I now have 4 -16 year old's at my house??? Everyone is getting along great.

One of my Haitian sons also made it to the US for Christmas. Bill Nathan is here visiting and resting. He has been on tour with the Resurrection Dance Theater raising funds to rebuild St. Josephs home for boys and Wings of Hope home for Handicapped and mentally challenged children. If you are looking for a special Christmas present may I suggest donating to the rebuilding of these two great homes who help so many children.

Please continue to pray for our children in need of medical visa's. The Haitian Government has not been issuing passports for the last 3 months. We have many children and doctors lined up that are all on hold until the Haitian Government gets back to running smoothly.

Blessings to everyone. love V

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone

2010-11-30T13:25:00.002-05:00

Hi I am sorry for the delay in writing to everyone. I will try to make it up with a few different post that need to get out there.

First Thank you for your prayers and for the Wonderful medical team from Maine who came down to Haiti to help with the Cholera outbreak. It was very scarry when we found our selves traped in Limbe outside of Cap Haitian. But God was with us all through the whole experience and lead a team to get us out.

For those of you who do not know of what I am speaking here is a short version of what happened:

On November 11, we were contact in Port au Prince and asked if we could re direct our medical team of 5 doctors to a Cholera site that was very short handed. The team discussed it and we decided to go. We were flown by UN Helicopter to Cap Haitian and then driven to Limbe to a small hospital Good Samaritian, they were down to a staff of one doctor and 2 nurses. They had over 200 Cholera patients and more coming in the door day and night. We jumped in and went to work. Day and night we helped with the paitients children, mothers, fathers, grandparents, they came in in groups whole families sick and having walked for hours and miles to get to the small hospital. We slept when we could, would get a little rest then right back to it. We had been asked to only stay until Monday, monday came and riots against the UN due to Cholera out break and so many people dieing. We were stuck at the Hopsital compound and told not to leave. They thought they could fly us out the next day. Tuesday came and No flights. I called and ordered my Haitian Staff back to Port au Prince as they were working in another Cholera area in Gonaives. Instead they and two Missionairys came to our rescue. They had brought supplies to the Hospital where we were to get into Limbe through the blockaids. Now to get out they hired local men to ride with us and talk there way out. Nine blockaids later and much tention we made it safley to National 1 to get us to Port au Prince. These wonderful Missionaries took there truck filled it up had a flat on the way up and broke down one mile from their home, these angels sent by God would not take a penny from us. They said that God told them to go into battle in his name to rescue us and I BELIVE THEM. We made it to their house where the mission team there helped to prepare food for all of us. We had a wonderful meal, water for showers, and beds for the night. The next morning the rented a truck to take us to Port au Prince and came with us to make sure we had safe passage. What amazing men of God. Part way to Port the Embassy Convoy met us to also make sure we had safe passage to Port, we were able to get to the house pack all the doctors bags and everyone made there scheduled flight. If God had not sent them we would still be trapped in Limbe. As Haiti is undergoing a lot of tention right now with Cholera and the elections.

Please continue to pray for our rescuers and all the Haitian People. Love Vanessa

Hurricane Tomas

2010-11-08T19:46:00.003-05:00

Blessings to all. Yes, we all made it through the hurricane, some better than others. In Port au Prince, you never would have known that we even had a hurricane. However, in other areas the outcome was not as good. Jacmel had some flooding, and the road to Jacmel from Port au Prince is impassable at this time due to a mudslide.

Pestel and our friends, Sister Jo and Sister Fedilas, got hit hard. Their report states that there was a lot of damage due to high winds and the rain. Flooding, deaths, homes destroyed, the farmers' crops destroyed, and plantain trees ripped out by the roots. This is already a very poor area, and it is very hard to access this area. Most Haitians living here make less than 1 US dollar a day. Many families live together and survive on what they can get out of the land. With crops gone the sisters are very worried that many will starve to death this winter.

This country has already had the worst earthquake in history, killing more than 300,000 people and leaving an estimated 1,500,000 people living in tents, then 3 weeks ago a cholera outbreak that continues to spread across the country, now a hurricane.

I can not access email and have had to send this to someone to put on the blog. I am sorry, but we have limited to no electricity right now. We are all fine just working very hard.

Please continue to pray for all of the people of Haiti. More to come as soon as we can upload from Haiti.

In Christ's love and service, Vanessa

2010-10-30T18:40:00.000-04:00

We arrived safely in Port au Prince yesterday. Today and tomorrow we are purchasing meds, IV fluids, and tubing supplies to take out to Dr. Joey. Right now, we are in Port making up rehydration bottles to take out. . . water bottles with 8 tsp sugar and 1 tsp salt. We are trying to use our time wisely. After seeing the report from the US military, Kez does not know how we are not having a major outbreak here in Port. Every day she spends her days going to different places to educate how not to get cholera and what to do if you do get it.

Below is an update that we received from Dr. Joey about conditions. Please pray that a truck comes our way. Not having transportation in Haiti is crippling. Love V

From Dr. Joey --

Yesterday we worked at a place call Douin, which is about 18 miles away from Lester. It's hard to believe the number of cholera cases that we found. We finished working at 7 pm, not because we saw all the patients, but because we didn't have a projector to work through the night. We first stopped at the nearest hospital, which is about 30 minutes drive from the next village, where we worked and had to share some of our materials and medicines, because they were all out. In that particular hospital, which you will see in the pictures, over 30 people have died in the past 3 days. When we arrived in the village of Douin, most of the people that were sick were unable to walk to the hospital, and because the road is so bad we had to rehydrate them on the spot and use the tree branches as iv poles. One of our objectives is to keep the outbreak from reaching Lester and St Marc. At this point, we can use all the help that we can get. There's another village further down that we weren't able to reach because of flood and the 4by4 truck couldn't make it, so imagine those who have to walk to the hospital. So we have no idea of the number of victims there are in that village. At this point, we can't be sure of how many people have died from the disease, although the news has shown some numbers. The crew that helped me in that trip is with a group call OPERATION GOD BLESSING. What we need the most is to buy iv's, oral rehydration kits, and some antibiotics. Please let me know your thoughts. I will work all this week in that region. We are also doing a lot education with the population.

2010-10-28T20:56:00.003-04:00

Today we made rehydration drinks. So many our small kitchen looked like a lab.

Thursday we were able to send out the following to the effected areas of Cholera
184 individual Rehydrations drinks.
72 bottles of IV fluid
IV tubing
Misc. supplies and meds we were able to purchase in Port.

So far for tomorrow we have been able to get
218 individual Rehydration drinks
1 case only 12 IV solutions
misc. medications that were asked for.

Tomorrow we need to rent a car and go all over looking for more meds. Please pray that we get Electricity soon. None for 7 days. love V

Arrived in Port on 10-26

2010-10-28T20:54:00.000-04:00

We arrived safely in Port au Prince yesterday. Today and tomorrow we are purchasing meds, IV fluids, tubing supplies to take out to Dr. Joey. Right now we are in port making up rehydration bottles. to take out. water bottles with 8 tsp sugar and 1 tsp salt. We are trying to use our time wisely. After seeing the report from the US military Kez does not know how we are not having a major outbreak here in Port. Every day she spend her days going to different places to educate how not to get this or what to do if you do get it.

below is the update that we received from him about conditions. Please pray a truck comes out way. Not having transportation in Haiti is crippling. Love V

yesterday we worked at a place call Douin, which is about 18 miles away from Lester. It's hard to believe the amount of cholera cases that we found, we finished working at 7pm, not because we saw all the patients, but because we didn't have a projector to work trough the night. We first stopped at the nearest hospital which is about 30 minutes drive from the next village where we worked and in that hospital we had to share some of our materials and medicines, because they were all out. In that particular hospital, which you will see in the pictures, over 30 people have died in the past 3 days. When we arrived in the village of Douin, most of the people that were sick were unable to walk to the hospital, and because the road is so bad we had to rehydrate them in spot and use the tree branches as iv pol. One of our objective is to avoid the outbreak from reaching, Lester and St Marc. At this point we can use all the help that we can get. There's an other village further down that we weren't able to reach because of flood and the 4by4 truck couldn't make it, so imagine those who have to walk to the hospital. So we have no idea of the amount of victims there are in that village. At this point we can't be sure of how many people have died from the disease, although the news has shown some numbers. The crew that helped me in that trip is with a group call OPERATION GOD BLESSING. What we need the most is to buy iv's, oral rehydration kits, and some antibiotics. Please let me know your thoughts, I will work all this week in that region and we are also doing a lot education with the population.

Vanessa A. Carpenter

Angel Missions Haiti - Director

www.AngelMissionsHaiti.blogspot.com
www.AngelMissionsHaiti.org

Baby Marck

2010-10-19T22:26:00.002-04:00

Well, there is not too much news to report on Marck...which is a good thing. He is doing really well! Both eyes remain stable. Marck went for a routine pediatric check up and his doctor is pleased with his growth and said that he looks great. Marck is almost able to sit up on his own, he sits in a little tripod position. He is loving eating his rice cereal and he enjoys play time. He has the widest smile that just melts my heart. The other day we were playing together and he just kept laughing and smiling, I just laughed along with him with tear filled eyes. Marck brings us so much happiness.

I'm attaching a recent picture of our family trip to the pumpkin patch. It's such a great photo because you can see how amazing his smile is. He had a fun day at the farm. This is from Marcks host mom.

Sebastien Armani is here

2010-10-12T13:54:00.002-04:00

WEll it has taken years to get the proper medical care set up for little Sebastien, you see his problem was not life saving so, even though it would change his life for the better it has been very hard to get medical care here for him. We have been working on his case for over 6 years.
I am happy to report that Sebastien arrived in the US yesterday and is with his host family in Florida. He will be having surgery here within the next few days.

Sebastien has a problem urinating. There are many boys born each year that need surgery to make their Penis work properly. In Sebastien's case his hole was at the base of his penis not the top. This made it impossible for him to control his urine and it leaks constantly. Not only is this condition embarrassing but can cause multitude of problems for the young boys each year. Infections are constant and they are very painful to these little boys.

I tell you all of this because we need more doctors and hospitals willing to take children like Sebastien. We have an on going list of children who need the following surgeries; Orthopedic, Heart, Neuro, club feet, Urology, If you are a medical professional or know someone who is; please make this need known to them. AMH does all of the paperwork both in Haiti and the US, we set up host families and have power of attorney of each child while they are here in the US. We raise the funds for each childs expenses to come to the US and get the medical visa. Once the children are well they are returned to their loving families who are forever greatful in Haiti. Any one wishing for more information can contact Tami or Vanessa at the following email address Tami = Tamishobe@hotmail.com or Vanessa@angelmissions.org

May God continue to bless you and your families. love Momma V

Oh God you bless us so much

2010-10-12T13:42:00.002-04:00

Dear Friends and Family,

Vanessa Mesidor continues to shock and amaze the medical professionals. We all know it is God working. Vanessa had surgery last Wednesday October 6, where she had not two but three valves in her heart operated on. Before surgery we were told the odd where not in her favor. She came through surgery ok. Again we were told that the next 72 hours would be cridical, Vanessa continued to get better each hour. With in 24 hours the doctors were sure God was working here helping her to heal. Before surgery we were told she would be in the hospital for recovery for at least two weeks maybe longer.

Today however I am happy to report that Vanessa continues to get better hour by hour she is already gaining weight, and will be released tomorrow just one week after her surgery. Vanessa will stay with host family and continue to heal and get better. Then she will be flown back to Haiti and her wonderful God fearing family who has never once given up on her or the doctors.

I can not say thank you enough to all who have played a part of getting Vanessa her medical care and getting her here. She is a wonderful beautiful young lady who will now have a great chance at life. She will be able to return to school and do all of the things that had been impossible for her just one week ago.

This is all to Gods Glory, he opens all doors for each of these children we are just blessed enough to be able to help on the sidelines with the work. Thank you God for Tom, all of my children and all of the children and families you bring into my life with this work.

All my love Momma V

2010-10-07T23:57:00.000-04:00

2010-10-07T23:12:00.000-04:00

Vanessa w/Parents befor leaving Haiti

2010-10-07T23:09:00.000-04:00

Vanessa Mesidor has her surgery

2010-10-07T22:39:00.002-04:00

Hi Everyone from Memphis TN. We arrived on Saturday evening after a long day of flights. Little Vanessa was very tired, for that matter so was big Vanessa. Our wonderful host family. Sunday Vanessa wanted to attend church so with a wheel chair we all went to church, it was a wonderfuls service. Lots of well wishers and prayers for Vanessa's up coming surgery.

Monday morning brought us to the Hospital for many hours of tests. Then we met with a doctor, she felt Vanessa was to ill for surgery. I was very upset. But knew this is all in Gods timing. I headed to the airport waiting on a flight to take me home for a few days. As I sat there Praying on and off trying to figure all of this out the phone rang. It was the same doctor who felt she was to ill asking for us to return in the morning to meet with both surgeons. Oh Thank you God. Called got a ride back to the host family. Vanessa was very surprised to see me, very happy to know we were going back to the doctor in the morning.

Morning came and we went to our meeting. We discussed the options and I told them that her father knew the risks and he had stated that it would be better for her to go to God here, than to suffer in Haiti. Please try. They admitted us. Surgery for 6:30 the next morning. We came down she went back. Surgery started at 8:15 the hospital was wonderful giving updates every hour. By 2:00 Vanessa was headed to VC ICU. She had not two valves but 3 of the 4 needing surgery. One was replaced two were fixed. We were told we were not out of the woods the next 72 hours were very important. Vanessa had a good night and by this morning her heart was improving more than they thoght possible. She was taken off the vent, the new echo showed her heart continuing to improve. This evening one of the doctors tells me she is doing better than anyone thought possible. I said it is God showing his Mircales. As belivers we knew God would heal Vanessa by using the doctors or taking her home to him.

Vanessa continues to get better each hour thank you to everyone who is praying for her. all our love Big Vanssa aka Momma V

A Marck update - from Melissa

2010-10-04T10:51:00.000-04:00

Hello,

Marck was scheduled to have a tube implant in the right eye and stitches taken out of the left eye yesterday. Amazingly, the eye pressure in the right eye was 12 (it was in the 30's at last check) and the glaucoma specialist said that the eye is developing new white tissue and blood vessels. Given how healthy it looks, Marck did not need the tube implant. Praise God for his miraculous touch! The stitches were taken out of the left eye with no complication and Dr.Edelstein said everything in that eye looks good. All in all, it was an easy day. Marck had no issues related to the anesthesa. He slept well last night and is his playful self today. We are so thankful for this good news.

We will need to come back to St.Louis in 8 weeks to have some specialized measurements taken of his eyes and for the glaucoma specialist to look at the retina. He said that it is possible that the pressure is low because the retina is detached. He was unable to look at the retina with the equipment available in the surgical room. He did not seem to think the retina is detached, but it is a possibility. We are believing for a miracle in that eye.

Thank you again for your continued prayers on Marck's behalf. Please keep us in prayer as we make the 17 hour drive home tomorrow!

-Melissa

Prayers needed for upcoming trip

2010-09-27T08:11:00.002-04:00

Hi dear friends,

Today I leave for Haiti. This will be a very short trip as there are many things that need to happen but very little time to do them in. We will be working on paperwork that needs special signatures. Vanessa Mesidor's visa (have flights for her to fly out on Saturday Oct. 2, Operation to be on Oct. 4. Please pray all goes fast and well for her. We have 9 children we are awaiting passports for. I will be trying to meet with the Minister of the Interior to work out these problems.
We have a medcial team coming down from November 10-17 please pray all get their passports so that they can travel.

Lastly Widlove continues to do so well. I plan to visit him on October 9th.
Adriano continues to grow and become a healthy happy baby, his next step of casting his foot has started.
Baby Marck is doing great after his two eye surgeries. You can tell that he is seeing something but until he is old enough to tell us how much the doctors are not sure. He watches things, people moves his head and tracks. Praise God
Georgy had his long awaited surgery. He is doing great and is proud to tell everyone I am all Boy now. This is an amazing case with an amazing kid and doctor. We can not thank everyone enough for helping this little boy become normal and giving him a chance at life. The condition he was born with was already turning into cancer but it is all gone now.

May Gods Blessings rain down on you and your family this week. love V

Vanessa has a host family

2010-09-27T07:43:00.002-04:00

Thank you to the wonderful family who has come forward to help Ruth and David H. of Memphis and the Bellevue Baptist Church. I am so excited to meet them as they are Missionary's in Honduras. God does nothing by accident. So maybe we will also be able to help children from Honduras. Only God knows.

Thank you for your prayers for Vanessa.

Sebasiten is still in need of a host family please contact anyone you know in West Palm Beach or Boyton Beach FL. We need a host family ASAP. This would be for 8-12 weeks. For more information please contact Tami Shobe at 419 568 2893 or tamishobe@hotmail.com

Host families needed!

2010-09-25T13:33:00.003-04:00

We finally got a passport for Armani Sebastien Janvier, a sweet 10 year old boy with hypospadius, a urinary problem. We have filed for his medical visa and will hopefully be able to send him to the US in a week or two.

The very next day, we got our last missing piece of paperwork for Vanessa Mesidor, a 15 year old girl with a heart condition. She already has her passport, so as soon as the embassy approves her visa, she will be able to fly, hopefully as soon as this Saturday!

We are in urgent need of host families for Sebastien in West Palm Beach, FL and for Vanessa in Memphis, TN. If you or someone you know might be interested, please contact me (kezgho@yahoo.com) or Vanessa Carpenter (angelmissions@hotmail.com). Thanks so much!

Ritchy Exavier

2010-09-11T11:49:00.002-04:00

Ritchy came to visit Sendhie here at the AMH office this week. He brought his mom and his brothers. As always, he was full of smiles and giggles! Sendhie worked with him to make sure that he is using his prosthetic foot correctly and his crutches when the foot is removed. We love seeing the kids like this, back with their families and living healthily!

Christopher

2010-09-07T15:45:00.003-04:00

(Kez writing)

I got a visit from one of my favorite patients: Christine and little Christopher. Christopher has been back in Haiti since mid-summer and they wanted to check in with me. I was a little shocked because Christopher's head is larger than when I last saw him in May, but both Sendhie and Christine assured me that the growth happened between May and his surgery in June. Since his return, he has been completely healthy. It's fun to watch him responding to voices calling his name, something he could not do when I first met him.

Christine, of course, is doing great. Nothing gets that woman's spirits down! She arrived, hot and sweaty, tired from trekking 2 hours from the countryside to our office in Delmas carrying a very heavy baby, but she wore a big ol' smile on her face. We had a pleasant visit and then I sent them home until next month when at least Christine will come see me.

Check out Adriano

2010-09-02T10:17:00.002-04:00

Adriano has been getting healthier and bigger everyday under the loving care of Diane and Katie. He is now 10lbs 7oz. He has had his second follow-up visit and is on track for a complete healthy heart. He has been taken off all his meds except one. We are applying to have his club foot treated at Shriner’s Hospital in Philadelphia; please pray for his acceptance by the program
Since our last email we have learned that Child Hope International who operates the orphanage in Haiti Adriano was being cared for has hired Adriano’s mom as a day care worker and offered her housing. That means Adriano will have a safe, clean home to live and thrive in along with 4 or 5 loving mommas to watch over him. Check out http://childhope.org/ they are awesome, thanks Susette for being an answer to prayer

New medical visa candidates

2010-08-31T15:04:00.006-04:00

I had 10 new patients visit yesterday. Some were not medical visa candidates, but here are a few that were:

Emerson is one of my ravine patients from Delmas 31. He has a cleft lip.

Widenico is 5 years old and has a simple bowed leg. She gets around on it without much trouble but it still needs to be fixed both to prevent it getting worse in the future and to avoid being ostracized in a society that mocks handicaps or considers them a curse.

Judelka came all the way from Les Cayes to see me. She was born without an anal opening and had a colostomy placed when she was an infant. Last year, a hospital in Haiti created an anal opening for her but it was placed too close to her vaginal opening. Her parents must be exceedingly vigilant about cleaning her because she is at such high risk for vaginal infections and complications. Because of her condition, she cannot attend school and her parents cannot find work easily since one of them must always be with Judelka.

Casimyr has urinary retention due to some sort of obstruction. He has undergone 3 unsuccessful surgeries already. I don't think he wanted his photo taken :)

Mackencia's mother died in childbirth. Only 9 days later, a candle fell on the mat where the baby was sleeping and caught it on fire. Mackencia's feet were burned,

especially her right foot and calf. She received care at the local clinic, but the aunt who was left to care for her after her father abandonned her was afraid that the bandages were contributing to the condition of the foot and removed them. Now, at age 6, Mackencia has a severe burn contracture that prevents her from walking properly. She will need orthopedic and probably plastic surgery to correct her right foot.

Pray that we will find the doctors, hospitals, and host families that we need for these children!

Who's who: Kez

2010-08-28T09:09:00.011-04:00

Hello friends of Angel Missions! Vanessa has passed the blog torch to me, so from now on, blog updates will be coming from Haiti. But before I start posting about our everyday life, I wanted to introduce myself and give you a little bit of my story.

My name is Keziah Furth, but everyone calls me Kez. I am a registered nurse originally from Boston, MA, but I have lived in Holland, France and Belgium throughout my childhood and schooling. During my third year of nursing school at Northeastern University, I met a gentleman at my church who was on the board of an orphanage in Haiti. I had always felt a tug to use my foreign language skills and my nursing education in a place that truly needs help so I decided to go take a look at Haiti. It was a simple decision that utterly changed my life.

In the spring of 2006, I visited the orphanage, Hope for the Children of Haiti, in Bolosse, one of the slums of Port-au-Prince. When my short five day trip was over, one of the boys looked at me and asked, "Are you going to forget about us?" I was hooked. The next year I spent my final nursing internship at HFC, 5 months of learning Creole, teaching English, coaching sports, mentoring teens, and falling in love with the Haitian people.

I returned to the US and graduated from nursing school in 2008. Upon graduation, I moved back to Haiti, this time to a home for sick and malnourished infants and toddlers on Delmas 75. It is run by a lady named Dorothy and though it has an official name, everyone casually refers to it as Dorothy's. I helped take care of children with kwashiorkor, meningitis, AIDS, tuberculosis, and general starvation. When possible, Dorothy sends the children back to their families when they are healthy; in many cases, however, the parents are deceased or they disappear and the child just stays.

In addition to my work at Dorothy's, I took over a home health program in a ravine neighborhood in Delmas 31. A woman named Sherrie runs a school in that neighborhood and in an effort to assure that the children coming into her school are the strongest they can be, she had started a small feeding program and a medical program for the families that attend her school. With the assistance of a community health worker named Wesnal, I do rounds in that neighborhood once or twice a week, checking on kids and treating illnesses such as scabies, malaria, diarrhea, bronchitis, ringworm, asthma, allergies, and intestinal worms. I love seeing my patients at their homes, in their environment, and I love the continuity and relationships that I can develop with the families.

Much of my medical knowledge is thanks to a Physician's Assistant named Ed Amos, who I worked with whenever time permitted during my time at Dorothy's. We would see patients side by side so that I could help him with translation and so that he could help with me with medical questions. He also taught me how to perform minor surgery, a skill that has come in very handy with recent events in Haiti.

Creole-speaking medical professionals are few and far between in Haiti, so ever since moving here, I have been called upon frequently to help friends at other ministries with translation or medical clinics. I even got the opportunity to act as a dentist for a week!

Another facet of my life in Haiti is youth group at an English-speaking church on Delmas 75, Quisqueya Chapel. Depending on the time of year, the group ranges from 40 to 100 teens, some of them missionary kids and upper class Haitians, but the majority average Haitian kids. Youth group is frequently the highlight of my week, seeing teenagers who have nothing learn to praise God in the midst of it and learn to offer love and comfort to those around them.

In the spring of 2009, I was helping at the USNS Comfort when I met Vanessa Carpenter. At the time, I knew that I was going to have to leave Dorothy's because they were changing the house set up and my room would no longer be available. Vanessa heard about it and heard me speaking fluent Creole. She instantly offered me a position with Angel Missions and a few months later, I accepted.

That is how I came to be living and working at the Angel Missions office on Delmas 91 from the fall of 2009 until now. I have been able to maintain my work in the Ravine and youth group as well as be helpful to Dorothy's and HFC. In addition, I have worked on behalf of Angel Missions as a coordinator for medical missions conducted by the US Military, I oversee the Haitian side of the medical visa process, I host the Angel Missions medical teams, and I run weekly clinics at Delmas 24 with a crew of young Haitians who I am training to be community health workers.

And that's Kez in a nutshell. Hopefully this gives you enough of a background that you will understand what I'm referring to when I write but feel free to post comments or questions or to email me if something is particularly confusing or interesting. Most importantly, if you are a praying person, use the blog posts as a prayer guide. Angel Missions could not survive as a ministry without the prayers of our friends and I could not survive in Haiti. So in advance, thank you!

Fran and Shesby

2010-08-25T09:40:00.003-04:00

I am taking Francesca to neuro doc in Dayton today. she is having a seizure a day. usually falling and hurting herself. probably will change her medication and then he will be ordering an MRI.Fran is in 5th grade in the schools and loving it.Shesby went to PA on Sat and will be there for 3 to 4 weeks while they change her brace. then she will come back and go to third grade.

Megan in her body cast can not stop this girl

2010-08-24T18:29:00.003-04:00

Here is a photo of Megan...not good...but I guess she is learning to drag herself in the body cast. she seems to be doing well. goes back to the doc on Sept 8th. Please continue to pray for Megan as she has many surgeries to lengthen her leg. She is always on the go though not even a body cast is going to stop her.

Daphka turns 7

2010-08-24T16:59:00.001-04:00

Here is a photo of Daphka celebrating her 7th birthday. she is doing well. Goes on Monday to be fitted for her mold for her prosthesis. may get it in about 3 weeks.

Host Family needed in two parts of the country

2010-08-21T18:57:00.002-04:00

Hi Family, We are once again in need of two host families in different areas of the country. The first would be for a family in Memphis TN. We have a young lady coming for Heart surgery. She will need a home for 3-6 months. We expect a speedy recovery. Any one interested can contact Tami Shobe at 419 568 2893. She can walk you through all of the details of becoming a host family.

Second family is needed in Florida Boynton Beach area, for a little boy who will have surgery. His host should only be 12 weeks.

Both children will return to Haiti to their loving families. Please consider helping us. Love V

Please Pray for Marck and Host family

2010-08-16T14:13:00.001-04:00

This is from Marcks host family: Please pray for them

I am writing this through tears and with a broken heart. This afternoon Marck saw the Glaucoma Specialist and the news was not good for his right eye. Marck is going to need another surgery (this will be number 4) on Monday (if not sooner). The right eye is very diseased and the pressure needs to be decreased or the eye will only continue to get larger. Sadly, the prognosis for the eye is not good. The doctor will be freezing the diseased areas in the hope of eliminating them. However, he suspects that Marck (at best) will only have peripheral vision. He thinks that by the time Marck is 2 or 3 they will need to remove his eye. Sadly, the odds of this happening to the left eye are about 50/50.Marck has endured so much with these surgeries. This last surgery was difficult on him. He whimpered all night and had a fever. He is just starting to feel better. With all of this comes little sleep. I am out here alone with him and feeling physically and emotionally exhausted. I know that God is in control of this situation and that God is good in all things. However, I am broken hearted for Marck and I am praying for mercy for him and for a miracle. Please pray for us as we try to absorb this news and as we come to terms with what this means for Marck's future.

Need of Host families

2010-08-11T10:53:00.002-04:00

Hi There are many of you already signed up to be Host families however we do not have care in your area. Well I am in need of at least two host families to take heart patients in the Memphis area. Please if you or anyone you know of would want to help please contact us.

Applications are on the web site and can be filled in and sent to Tami Shobe. Being a host family means you will be bringing a child into your home for a number of months. Most go home to Haiti within 12 weeks. Other do need to stay a little longer. The child needs a bed but can share a room with the same gender children. For more information please contact Tami at 419-568-2893.

Thank you love V

Note from Vanessa

2010-08-10T10:36:00.002-04:00

To all who read our blog. I am sorry it is so long between postings. We have had many computer problems this summer and even the brand new lap top is still not working right.

I am so busy but trying to keep a handle on it all. We were able to obtain 7 medical visas in July alone. We have another 4 we are waiting on Haitian Passports, and 8 we are working on documentations. AMH and our small staff thank each of you for your prayers, love concern and funds to help us obtain care for these Haitian Children.

I am very behind at posting and will try to do a better job of this month. Please pray as we are looking for two interns from the campus students we work with to help in the Salem office.

Blessings to everyone. love V

Other updates with out photos, Fitho Jeudi made it back to Haiti and his loving family. He had heart surgery in Ohio for a VSD that he has had since birth. The US Doctors could not believe he had made it to 25 years of age they said most children born with a heart as bad as this do not live past 6 months.

Baby Marck, blind from birth had his first surgery within 48 hours of us landing in the US. His second surgery is this week. His first corneal transplant was a success as when he woke up he was looking everywhere and moving his head. Great sign made us all cry.

Judson Candy had his surgery last week (oral) and now is healing and slowly gaining weight. He has been bothered with 2 ear infections and is on his second round of Antibiotics.

We ask for prayers for the children who are waiting for passports to come to the US for their life saving surgery.

Love V

2010-08-10T10:35:00.000-04:00

Widlove Surgery Photos

2010-08-10T10:33:00.004-04:00

Widlove Update / Before Photos

2010-08-10T10:16:00.003-04:00

To all of you who know Widlove and his story. He is doing great. His host parents are in love with him and now after years of trying to have a child. They are pregnant. Praise God from whom all Blessings come.

Widlove has has his first two surgeries. 1) was on his wrist and hand. Dr. Phil and his staff did a great job and his hand is now able to be extended and he can move both his hand and fingers. Therapy is hard but he takes it without complaint and knows that one day he will be able to use his hand again like he did before.

His second surgery was last Friday. This was also a major surgery. The Owensboro team were able to sew Widloves eye shut so that it could properly heal. Here is the story in his host moms words:

Widlove did great today! Slept like a baby, thanks to great anesthesia! His eye has been sewn shut to heal and start construction of eyelids. His balloons are in place and looking good! We are finally home and trying to getting his pain under control. Poor guys has cried alot this afternoon. Some from waking up and the rest from his poor head. He's finally found a comfortable way to sleep and is resting now. Its been a long day for us and my biggest prayer request is for rest and pain relief!Here are some pictures from the surgery

Adriano is through his heart surgery

2010-08-10T08:31:00.006-04:00

Adriano now healthy and gaining weight. To look at him now you would never guess just how sick this little man was. Thanks to the wonderful host family and
Staff at St. Christopher's he now will be able to grow, gain weight and rejoin his twin Sister in Haiti We thank the Lord for all of the doors that have been opened for this little one and all of the children of Haiti. Blessing to all who have helped with his care.

3 Boys Update

2010-07-07T22:10:00.000-04:00

I need to send out a huge Thank you to everyone who helped pull all of these things togeher for the 3 children who just left Haiti.

As of now they are all at their host families and have had surgery or have seen the doctors to schedule treatment.

This was something else God opened all the doors please remember to give him all the praise. Jeff and Diane thank you so much for coming to Haiti on such short notice to help escort two of the boys back.

Update per child

Marck Joanis had his first surgery and we are told he can see out of his new eye. His second surgery will be in a few weeks I am told. He is at home with his host family in New York.

Adriano Victor is having his first proceedure today. He is also doing great and has a wonderful family to care for him until he can go back to his Momma in Haiti.

Widlove Gedeon is in KY and saw his first set of doctors yesterday. They will let me know when his surgerys will start.

I am back in VA and tired. Back to work getting more children medical care.

Please continue to pray for these children, their host parents and parents in Haiti. And all of the children God wants us to find care for.

I thank each and everyone of you who helped with these three cases. God brought us all together and he has brought the children here for medical care. I pray that they all heal quickly.

All my love to each one of you. Momma V

Vanessa A. Carpenter

Pictures...

2010-06-21T21:13:00.001-04:00

Prayers needed

2010-06-21T11:24:00.002-04:00

Hi Everyone,

I am once again in Haiti. We are working on 3 major cases. I need all the prayers we can get. I have all of the documentation we however still do not have passports.

1. Widlove Gedeon eye and ortho surgery
2. Adriana Victor heart surgery 6months old only weighs 7 pounds getting worse
3. Marck Jonais eye surgery 6 weeks old and in need of eye surgery within the next 10 days to save his sight, or he will be blind for life , then heart surgery later.

I feel like I am playing beat the clock here. As soon as we get the passports visas will be issued. Then we will have to purchase last minute air fare (costly need prayers and donations to cover that) I will fly with the children to the US.

I have to tell you all what A Great Husband I have. We have a wedding this weekend, that is important for me to be at. He told me to stay and wait to get the babies out. God love him. He is a saint for putting up with me. I hope my niece understands if I have to miss her wedding. Love to all. With God all things are possible V

I tried to upload photos but will not let me will try again tonight. love V

Urgent!

2010-06-15T12:09:00.001-04:00

Dear Friends,

I have been called by no less than 3 different Missionaries in Haiti about a case that needs our attention ASAP. Marc Dorce is a 35 year old Haitian man, who works with Blessing Hearts International in Haiti.

He was driving a truck full of volunteer missionaries when the brakes went out on the truck he was able to drive the truck into the mountain instead of off it. All 28 people in back survived. Marc was left with the worst injuries however and was able to be operated on by Dr. David Halpern. Dr. Halpern was able to re attach both of Marc’s arms as shown in the photos below. Dr. Halpern has since had to return to work in the United States but is requesting that we find a hospital on Orthopedic team to take over Marc Dorce care. Normally we would go to the hospital Dr. Halpern works at but when the earthquake happened they took in over 100 major medical cases all as charity care. We are seeking another facility that would like to offer this father the best possible care so that he can return to his work in Haiti and take care of his family.

A little bit about Marc and his family. His wife was 6 months pregnant at the time of the accident. However she had a miscarriage. Marc’s 2 year old daughter has caught Malaria and is in another hospital in Haiti. This family needs our love, prayers and help.

Please if you know anyone who can help us with this case please contact Vanessa at 540 580 9721 in the US or in Haiti at 011 5093 488 3499.

Thank you love Momma V

***********Warning- Graphic Pictures Below***********************

2010-06-09T11:22:00.000-04:00

Christopher on the road to recovery

2010-06-09T11:13:00.001-04:00

Great News about Christopher. Look below at the email from his host mom. Praise God this child has been thorugh so much. love V

What a difference a week makes! Dr. Garton was THRILLED with Christopher's progress. He has declared the procedure a success! Christopher has exceeded the time line for short term failure, and the long term failure rate at this point is less then 2%. His eyes have improved greatly, he is tracking much better than before, he is getting more and more vocal and smiles a lot! His head circumference has decreased and the soft spot is soft, not hard with fluid like it was before! His appetite is huge, I have put him on baby food and he loves to eat! He is thriving more and more each day!

A special update about Haiti

2010-06-07T19:32:00.000-04:00

You never know where God is leading you, or the lives that will be touched. Dr. Ben Fredrick’s is a long time friend and support of AMH. He and his wife Jen have hosted 3 heart children for us while here for life saving surgery. A few years ago he wanted to go to Haiti to make a difference but he wanted to work in a rural area of Haiti. At the time I took him to the most out of the way Rural area I knew of Pestel. Just getting there is a trip and a half. Sister Fedilis has been working in this area for years and is so sweet. She always tells me of the needs there. One trip and Ben was hooked. Here is an email I just received from Ben. It is thoughts from Dr. Jon Eager who went to Haiti recently with Ben.

There are days I wish I could write like this. He shows you Haiti through his words.
Thanks Dr. Jon
Blessings to all Love Momma V

Dr. Jon Eager
Family Medicine physician serving with Africa Inland Missions (AIM) in rural Tanzania.
6/2010
Thoughts and ramblings on the Haiti trip… and a bit more

As we landed on the single paved runway of the Port au Prince airport in Haiti, a flood of remembrances and similarities to Tanzania struck me all at once. The tropical heat and humidity, the green palm trees and lush surroundings, the mix of modern airplanes and terminals with dilapidated buildings, the organized chaos on the main street next to the airport. A dusty and sometimes muddy street filled with cars of all kinds and age, UN armored vehicles with flack jacketed soldiers and poised M-16’s locked and loaded , people riding on the top of dump trucks, all blowing their horns as they travel along bumper to bumper dodging bicycles and pedestrians. A street with numerous pushy airport porters all vying for a spot behind your luggage cart to push it a couple hundred feet in hopes of earning some money. They seemed desperate to get the chance, in a place where if you don’t push your way to the front/look out for number one/scrap and scrape for the last morsel…… you’ll go without. A place where if you don’t stick your nose out into traffic, you could spend the day going three blocks. A place where there is so much need, so much potential, and such a gap between those who have and those who don’t. So many porters, and not really enough work for all of them, like the vegetable ladies in Tanzania on the side of the road, who sell mountains of one particular thing, right next to five or six others selling exactly the same thing. I wonder how they ever get enough vehicles to stop and buy their produce to help all of them?
I saw a CNN article about a farming co-op idea that uses cell phones to communicate market trends to rural farmers to make them aware of what the prices are in town, so they are not taken advantage of by middle men who rip them off by buying the goods for very low prices in the village and selling them at high prices in town markets. Many years there is a good harvest, plenty of vegetables, plenty of produce, but is the system really set up to help the rural farmer? Or are there multiple layers of economic challenge, corruption, and injustice that contribute to keeping these people in the grips of poverty?
In the streets of Port au Prince, hope seems to be gradually returning for some. The streets are passable, vehicles and people are everywhere, going about their business, selling things in wooden booths with plastic bags for roofs on the side of the road. There are plenty of reminders of the massive earthquake though that hit four months ago, like the piles of rubble pushed and dumped together, completely collapsed buildings sitting in their plots, between ones that were seemingly unaffected. The massive tent camps, dotting the city like a patchwork quilt, with tents of different colors and insignias of various relief organizations. I can’t imagine what life must be like for those in the camps, people who have lost so much, their homes, family members, children, spouses, parents. They may have lost hope as well.
Riding through the streets something strikes me again about people in the Majority World, as I look at these Haitians. I am struck by their amazing resilience in the face of such disaster and discouraging circumstances. A song plays on the radio saying ‘we will rise again’, written about the people of Haiti following the earthquake. The earthquake was devastating, but think about what Haiti has already been through… things like hurricanes, colonial oppression, slavery, foreign invasion, corrupt dictators, political mass murder, and the list goes on. Resilience and perseverance are choices however, because the same struggles seem to also produce a fatalistic apathy that is present as well in the Majority World.
So I guess Majority world is the politically correct term now used to define poorer countries. It makes sense though. What did we used to call them? I’ve heard all kinds of names… the Third World, Underdeveloped countries, Developing countries, Low resource or under resourced countries. Who named them the Third World? Wasn’t it us in the First World, in richer industrialized countries? So we are first and they are last. It gives away our underlying worldview and sometimes subconscious and not so subconscious attitude towards the poor. The rich are first and the poor are last. And the Second World is somewhere in between. Shame on us. Thank God for His Kingdom and the declaration by our Lord Jesus who said “The first shall be last and the last shall be first.” That declaration should make most of us here in the States a wee bit uncomfortable. The ‘Majority World’ name at least is more accurate, describing most of the world’s people as living in poorer countries. I don’t like the “under resourced or low resource” name either. Haiti and Tanzania are rich in resources, resources such as land, minerals, water, work force, produce, talent. The problem is the resources are sometimes untapped, mismanaged, or stolen by richer countries or corrupt leaders.
Ben and I have been reading “When Helping Hurts”. The book defines poverty more broadly than just material poverty. It rightly describes all of us as fallen and having poverty of relationship. We need healing in our relationships with God, each other, the earth, and ourselves. This healing comes through Christ, who is ‘reconciling all things to himself’. How can I help the poor without first realizing that I am poor also?
We stayed with friends of Ben’s in Port au Prince. He and Jen hosted their daughter, Nakisha, for a number of months here in the States so she could get life saving heart surgery. Nakisha is doing great, as is evidenced by her infectious smile and gregarious manner. She loved seeing Dr. Ben again, giving him a kiss on each cheek and pulling him away to show him the latest drawing, sing her latest song to him, or play a children’s game she learned at school with him.
Nakisha’s father, Ezai, was such a gracious host. His wife was in NY at the time, but we received the royal treatment, sleeping in the parents’ king size bed in the only air conditioned room in the house. The smells of fresh bread from Ezai’s next door bakery wafted through the house as we ate tender goat and rice and sucked on fresh juicy mangos from the back yard. Ezai was our self-appointed taxi driver all over Port au Prince, delivering us safely to two meetings with the help of Anderson, Ben’s techy & rap-loving 20 year old- city slicker interpreter, who probably looks up to Ben in some ways like a father, and not just a friend or ‘sponsor’. Anderson is another Haitian who Ben and Jen took in for a few months so that he could have heart surgery at the Hershey Med Center. Ben and he have been together every Haiti trip since then, and Anderson has been invaluable in the work Ben does in Pestel, hovering at his elbow and interpreting every Creole, French, and English word exchanged between American and Haitian. I was impressed though that Ben picks out quite a bit of Creole in conversations and spouts a few words back without Anderson’s help. It’s good fodder for the playful sarcastic banter the two share regarding language.

Anderson has really become Ben’s right hand man on these many trips to Haiti. In spite of his young age and definite affinity for city life and American pop culture, he strikes me as steadily committed to helping Ben in the work he’s doing in rural, remote Pestel. I never once heard him complain about translating, and he had a very good attitude even with the long days and long meetings. Don’t get me wrong, there was the occasional whining that we ALL did here and there, but just minor stuff, how hot it was, how sore our bottoms were after the mountain drive, etc. Really, we had more praises for things we enjoyed, and answered prayer than complaints. Anderson’s self-conscious about his English, (the same way I’m self-conscious about my Swahili) but in a humble and I think typical way non-native English speakers are, and this tells me that he takes his job as translator seriously. He’s quite fluent actually! Heck, he speaks French and Creole too! And considering he only spent a few months in the States, I’d say he’s quite gifted in languages.
We talked a little one evening, the three of us, and Ben asked Anderson to tell me what it was like when the earthquake hit. It was amazing to hear a first hand account, to hear him describe the ground moving and shaking, the fear and anxiety the unpredictable aftershocks brought, the sleepless nights out in the open- not trusting the shelter of buildings for weeks, the sadness and aloneness survivors felt as they wondered whether loved ones were still alive. Cell phones, the main communication method there, were down for days. I remember the palpable anxiety in Jen’s (Ben’s wife) voice those first days after the earthquake, when she was unable to contact any of her Haitian friends. For Ben and Jen this wasn’t some obtuse disaster in a far away corner of the world that we see for five minutes on the evening news. This was affecting people they knew, people they loved. In our conversation that evening I pointed out to Anderson that he is very fortunate. He survived open heart surgery and an earthquake that claimed the lives of 250,000+ fellow Haitians and left a million homeless. So now what? It’s good to ponder that question. When you look back at your life and see what you’ve come through, it begs the question, “What do I do with these remaining days that God has given me?” You don’t have to survive an earthquake to ask yourself that question, but I think some of us need an ‘earthquake’ sometimes to shake us out of our complacency.

2010-06-04T14:03:00.000-04:00

Up date on Christopher

2010-06-03T09:01:00.000-04:00

From Christophers host Mom Sue

Christopher had his check up with Dr. Garton today. He was not entirely happy with his progress. The baby's head has filled in more than he had hoped. He gave himself 2 options. The first was to declare the surgery a failure and put in a shunt. He seems really reluctant to do this surgery because he feels Christopher has a great risk for a cranial collapse. The second option was to take a "wait and see" attitude. This is the avenue he has decided to take. He will see him back in one week to see how he is progressing. I think if he continues as he is without getting any worse he is prepared to leave things alone. If his head begins to get bigger again, he will have no choice but to do the shunt surgery. So we will take it week to week. If you have any questions Dr. Garton will be happy to return your calls. You can call his office at 734-615-0536 and leave a message for him to call you.In the meantime, Christopher is doing pretty well. I put him on baby food and he loves loves to eat! I will update you again after his appointment next week. Sue

Update on Oyis

2010-06-03T08:59:00.000-04:00

From Host mom Sondra

Hello to you all!

Took Oyis to the eye dr & Orthopedist. Facciani was concerned about a spot on his cornea and wants him to see another Eye Dr who specializes in cornea problems. He thinks it is possible that he may not have do do surgery! He has given us an RX for some plano glasses and we will be putting a prism on the R lens to offset any double vision he may be having.

Dr Shaw's appt was even more exciting! He took xrays and looks like leg is healing! He wants him weight bearing on it!
Walking no more wheelchair! He didn't like that too well when I took it away! I gave him a walker but he's not thrilled, keeps asking for his wheel chair! He also said he can get in the pool! HUGE smile when I told him that in Kreyol! We couldn't get home fast enough and get our bathing suits on! Even better...We will be taking the fixator out next week!

Seeing Dr Adam tomorrow. What a week! Hope you are all well, and we would for you all to come & say hello to the little man! He is learning English FAST!

Peace, Hugs & Blessings,
Sondra

Picture Update

2010-05-24T14:13:00.001-04:00

The girls beating up on dada Troy

2010-05-24T11:05:00.002-04:00

Oh Happy Day,

I am visiting with the triplets Hope, Grace and Faith. Whom are all doing so well. You would never know that just 8 months ago that they were clinging to life. Now Grace is up to 20 pounds 3 oz. Hope has passed up Faith and is 16.6 pounds and Faith is now the smallest at 16.1 pounds. Not bad for 2, 2 and 3 pound babies. They are still allergic to formula and are of the expensive substitute. Hope and Faith are crawling, pulling to stand up and walking around things. Grace is content to sit in the middle of the floor and watch all the fuss around her.

This morning we were treated to a pot and pan concert all 3 girls on the floor banging the pots and pans making wonderful music.

Church was great we participated in the Missions Sunday and all different Missionaries there to tell of the work that is bringing people to God. Girls were tired so did not stay for the wonderful potluck.

After their afternoon nap it was time to break out the swimming pool. Mommy got it out and Big Brother Julio helped to fill it. All three girls sat around the outside of the pool splashing to their hearts content. Julio who is bigger got into the pool and let the girls splash him. He even showed them how to float. Well what floating you can do at 5 and in 3 feet wide round pool, with 8 inches of water left in it?

Back in for dinner everyone ate great and now they have all had their bottles and are going to sleep for the night. I hope you enjoy the photos. Love Momma V

Hope, Grace and Faith look at us so big

2010-05-24T11:01:00.001-04:00

2010-05-23T18:21:00.000-04:00

2010-05-23T18:10:00.001-04:00

Dear AMH Family,

It is with a heavy heart I will write this next update. I am asking for prayers for Dr. Kitty Humphries and her family. Her beloved husband "Jamie" passed away last month while I was in Haiti. Dr. Kitty and Jamie have been long time supporters of AMH and the children we bring to the Roanoke Valley. She has helped us so much over the years with so many projects I can not even begin to list them all. Now she needs our prayers.

I am posting a photo of Dr. Kitty and Jamie 8 years ago at their wedding. His Memorial will also be posted. We all want to thank everyone who has donated in Memory of Jamie Humphries.

Thank you all my love V

James (Jamie) M. Humphreys, 38, Bedford
James (Jamie) McCracken Humphreys, age 38, of Bedford, departed this life on April 23, 2010. Jamie was the loving husband of Kathryn Luth Humphreys, MD, and the devoted stepfather of Matthew, Elena, Nick, and Mariah (Ches) Bono.
He was preceded in death by his beloved nephews, Lloyd Davis Jiang and Miles Weston Jiang.
He is survived by his mother, Nancy Lloyd Fisher Humphreys, of Kansas City, MO; and his father and stepmother, Richard and Margaret Humphreys, of Leesburg, VA; his sister Kristin Elizabeth Humphreys, MD, and her husband, Shao Jiang, MD, and his darling nephew Andrew Kai Jiang of Kansas City, MO; his beloved grandparents Phyllis and James Humphreys of Derry, PA; his mother-in -law Kathleen Luth Adams and husband Budd Adams; his aunt and uncle Euniann and John Grove, as well as his cousins, sisters- and brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.
Jamie was born in Munich, Germany. He was a lifelong athlete, excelling at hiking, soccer, tennis, skiing, and water sports. He enjoyed adopting companion animals and was an accomplished amateur astronomer and photographer. Jamie was a graduate of Handley High School in Winchester, and received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Saint Andrews College in North Carolina. After mentoring many children as a teacher and athletic director at James River Day School and Bedford Elementary School, and as a soccer coach of the Liberty High School Minutemen and Peaks Area Soccer Association, he went on to work as an Airways Systems Engineer for the Federal Aviation Administration in Leesburg.

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-12T05:32:00.001-04:00

Happy Mothers day to all the Host moms who have been so supportive of the children they care for. For all of the long nights in the hospitals, all of the doctors appointments, and most of all for the love while they were here receiving life saving surgeries, so that they could go back to live with their parents in Haiti.

We had a nice semi quiet day. College kids over for dinner then off to study for finals at VT. It was a beautiful day to sit in the sun, play baseball or kick ball.

Enjoy some of these precious photos. I pray you all had a wonderful day also.

love V

A. Carpenter

Update on Christopher

2010-05-04T18:22:00.001-04:00

He is in Michigan at his new host family and doing great. Almost sleeping through the night. He was unable to do that here with us.

I am attaching photo and part of the update his host mom Sue sent me. love V

Hi Vanessa!
I wanted to give you an update on Christopher.

He is a wonderful baby! He is mostly good natured, he does get crabby when he is tired. He now lets me rock him and I pat his back until he falls asleep. He loves to sit in one of several chairs I have for him and watch tv. He babbles and coos. He loves my husband and shows him with a smile :)

His tummy is doing fine. You must have broke him in for me because he has yet to throw up on me. I still don't let him eat more than 3 or 4 ounces at a time though. He only wakes one time at night, usually between 1 and 3 am. He eats a little and goes back to sleep within an hour.

His MRI is scheduled for tomorrow. He can have formula up until 7 am and then water after that until 10. His MRI is scheduled for noon and then we see the surgeon next Tuesday.

Even though this is a major lifestyle adjustment for me, I love doing this. I am anxious for his upcoming surgery so that he can start on the road to recovery.

My community is wonderful, I have had tons of diapers and formula donated to me, as well as gas cards to help me with the many trips to the doctors.

I will send you another update in a couple of days.

Much peace,

Sue Gasieski

Haiti Update…

2010-04-29T20:48:00.001-04:00

What a blessed life we lead. I am back home and got a full nights sleep last night. Woke up to the most beautiful sunshine. Temperature here are cold compared to Haiti but being from the North my body likes the cold better than the increasing hot of Haiti.

Christopher and I made it back to Virginia on Sunday evening around midnight. Boy was it a long trip. We had one complication after another trying to leave Haiti. It started by them not wanting to issue a ticket for us to leave. We were like ping pong ball being sent from one person to another. Someone would say ok we have it all figured out. Then someone else would say NO. After two hours in at the counter and a visit from the Minister of Interiors assistant we were issued the tickets. Then taken through immigration where they told me I am in Haiti so much I should be a haitian resident I could hear them calling my name but it is hard to get from point A to point B with a baby, stroller and backpack. Went through the next two screening places only to have the AA person say that the Letter to let Christopher out of the country from the Haitians was not enough.   Finally he agreed and we were taken to the plane.

We were the last to get on the plane and the wonderful flight attendants who are always willing to help jumped in. We got seated and off we went.   The flight for Christopher (his first) went smooth until we landed. It did not agree with him and he got sick all over both of us. We got through Ft. Lauderdale fine and had a 5 hour layover more than enough time to clean him up and try to do something with me.   I thought he was doing ok tried to sit down at a restaurant and eat but as my food was delivered Christopher made a funny sound. I picked him up and out it came again. I felt so bad for him he had no idea why he was so ill. The people around I am sure did not want to finish there lunch. The waitress put mine in a to-go bag. Went to the rest room for his second bath at the airport. The second flight we were blessed to meet a woman who had also just came from Haiti. She sat next to me and loved on Christopher he went to sleep and then so did I.

We got to Charlotte for our next long layover, I went straight to the gate but Christopher was not a happy traveler. Tried giving him just water, by this time I knew nothing would stay down for him. Wonderful people tried to help to calm him but he was tired and ill just did not want anything but his mom.   There was a beautiful little girl in the airport about 2 1/2 years old she wanted to give her bob (sponge bob) to the baby. Her father was so nice and went a bought Christopher his own sponge bob. Another lady who also has a baby a little older than Christopher walked the airport looking for soy formula and a pacifier. The Ladies who drive the carts went all over looking for blankets as it was very cold and all of ours were soiled.   So many angels stopped to help us. We finally got called and I was never so happy to be on a last flight. Christopher did ok considering how sick he still was.

I had called Tom my wonderful husband he went to the store before coming to get us and purchased Soy formula.   We got cleaned up gave him drops for his tummy before giving him a little soy formula. It finally stayed down. Most of the night Christopher and I spent in the recliner but he did not get sick again.   Monday Christopher was looking for mom but no vomiting. Tuesday brought Momma Sondra (from the team who helped take care of Christopher after his release from the USNS comfort ship). Christopher is staying with her for a couple of days and I am working on his travel to Michigan and his host parents who are excited to help him. He will have surgery at the University of Michigan Children's Hospital.   We will keep you updated.

A big Thank you to all in the airports that helped with Christopher. God always brings angels to help us with the children.

Other News: While in Haiti we went to a remote village near Bassin Bleu. Beautiful country and people. The were so welcoming and want to donate land for us to build an orphanage or Clinic. I will also put up some of the wonderful photos. This however will require a lot of prayer because getting to this village is very, very hard and you must cross the large river that floods half the year. During the times of flooding the people are cut off. They need a large bridge more than anything. I have no connections with this type of project.   I was pleased to see the village doing so well. Some illness but not the worst I have ever seen in Haiti. This village also is made up with over 90% of farmer's however when the river is up they have no way to get produce to market to make any money.   We were able to pass out 17 new Machetes to the farmers.   I felt like we were gearing up for a war giving out all of these large knives. But as I have been told so many times the Machetes is the best tool you can give a farmer. We want to Thank our friends at Stellar One for the donation to be able to help these wonderful people.
There are so many opportunities to help in Haiti. But knowing where to help and focusing on those projects are key.   Anyone wishing to help in Haiti please step out of your comfort zone and help.

Have a blessed day.

I hope you like these photos.

love V

Hello!

2010-04-25T00:02:00.000-04:00

Hello from Haiti,

This is my last full day here this month. Yesterday we were able to get all documents for Christopher Cenary, so he will be leaving with me in the morning. Please pray for the following.

No trouble at the Haitian or US airports

for his mother who is letting him go so she can care for his 4 siblings

for the new host parents who will be getting him later this week

for the doctors who will help to make him all better

I hurt my back earlier this week, I am prayerful that God will give me the strength to get to Roanoke with him. His head is very heavy.

We were unable to do the following:
get a truck

fix all of the elec problems

approval for Ratesse Oyis to travel to US still working on it.

See the new Global Orphan project

We were able to:
Christopher Cenary visa and travel papers

Visit Double Harvest a great program that AMH will be partnering with medical teams
see a house that we can rent after June for the mission teams
work on other mission teams for the summer, VBS, Building and medical

See many patients who need care

Interview a few people who may be able to come to the US for training to fit Prostheses

Talk to another group who may be willing to partner with helping the Haitian Amputees.

See part of the destruction of St. Josephs, see 10 of my boys. All are in good shape and glad to be back in school.

See feeding program resume with the start of classes

Hold clinic along with everything else Kez has going on down here

and much much more.

Thank you everyone for your notes I am glad there are those of you following the blog. Have a blessed week.

love V

Working in Haiti...

2010-04-24T23:59:00.001-04:00

... is not always easy. For example we have been looking for a used truck for over a week. We could not find one anywhere. So we finially decided to purchase a new truck which I would not do in the states. But Everyone has convinced me that if I get it new we will know when a problem is going wrong. If we purchase used we will have someone else's problems. Well now the problem is that there are no new trucks to purchase. So many people lost there cars and trucks in the earth quake they bought them all up quickly. So it will be a few weeks before they get the ones that are waiting in customs.

If you would have told me that I would go to a dealership in Haiti and be turned away told I would have to wait. I would have said NO way. They need the sell to help the economy.

Another issue is we forget even though we are living in the middle of the earthquake mess. Is that business that we have relied on are no longer around they were distroyed in the quake. It took hours to find a new photo place to get passport photos.

The guys that are here helping at St. Josephs needed hardware supplies. It took hours again and 4 different stores as all the supplies have been purchased by people down here doing the same thing.

The Haitian Government is trying its best to recover but it also is facing massive problems. I went to the Minister of the Interiors office, it has been put in a small store area. Filing cabnits everywhere. So little room, its difficult to be organized, struckured and effenct under these conditions. We had a meeting at Noon when I arrived they were busy. I asked do you want me to wait or would tomorrow be better. So I will go back tomorrow. We have to be willing to be understanding and patient this is not our country we are here to serve.

May your week be blessed. Please pray that we are able to bring Christopher out for Brain Surgery.

all my love,

Momma V

April 12th

2010-04-12T21:00:00.001-04:00

Saw Ois today. We have two hold ups. The largest one being that the sister has not yet been made official guardian. There are conflicting ways of going about this and as always in Haiti nothing is easy.

Tried to go used truck shopping.... Yea right so many lost their cars in the quake there is nothing used that is worth anything. Also so far nothing under $20 Thousand US. So we go out again tomorrow. Renting is expensive and paying $20 an hour is expensive. Please pray for us Kez needs a small truck or Jeep to get to as many tent cities as possible.

Saw just unbelievable tent cities today. One is recorded at 50 Thousand people on the only golf course in Haiti and it is privately owned. He wants the people removed No where to put them.

Another 10 Thousand at Delmas 33. It is a muddy mess. You get tired just trying to walk and not fall.

Clean up is limited. People are trying but first you have to get a crew hired. Then find the tools to work with, have a reliable dump truck operator to show up on time and he has to go very far with loads to empty. NIGHTMARE all of it. But everyone goes on that is all they can do.

Saw another burning body today. Thought I had seen my last one of those but no such luck. As people do uncover people they have no choice.

Blessings to all of you
Love,

Vanessa A. Carpenter

So Blessed...

2010-04-11T20:38:00.000-04:00

The best part of anyone's Job is to see the fruits of your labor to come full circle and accomplish what you are doing, make since of all the hours, prayers and time away from your family.

These photos show just that. I am so blessed to know these wonderful people who entrust their child to AMH and we (the team behind the scenes) who all work to make them well and return them to their parents.

Yesterday was a hard and great day. Bringing home the first earthquake evacuated baby to his parents was priceless. Bringing home Solyvien to his papa who faithful waited for the 5 years that it took me to find him care. It does not get any better than this. Atlius saw his Papa and Momma and lit up like a christmas tree. He did recognize them reached for Momma. God is so Good.

Please continue to pray for all of the work we do in Haiti all of the children we are still trying to find care for.

All My Love,

Vanessa A. Carpenter

Updates...

2010-04-08T10:05:00.001-04:00

Blessings everyone,

Well I am no where near caught up but off to Haiti again.

We are blessed to be taking Solyvien Favra home. Solyvien has been in the US for the past 10 months receiving corrective surgery on his foot. I will include a before and after photo. Solyvien has done so well that they only had to operate 2 times instead of 3. He has attended school at Glenvar Middle School for this year and leaves behind a whole school of friends and teachers who will miss him.

Solyvien was very worried after the January 12 earth quake in Haiti. We spent weeks in prayer that his family was ok. They were finially located well but now homeless. They had lost everything. Solyvien can not wait to go back and take supplies to his family. While waiting Solyvien did a water drive in front of Wal-mart and collected so many needed supplies. Most were given to the red cross as we do not have the funds to transport water to Haiti.

I will send you and update of him once he has been reunited with his family. Blessings to everyone who has prayed for him.

We want to send a big Thank You to Stellar One Bank in Salem Virginia, their branch won a contest between all the banks and was awarded a cash prize. All of the employees voted to donate the funds to AMH. We sincerely thank you all.

Another thank you to all who have raised funds for AMH, the out pouring of love for our work in Haiti has been wonderful. We have received donations from across the country, from Schools doing penny drives to Hospitals, Doctors collecting un used supplies and medical equipment. We have now 1 1/2 semi trailers full of donations that need to be sorted packed, palliated and shipped to Haiti. We are starting to raise the $8,000 to $10,000 it will take to get it all to Haiti safely and to the surgery center. Kez has used up most all of our supplies since the quake. So getting these things down to her is very important.

We have two more medical teams coming down in May and other dates open for anyone wishing to come to Haiti. Just give Kris Meadows your information at amhmissions@hotmail.com She will book everything for you.

Please pray that we are able to find a reasonably priced vehicle to purchase this trip. With the cost of Gas out of this world. We have to replace our beyond repair Jeep. Kez has been struggling without transportation for months. She needs and deserves a reliable vehicle to be able to get to all of our patients.

If you have not yet met Kez you will love her. I do she was a present sent directly from God. Her heart is pure and her love for the Haitian children is as strong as mine. Check out her blog at www.myhaitiankids.blogspot.com

Ok I know I do not update enough trying to do more. all my love V

Vanessa A. Carpenter

Angel Missions Haiti - Director

www.AngelMissionsHaiti.blogspot.com
www.AngelMissionsHaiti.org

Sammy...

2010-04-07T07:58:00.001-04:00

Hello,
I'm not going to let you guess. I'm Little Samuel Alexis, Dr Guerry CENORD's nephew. I'm your grateful friend too. For you let Jesus enter your heart(I'm first speaking to Dr Bob) to recieve my uncle 's phone call for help some hours after my birth who refered him to Vanessa who promptly handled the rest of my healing process in agreement with her all the medical staff, guess family and all those who prayed for me.
According to miss Betty: <>
God bless you!!!

Sammy

Update

2010-03-23T15:19:00.000-04:00

As predicted, Haiti made the news for a whole ten minutes... then the olympics and now the world goes on. When are we going to WAKE UP to the fact that these are our brother and sisters in Christ. God made us all, we were blessed to be born in this country we owe it to God to reach out to our Haitian brothers and sisters to help them.

Yes I know our economy is in a bad place right now. But honestly can't we all find something to give up so that we can help these children. We will be judged by what we do and whom we help and whom we ignore. YES it is easier to say I have bills. We all do. But none of us are living in these horrific conditions. None of us are sleeping in puddles of water being rained on all night long. None of us are watching our children die before our eyes because of NO FOOD NO MEDICINE TO TREAT THEIR ILLNESSES.

Please I beg of you. What is the one thing you can give up this year so that funds can go to help just one child. Is it that Coffee at Starbucks, Is it brown bagging it to work instead of fast food meal (that is not even good for you). Nothing is to small all funds go to help the people of Haiti. Please help us this year.

Below is information you may want to read. Opens your eyes to how life really is in Haiti. All my love V

“FEW EVENTS OF SUCH FEROCITY”
According to a February study by the Inter-American Development Bank, the cost of physical damage from Haiti’s earthquake ranges from $8 billion to $13 billion. It says, “there are few events of such ferocity as the Haiti 2010 earthquake.”
The study looks at natural disasters over the past 40 years and concludes that the death toll, per capita, of Haiti’s earthquake is four times, or more, higher than any other disaster in this time period. Nearly 24,000 people per million of Haiti’s population died. (The total estimated death toll is well over 200,000). The closest equivalent is 4,000 per million, in the 1972 earthquake that struck Nicaragua.
The Partners In Health agency estimates some 1.3 million people were left without shelter by the earthquake. The majority of those people still do not have adequate emergency shelter nor access to potable water, food and medical attention.
According to US AID, there are approximately 600,000 displaced people living in 416 makeshift camps in Port-au-Prince. Sanitation conditions in the camps remain a grave concern. With heavy seasonal rains fast approaching, the population is extremely vulnerable to exposure and water-born disease.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued an alert on March 4 about another deadly danger that lurks: malaria. It said, “Displaced persons living outdoors or in temporary shelters and thousands of emergency responders in Haiti are at substantial risk for malaria.Each year, Haiti has 30,000 confirmed cases of malaria. Officials believe the actual number is closer to 200,000.
Partners In Health says it has established clinics in five of the makeshift settlement in Port au Prince, serving some 80,000 to 100,000 people.
A “BROADLY INSUFFICIENT” RELIEF EFFORT
Two leading directors of Doctors Without Borders have called the relief effort to date "broadly insufficient." In a March 5 interview, they say that, “The lack of shelter and the hygiene conditions represent a danger not only in terms of public health, but they are also an intolerable breach of the human dignity of all these people.”
They call conditions in the makeshift refugee camps where many survivors still struggle to survive “shocking” and “shameful.”
Partners In Health voiced similar concerns in a March 5 press release and conference call. They called on governments and NGOs to do a better job addressing the “inhumane and rapidly deteriorating conditions on the ground in Haiti.”
PIH Executive Director Ophelia Dahl, recently returned from Haiti, told the conference call, “We witnessed hundreds of thousands of people living in makeshift temporary shelters; spontaneous settlements made of scraps of cardboard and plastic bags. What little people have is soaked, because they’re sleeping in the rain, and the makeshift shelters are already breaking down and dissolving. The conditions for the homeless and displaced people are absolutely inhumane and getting worse every single day.”

Vanessa A. Carpenter

Showing Our Hope for Haiti

2010-03-20T10:43:00.001-04:00

Like many others, I have been devastated by the earthquake in Haiti. My family is an adoptive family, and two of my children, Zoe and Andy, were born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. We were fortunate to meet both of our kids’ birth mothers when we were in Haiti to complete our adoption in 2004. Since then, we have exchanged letters and pictures. Watching the reports and video coming out of Haiti became too stressful because we did not know whether our not our children’s birth families had survived, were injured, or homeless. We decided to do something to help instead of just sitting and worrying.

We decided to start a fundraiser for Angel Missions Haiti. Vanessa Carpenter, the Director of Angel Missions Haiti, helped care for my children in Haiti. My children spent most of their first year of life at an orphanage run by Vanessa Carpenter, “Three Angel’s Children’s Relief”. Without the loving care from Vanessa and other wonderful volunteers, my children would not have survived.

The last two months my family has kept busy taking orders, folding and stapling labels, and mailing Hope for Haiti Bracelets. My kids have enjoyed helping. They were very proud to speak to their classmates about Haiti and show off the bracelets that they were selling. Our extended family has helped as well. My sister helped put together a website to take orders from, and my mom has helped with mailing orders. So far, we have raised $1,000, but we still have many more bracelets to sell. We have sold them at schools, churches, stores, and benefits for Haiti. People from all over the world have helped our fundraiser. Bracelets have been mailed to France, Hungary, Germany, and around the United States. We have also had some wonderful volunteers that have contacted us through our website and are selling the bracelets in different parts of the country. We are looking for others that would like to help.

We received word last Saturday that my daughter’s birth mother is alive. She is living outside her home in Cite Soliel. We are still waiting to hear word from my son’s birth family. I am thankful that we have had something positive to work on during this time. My children are seeing how important their birth country is to our family, friends, and to others throughout the world. Thank you to all that have participated in our fundraiser. We will continue to spread our hope for Haiti one bracelet at a time.

March 17

2010-03-17T20:33:00.001-04:00

Dear Friends and Family,

Yes I know I need to slow down but doing so is almost impossible. So many children needing help, so many of you wanting to help. My phone still rings all of the time.

UPDate of the Triplets

Faith, Grace and Hope are doing fantastic. They continue to grow but do have the allergy to formula undercontrol.

Miss Grace is stll the largest coming in a 17.1 pounds
Next is Faith she is at a whopping 14 pounds and last but in no way least is Hope she is 13 pounds.

All the girls are doing great. There host family is doing therapy with them reguarly. Big Brother Jiolo is fantastic. All of the girls love their big brother. I love these new photos.

Vanessa A. Carpenter

Vehicle Needed

2010-03-15T17:42:00.001-04:00

As many of you know we have tried to keep our Jeep in Haiti running. It now needs a decent burial. We are in desperate need here. It is next to impossible to work in Haiti without a Vehicle. We were paying $200 to $250 to have someone drive us. This is money that can be spent to purchase food and medicine for so many children.

I am told I should replace it with this type of Vehicle
Dodge Ram Truck 1996 to 1998, 4 Wheel Drive, Manuel Transition, Cummins-Diesel Engine, 3/4 ton to 1 ton size. It would be great to find one with an extended cab or an extended bed.

I was told that this type of truck would work out well in Haiti. If anyone wants to help search the web for this truck, or raise funds for this type of truck please email me. As I am not that smart when it comes to purchasing a vehicle for Haiti.

Please pray God shows us a vehicle either donated or in our limited price range.

all my love,

Vanessa A. Carpenter

Updates…

2010-03-14T14:12:00.001-04:00

Hydrocephalus: Water on the Brain a condition that you do not see here in the US because it is treated right away.

Please meet Chrisno and his host parents. With treatment, LOVE, therapy look at how this child is doing.

We can treat this in Haiti we just need help from each of you.
Love Vanessa

Updated Pictures…

2010-02-27T11:35:00.001-05:00

Haiti Update

2010-02-25T20:52:00.001-05:00

Thank you to everyone here who have keep us covered in Prayer. If it were not for God we would not have been able to do so much. I also want to thank everyone who has donated time, money, and supplies. There has been so many fundraising activities held by people all over the country to show love to Haiti.

My first few weeks in Haiti were spent at St. Damien’s Children’s hospital. Putting together teams to come down and help at the hospital as well as the clinic. Then we went into post op mode, with the USNS Comfort, along with seeing 400 plus patients a day we started to take post op patients from the Comfort.

We were blessed with amazing medical professionals who came down, jumped in and got to work. So much to do in conditions that were very hard to deal with. But all of the teams did such a great job. Last week it was a relief to see the numbers each day go down as to the number of people who needed medical care.

The Haitian people are all suffering from Post Traumatic Stress. They are terrified to go inside. If they do then they can not sleep. With the rainy season coming now things will only get worse. We have had 2 more earthquakes, but you have not heard of them as Haiti is now old news…on to the Olympics and something to celebrate. For the Haitians they celebrate life every morning I would hear someone singing praises to God it was a wonderful way to wake up.

Every day some Haitian I did not know would come up to me and thank me for coming to their country to help. It means so much to them to see us trying to help. It brings up their spirits, and encourages them to go on each day.

Please continue to keep the Haitian people in your prayers. They had such a hard life before the earthquake now it is even more impossible. So many churches, schools, businesses and homes that have been lost. Everywhere you look there is devastation. Looking at the big picture is overwhelming. So as always we pray and grow where God opens doors. We have had many people who have contacted Angel Missions Haiti, who feel called to help in Haiti. We need to build schools, churches, orphanages as they guess that there are more than one million true orphans now in Haiti.

To do this we must purchase land, clear it and then build, not cheaply but build smart have engineers look at the build sights and advise so that if another earthquake even larger than the 7.1 hits Haiti again our new structures survive. Things in Haiti continue to get more expensive as things develop and the need for continued financial support is going to be critical.

God is great all the time,

V

February 13

2010-02-13T20:02:00.001-05:00

The team that just came back from Haiti

Some pictures of the tent cities that are going up

Two pictures from around Haiti

Feb. 12

2010-02-12T21:02:00.001-05:00

Blessings to all,

Walnes is letting me use his computer as mine does not want to work right.

I am sorry I have not been in better contact. But from limited electricity, to limited internet access to 12 hour days it has not been easy.

We have been able to help so many with all of your love offerings and prayers. We have over 100 displaced Haitians living right up from us and are providing them food and water. Everyone is to worried to go back into their house if they are still standing. The whole country is suffering from Post Traumatic Stress.

But the children who are also scared are now starting to smile. I was downtown Port au Prince this week to pick up patients and it was beyond words. Almost everything is down. Then you go past a small house still standing. The thought of so many buried where they were standing on Jan. 12 is real. So many that will never be accounted for. We pass a large building every day that pan caked down. Someone climbed up to a floor that I guess one of their loved ones worked and put a beautiful set of flowers on the ledge. It is a daily reminder so many are gone and may never be found.

We started to take children released from the comfort this week. Sunday three more will join us at St. Emmanuel's School where we have been doing a daily clinic. I had thought that by now the lines each day would be shorter but as of yet they are not. So many with headaches, stomachaches, wounds that have not been seen and now are infected. What ever we can not handle we transfer to a hospital. Dr Bob and his team arrived this week and jumped right in. They are working at General Hospital, helping us with Clinic and started a clinic where they are staying and seeing patients each day. Diane, Terry, Doug, Jaxs, Gemina have been real troupers sleeping on the floor, cold showers, small meals. They have been such a great help. We could not do as much as we have without all of the teams.

Ginny is great she is with Haitian Christian Outreach and carefully explains to each patient about the medications they are receiving. We have been blessed with many teams who came down and still want to come to Haiti. I ask for your patients as we get each of your trips scheduled. Please understand that working in Haiti is harder than ever. We must not over book people and we are now needing to space out teams over the next months so that we can continue to give medical care to so many that need it.

The need has not diminished the earthquake has just brought so much of it to the surface. Pastor Mac thinks we can be on schedule with the surgery center he arrives in Haiti on Feb. 23. Our opening date is still scheduled for April 26. With two new OR's to work in we will be able to help so many more children and adults. Please pray that we can stay on schedule, that all of the funds needed to help so many continue to come in.

I wish I could send you photos but the computer I am working on is not mine. Please know that we are safe, well and doing all we can to help the Haitian people. It is so hard to talk to Tom and the kids and imagine that they are having snow and all that cold weather when we have sweat running down our faces. I pray you are all safe and warm.

Sorry I am not much of a writer. all my love V

Feb. 6

2010-02-06T17:14:00.001-05:00

Hi well it has been very hard with no computer for 4 days. Walnes thinks he fixed it but who knows its haiti. I am taking today off trying to catch up on computer and we are just seeing so many patients each day that it is mind bogging.

Some about 1/4 have to come to have wound care dressing changes. Others are just now seeking care and have toes, fingers, hands, feet and legs that are now beyond help and must be amputated. Still others sought out care to begin with and were given wrong information about their condition and now it is also sometimes beyond treatment.

The Haitian people continue to show their love of God and all around them. I am strenghtened by their love of God and love of us. Daily people thank us with tears in their eyes for coming to help them and their country.

Sometimes all they need is a hug and someone to say that they care. They have all lost so much.

Ogine a little girl brought to Clinic at the begining of the week by her neighbor is just such a young child. She thinks she she is 13 we suspect younger. Her and her mother were outside of thier appartment when the quake started. Mom told her to say and ran into
the appartment to get her father and 5 brothers. Everything came down on them leaving her one of the true Orphans. The neighbors took her in for a few days but can not care for her as they have 6 of their own children. No work, no money for food. She is at the appartment with me now along with Geni.

Please pray for these children as we are seeing them daily. Trying to find family or friends to take them in is getting harder each day.

Vanessa A. Carpenter

Feb. 4 Update

2010-02-04T20:53:00.003-05:00

Dear Family and Friends,

I am so sorry communication is very difficult and some days I am not up to writing.

The days are long and hot. We get to the clinic and see patients from early in the morning till the afternoon. Any patients needing transported to the Hospitals need to go with the driver or I have to go to be able to get them accepted. If not they are rejected. Makes for very long hot days.

Yesterday was one of those days where I saw so much that upset me. At one point I had to walk away we had not internet and I came down to try it again. And I saw on my computer a photo of the triplets. I cried and felt much better, I feel it was God showing me just why he has called me to work here. I needed that pick me up because we had a borrowed car and the team when home with the driver I and Diane took patients to the hospital to drop off. Got back to the clinic fine but then the car started acting up. On our way back up to the place we stay the car broke down. OK here we are two white women in the middle of Delmas with one Haitian who speaks next to no English. We prayed. God sent Haitian men who helped us to get the car off the road then they worked on it and were able to get it running for me. Then they got in the car and made sure we made it all the way back safe even walking us to the door. God took care of everything.

This morning I walked out to find little Geni walking with a man I remembered. Years ago, he had brought her to us with her Grandma and Mama to get her Cleft lip and palette fixed. Sadly, Geni's family died in the earthquake and she no longer has anyone to care for her. As you can see in the photos she is in shock, but was happy to see me and has clung to me since. I took a photo of the two of us that I will post.

Please be in prayer as Geni is the sixth child we have had brought to us who no longer has family. Some of the children are being taken care of by Haitian friends, others by their neighbors. Angel Missions continues to do all we can to provide them food, water and funds to do so until I get this all figured out. Geni will be my shadow until I can arrange safe care for her here in Haiti. There are many little ones like Geni who have been so traumatized by the earthquake and the chaos that has followed. We are praying that the system of orphanages and NGO's here in Haiti will begin to work together to provide them with not just food & shelter but a sense of safety and love.

Today we received some food and we will receive more patients that need medical care. The team I have here are great. Every day, we start out with scripture and prayer. All that they are seeing here is changing their lives as it is mine.

A Love Song for Haiti by Kirk Franklin & Friends

2010-02-04T17:06:00.001-05:00

I added a music video in the left hand column for everyone to see. It is a beautiful tribute to Haiti and truly made me cry. Kirk Franklin and friends will hopeful inspire many to keep Haiti and her people in their thoughts & prayers. Haiti is a country of strong, courageous, and generous people and so are we. Our prayer is that together with the rest of the world, we can help them heal and rebuild. Please keep our team members and all the other volunteers in your prayers as they do whatever they can to make life better for everyone they meet this week.

February 3rd Update

2010-02-03T21:40:00.001-05:00

We continue to be amazed and humbled by the kindness & generosity being shown to our teams on the ground in Haiti. Without exception, the Haitian's who have met the team have all been so thankful of any help they have been given and are quick to share what they have with friends & neighbors. Thanks to the many donations to our mission, we are able to help many. While our main mission has always been working with children needing medical care both in Haiti and in the US, we have had to refocus for the short-term. Angel Missions is in Haiti to help in any way we can and so we are currently concentrating our efforts where we know we can make a real difference.

First, we are providing support, food and water to the remaining inhabitants in the area of our clinic, Delmas 91. Vanessa is living at this clinic with team members. I will try and get a photo of the clinic post-earthquake so you can see what it looks like. Their being physically present at the clinic is important as many of our families know that is where to find Angel Missions. It is our best chance of getting information on many of the children we have served in recent years. It is also where many people know where to go to for help. Having someone there will reassure them that we are in Haiti to help before, during and after this crisis. When Vanessa first arrived in January, there were close to 300 people living in a field at the end of the block. Weeks later, that number is down to 100 with many folks fleeing the city for the countryside. Those that are left are still sleeping outside under tarps. They are still terrified. Food and water remains scarce but through contacts has managed to find enough to give everyone in the group one meal a day. She has also had a truck bring in enough water for drinking and washing. There is lots of food at the airport, but distribution is still bogged down. Nothing in Haiti was easy before January 12th and now everything is that much harder.

Every day, families are bringing their children to the clinics and asking Angel Missions to take them. Years ago whenVanessa started Three Angels Children's Relief with several other women, caring for these little ones was her primary concern. However, she left that group three years ago to start Angel Missions and concentrate on arranging medical care for the many children in Haiti who desperately needed life-saving surgeries. Many Haitians know her and know that she has helped others in the past when they could not care for their children. Sadly, she has to tell them that we can't help this time. She told me today there is such a huge need for someone to care for all the little ones who are alone or who are with families simply struggling to survive. These families love their children and aren't necessarily relinquishing them...they are just begging for help. They need food...shelter...water...and mostly time to get their lives back together. Most of us will never understand what it is like to be in this type of situation. We don't know the agony of holding a child that is truly starving to death or dying from an illness and have no way to save her. Our experience has been that families do not place their children in orphanages out of convenience, but as a desperate attempt to save them. Wouldn't we all do whatever it took to save our children? Please pray that UNICEF and the other large political players in Haiti right now will stop the posturing and get to the business of saving children. There are many orphanages and children's rescue missions that do this type of work and do it well. Children need not be housed in "tent cities" because that is what one group deems safest. Perhaps they should listen to the Haitian proverb that says "many hands lightens the work".

The second primary task for our teams is staffing daily medical clinics at St. Emmanuel's school (future site of the pediatric surgery center) and at our small clinic at Delmas 91. They continue to see up to 400 people a day. As many as 100 of those individuals have had no care and are in dire need of medical assistance. They are doing mostly wound care at the clinics and trying hard to arrange care at the bigger clinics or the hospitals for those in more serious condition. This week's team has been so thankful and excited that the patients who were treated by last week's team are doing wonderfully! They are not seeing many infections and are just changing dressings as needed. Sadly, one young woman came to the clinic yesterday who had not received any care since the earthquake. Her foot was injured and now, weeks later, she will need to have a toe removed. The team is working to find someone who will do the surgery and save her foot. They are hopeful.

Vanessa did ask that I put out a request for someone who might help us get our surgery center operating room in working order. This surgery center was not suppose to open for several more months, but there is equipment there already. The building withstood the earthquake and we are hoping that we might be able to get at least a small part of the center up & running. We do not currently have anyone that can look at what we already have and tell us if we can get it working or what we are missing. Vanessa is hopeful that someone with that ability will contact us and help with this task. It would be a tremendous blessing to have the ability to provide more care than we are currently able to. If you can help or know someone who can, please contact Vanessa at angelmissions@hotmail.com!

We hope to have some photos to post soon. Many thanks again to all who are joining us in this mission through prayer, donations and the medical professionals who are traveling to Haiti to work with us there. Please keep them all in your prayers along with our Haitian volunteers...specifically the guards at St. Emmanuel's School. Without all of you, Angel Missions could not be successful!

Hi From Heather

2010-01-29T22:03:00.002-05:00

Hi Everyone,

I just wanted to briefly introduce myself. I am going to be taking over the host family coordination and there may be some growing pains as Fran trys to get all the information she had over to me. So please hang in there with us. I am answering emails as quickly as I can. I have started a file for each of you that have sent applications and hope to have notice out to you this week as to whether your file is complete or I need anything. Please note my address on the side bar. Please send any applications and supporting docs to that address so that poor Fran doesn't have to keep sending me stuff!

A little about me. I am mom to five at the moment. We have four kids of our own and one foster daughter. We have adopted from Guatemala and Haiti. It was during our Haitian son's adoption in 2005 that we met Vanessa and began to work with Angel Missions. We hosted our first child while we waited for our adoption to go through. Since then I have watched Vanessa tirelessly serve the Haitian people. I am blessed to serve with Angel Missions.

New Host Family Coordinator

2010-01-27T11:17:00.000-05:00

Hi...we want to introduce our new Host Family Coordinator! Her name is Heather Price and she lives near Vanessa in Virginia. Heather is a very experienced adoptive mom who has worked with Angel Missions on and off since it began three years ago. Heather and her family have hosted numerous children as well. Angel Missions is very blessed to have her and her family helping our mission!

To reach Heather, please email her at AMHFamilies@hotmail.com or call her at 434-426-1791

Unfortunately, there are no updates as to when we might start bringing children to the US for medical care. The embassy is not issuing medical visas right now, but Vanessa is keeping in touch with them and will let us know. For now, Angel Missions will continue to prepare for their anticipated arrival.

Thanks!

AMH update from Haiti

2010-01-24T15:13:00.001-05:00

First let me THANK everyone for the prayers, and support we have received.

We are all doing well in Haiti and making it one hour at a time, one day at a time.

Working in Haiti was hard before all of this devastation. Now it is next to impossible. We are going to need ongoing medical teams each week to come and work at the clinic. Help out at different facilities that we partner with.

We are very thankful that most everyone we know and work with here in Haiti are alive and safe.

As I have said before words can not describe what is going on here. How devastating everything is.

One funny note: We were in traffic waiting and I noticed somewhere between 15-20 sheep standing on a walk way. When traffic stopped they crossed in front of us in a line. It was not until they were all across the street and walking down the other side did I realize that no Haitian was with them. They were just following the leader. The leader is walking, just walking down the street.

How bizarre is that. But it brings to mind God, we are all following his calling he is leading us and I have to believe he was leading the sheep to a safe place, just as he leads all of us to him.

I know you are seeing bad things on the news and reports of looting but we are seeing none of this. Just adults and children in shock and hurting, we are doing everything we can for them.

We had 4 translators show up today that worked on the USNS Comfort they are helping, here at Fr. Ricks hospital, in Tabarra.

It took days for me to bring myself to take photos. I know I should have taken some but could not stop long enough to do it.

I have no news from the children who have come to the states for care. I figure it will take months and some we will never know what happened to them. So many have fled Port au Prince to the DR and lots show up trying to get out at the embassy every day. Some are gone and there will be no one to tell us. Bernard and his family got their visa’s to go to the US in November so they had already moved before this happened. He and Suzie and Berny are all fine in Miami. But because he has not yet been replaced there is no one for the families to call or come and see.

I wish I could get my brain to write more. But I must get back to transferring patients.

All my love
V

Clearing up Some Confusion about GIRLS ORPHANAGE

2010-01-21T14:03:00.000-05:00

I wanted to post a quick note to all those from the Roanoke & Lynchburg areas of Virginia. There is a bit of confusion concerning a group of 65 girls from an orphanage in Port au Prince. Given the incredible urgency we all feel to help the children in Haiti this is very understandable! The girls are in an orphanage that is connected with the Resurrection Catholic Church in Moneta, Virginia. The staff at the church has been attempting to contact the director in Haiti to determine if she wishes assistance at evacuating her girls. They had received word that the orphanage was badly damaged in the earthquake and the girls have no supplies. Beyond that, we have little information and we are unsure at this time whether or not these girls will leave Haiti. The incredible communities around the Moneta area have been working to put contingency plans in place to ensure that if the girls are evacuated, they will have a safe haven.

Angel Missions & Safe Haven Network has been attempting to help the church coordinate their efforts. With our experience finding host families for children coming from Haiti on medical visas, we are sharing what we know and assisting in identifying potential host families. These host families will work with the Catholic church, not Angel Missions Haiti, but we are using our system as it is already in place.

If you live in Virginia and wish to consider apply to host a child, please go to www.safehavennetwork.org - there are instructions on how to proceed. If you are interested in finding out other potential opportunities to help, please contact the church (see above).

We again want to thank everyone for the incredible response in this crisis! You all are awesome! Our hearts and prayers go out to the country of Haiti and her people and all those who are working so hard to help them. We have confirmed that Vanessa is there and busy working. We will update you all as we know more!

Fran

Fundraiser for Earthquake Relief

2010-01-20T14:17:00.000-05:00

A friend of Angel Missions Haiti started a fundraiser to help us with our mission.

You can find the Haiti bracelet site here !

Thanks for your support

Partnering with American Airlines Flight Attendants!

2010-01-19T22:17:00.000-05:00

We want to tell you about some awesome ladies who are partnering with us to get supplies to Haiti! You can read about their project below and find them on Facebook as well.

"Patricia Sund and Pamela Quirin regularly fly to Port Au Prince out of Fort Lauderdale Airport. Patricia became a friend of Vanessa Carpenter throughout frequent flights, as did Pamela. When the earthquake hit, Patricia found a "Tweet" from Vanessa and emailed her asking her what her status was and did she need help. Well, that got the ball rolling! Patricia contacted Pamela who set up a Facebook page:
"AA Flight Attendants Supporting Haiti Recovery."

Four days after its creation, the "AA F/A Haiti" page has almost 600 members with numbers climbing daily. 48 hours after initial contact, Vanessa set up operations in Patricia's Condo living room and they began to set up and plan what Patricia refers to as "Project Peanut Butter." With a donated airplane bound for Haiti, donated supplies, Vanessa and two medical Professionals aboard, "Project Peanut Butter," took off a mere three days after Vanessa landed in Fort Lauderdale. During that time, the flight Attendant's "Guest passes" got 4 of the angel Mission Staff people back into Haiti through santo Domingo. Along the way, the American Flight Attendants began to scheme, plan and communicate about how they are going to bring supplies to Vanessa and "Angel Mission Haiti." It is still an ongoing process, but this group has accomplished an incredible amount of work and generosity in less than a week not taking into consideration the awareness Patricia and Pamela generated along the way about "Angel Mission Haiti."

Host Application Forms - PLEASE READ

2010-01-19T13:55:00.002-05:00

Hi Everyone,

Thank you to all the families who are contacting us about hosting. We are very thankful that so many of you want to help. Our staff is a bit overwhelmed with the number of calls & emails, but are doing our best to get back to everyone. At this time, we do not have any definite information on children coming to the US for care or specifics on how long the process will be. I will update you all when we know more.

We have had numerous requests for our host family application. Unfortunately, our website seems to be overloaded and not working as well as we like, so I have added a link in the right hand column & at the bottom of this post where you can download the forms. This link will take you to Media Fire where you will see a screen with four files. This link does work as there have already been over 150 downloads since this morning. To help with downloading, please be sure to read all of the instructions below.

You must download the files one at a time.

1) Do not use the download check boxes, they don't work. Simply click on the file name & you will see a download button pop up just to the right of the file name. Click on this to download (ignore all advertisements...that is what you get when you use free hosting!).

2) You will see a a yellow box come up that says "Begin download now"; click on this box to begin process.

3) Move back to file page and repeat this process for other files.

4) Download HERE

Please be sure to download all FOUR files. There is a host family letter, application instructions (including where to mail your paperwork), the application itself and a document that describes our requirements and policies.

I hope this helps!
Thanks again for your willingness to help us in our mission to help the Haitian Children!
Fran

A Big Thank You…

2010-01-18T19:07:00.001-05:00

This plane from the University of Michigan Health System has been flying critically ill children out of Haiti. They pilots and medical staff have been working around the clock to help us serve the people of Haiti. Their tireless efforts have been a huge relief to us and we greatly appreciate it! Thank You!!!

Jan. 18, 2010

2010-01-18T00:29:00.001-05:00

Dear Family,

I can not say thank you enough to the out pouring of love, prayers and financial support.

My son Bill made it out last night and it was so hard seeing him in so much pain on the evening news. He is still alive and God has sent many angel to watch over him and everyone else.

another miracle today they found a 7 year old american girl alive. Her parents were both killed she has back injury and we are working on getting a charter plane to get her out of Haiti. Pray for her, not having a guardian and needing a special flight is proving difficult but with God all things are possible.

A man I do not know called and is helping us with paying for some charter flights to get doctors and nurses. Again a God thing. Thank you lord for all you are doing and will continue to do to help us and the people of Haiti.

For all of those worried I left the triplets. They are at a loving host family and are doing well. I miss them dearly but God knew this was coming and had them placed and in great hands so I would not worry. Again thank you Lord you are doing so many miracles.

When I get a chance to see the news, I see the wonderful people of Haiti still praising God. They love God and know he is there with them. I would like to think we would be like them praising God if we were going through the same thing.

All my Love Momma V
Vanessa A. Carpenter

Email for staff

2010-01-17T22:52:00.002-05:00

Here are a few email addresses for our staff. We have had such an overwhelming response that we have added staff. For the time being, Kris Meadows and Britnie Carpenter will be coordinating all medical mission trips. If you are a medical professional and want travel to help, please contact Kris with all your questions. Britnie will help you with the paperwork needed to make the trip.

Kris Meadows - AMHMissions@hotmail.com 815-739-7656

Britnie Carpenter - AMHMissions@hotmail.com 540-380-4588

For donations and general questions, please contact:
Beth Richardson - AMHStaff@hotmail.com 540-380-4588

**Please note that in an earlier email this address was misquoted...it is NOT "AMHMedical"...sorry!**

If you are wanting to ask general questions about Angel Missions or discuss hosting a child here for medical care, please contact Heather at AMHFamilies@hotmail.com or 434-426-1791

Vanessa is currently en-route to Haiti. It will be difficult at best to reach her by phone or email. If you need to speak to AMH, please contact one of us and we will do all we can to get you an answer.

Thank you again for your prayers & support!

Note to all families interested in hosting

2010-01-17T21:05:00.001-05:00

I wanted to thank everyone who has contacted us in the last few days about hosting! Your response has been incredible and we are humbled by your willingness to help the Haitian children. With the overwhelming numbers of emails we are receiving, it may take us some time to contact you individually. So, in an attempt to answer some of the questions, I will try to answer some of the most common questions here:

1) At this time, there are numerous groups working to help Haitian orphans connect with the American families who have been in the process of adopting them. These children have already been identified, are in the adoption pipeline (which is long and winding) & their many of their families have been waiting for them for some time. These children come from many different orphanages, but hopefully a plan will be put into place to help them receive visas to come here without those adoptions being finalized in Haiti. There are a number of different government groups working on this but you can find out information at this link:
Be The Answer for Children

2) We are not a part of the process described above. Angel Missions Haiti works specifically with children who have medical needs. At this time, I do not know how the earthquake will change that mission, but it is obvious that the need to provide medical care for children will increase. While we do not believe that the need will be immediate, it is likely that we will need host families in the near future for children who need live-saving medical care here in the US. We have no time tables for when we might need families nor do we know how many we will need. In the past, most of the children in our program have not been orphans. This may or may not change, but please know that we are not an adoption agency nor do we work with any specific orphanage.

The length of time children stay here in the US has always been dictated by their medical care. Some only stay for a month or so, others have stayed up to a year. Host families must be willing to care for and treat their host child as one of their own. There are no stipends or allowances to cover costs. We arrange for the major medical care, but often host families arrange for a pediatrician in their area to donate care for the usual kid stuff (ie: ear infections, colds, rashes, etc.) Before a match is made with a family & a child is placed, all these details are discussed and plans are put into place.

3) Thank you to everyone who is willing to open their homes & hearts and host one of our children. We would like to build a database of families who are interested in hosting this medically involved children. Generally, the hospital & doctor that agrees to provide care for a specific child determines in which area of the country that child will stay. Families from all states are accepted. If you are interested in applying, please fill out the application on our website under the "mission" tab (scroll to the bottom of that page). The website can be found here: Angel Missions Haiti - there are three links for pdf files all highlighted. Please download all three. Once you have completed the application, please email them to me at: AMHfamilies@hotmail.com

4) As is true with all NGO's working in Haiti, the greatest need at this time is for funds. Please consider donating. You can find a Paypal button on this blog. Our funds are going to provide medical care in Haiti and to purchase supplies, food & water for those coming to us for aid. We have a number of medical professionals who are interested in going to Haiti to help. We have several partner organizations who are already there on the ground who we will support once Vanessa arrives. It is impossible to guess how this response will develop over the next weeks & months, but we have worked in Haiti for many years before this earthquake and our commitment to the Haitian people, especially the children, will continue for years to come.

Thank you again for your prayers and your support! They mean more than we can say...

If you have any questions about the application or instructions, please email. We promise to respond as quickly as we can.

Fran