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Publicizing PINP at mall in Anchorage, Alaska
March, 2010
March, 2010
Haiti To Me
by Jennifer Louise Johnson
It has been two months since I combed the sand in Jacmel,
Spoke with a local artist on his style,
ate fried bananas from the car window,
and saw the cheerful laughter and smile..
Before locals crowded the streets to sell anything from Tupperware to car batteries,
sandwiches to Lemon's and oily grill..
After the earth quake, there was panic, fear and hunger in the worst way,
almost everyone local or foreign getting sick..
after dark sets in you can hear prayers, the people singing to God,
Crying children and darkness to bare..
and the air, black smoke and toxic smell, stench of the bodies decomposed,
Every other building fell..
Haiti to me, is a vision for Humanity,
a 911 call to the world to do something,
of the greatest proportion ever seen..
Copyright © 2010
by Jennifer Louise Johnson
It has been two months since I combed the sand in Jacmel,
Spoke with a local artist on his style,
ate fried bananas from the car window,
and saw the cheerful laughter and smile..
Before locals crowded the streets to sell anything from Tupperware to car batteries,
sandwiches to Lemon's and oily grill..
After the earth quake, there was panic, fear and hunger in the worst way,
almost everyone local or foreign getting sick..
after dark sets in you can hear prayers, the people singing to God,
Crying children and darkness to bare..
and the air, black smoke and toxic smell, stench of the bodies decomposed,
Every other building fell..
Haiti to me, is a vision for Humanity,
a 911 call to the world to do something,
of the greatest proportion ever seen..
Copyright © 2010
This is to inform everyone that I am feeling much better. I do want to thank everyone who prayed for my recovery and especially the doctors and God. Geoff and I are now in Anchorage, Alaska, and went to a mall yesterday, to raise awareness and participate in a fund raiser for People in Need Partnership, along with other organizations. We spoke to people about our organization, made a speech into the small gathered crowd and did an interview for channel 2 news, which I will post here shortly.
Today, since I started feeling more myself then usual, I put a campaign on Bill Gates' Charity website. My soon-to-be brother in law, Gregory Long works for Bill Gates, and located 2 floors up from Bill. Here is the website that I designed but still making improvements on. Please let me know any thoughts or ideas you may have on it. I will also set up a booth at another mall, the 5th Avenue Mall downtown, on the weekend to raise money for http://www.pinpartnership.org.
Again , thank you so much for all the heartfelt thoughts and prayers. I hope that our partners and staff are doing well and making great progress.
The Website: http://www.standwithhaiti.org/page/outreach/view/haitiearthquake/PeopleinNeedPartnership
Here is the URL to the television interview - not sure if it will work but it's worth a try.
http://www.ktuu.com/global/video/flash/popupplayer.asp?vt1=v&clipFormat=flv&clipId1=4562144&at1=News&h1=%E2%80%98From%20Alaska%20With%20Love%27%20benefits%20Haiti,%20shot%20police%20officer&flvUri=&partnerclipid=&rnd=43635677
Sincerely,
Jennifer Johnson
Head Coordinating Director
Today, since I started feeling more myself then usual, I put a campaign on Bill Gates' Charity website. My soon-to-be brother in law, Gregory Long works for Bill Gates, and located 2 floors up from Bill. Here is the website that I designed but still making improvements on. Please let me know any thoughts or ideas you may have on it. I will also set up a booth at another mall, the 5th Avenue Mall downtown, on the weekend to raise money for http://www.pinpartnership.org.
Again , thank you so much for all the heartfelt thoughts and prayers. I hope that our partners and staff are doing well and making great progress.
The Website: http://www.standwithhaiti.org/page/outreach/view/haitiearthquake/PeopleinNeedPartnership
Here is the URL to the television interview - not sure if it will work but it's worth a try.
http://www.ktuu.com/global/video/flash/popupplayer.asp?vt1=v&clipFormat=flv&clipId1=4562144&at1=News&h1=%E2%80%98From%20Alaska%20With%20Love%27%20benefits%20Haiti,%20shot%20police%20officer&flvUri=&partnerclipid=&rnd=43635677
Sincerely,
Jennifer Johnson
Head Coordinating Director
When I arrived in San Domingo , Dominican Republic - I was confused because there were many lines and no formal signs indicating what they meant. I kept asking until I was sure which one to stand in. Then they okay ed my visit with out paying the $10.00 us since I said I was going into Haiti. I thought , maybe there felt sorry for me or that they knew that I would be going into the unknown. I kept going until we were hovered around this belt waiting for the luggage to fly out of this whole in the middle. Then I pushed to the line for clearance and finally arrived to the exit door of the airport. I was confused because Geoff said to get a hotel by the airport and from the way it looked even in the moon lite night that there was no hotel near the airport. I decided reluctantly to ask the police for help with no Spanish or french translator. It was quite an event. I over hear the others say they were staying at Hotel Lena, so I followed. In the taxi however, I started to get really nervous because he kept driving forever and I knew we were going far from the airport. My phone had no signal and Geoff did not know where I would be. So I began to worry..a lot.
I arrived at the hotel that looked like a larger level designed from the 60's era . It had the look and feel of some old movie scene. But I was tired and all I wanted was to leave a message for Geoff and sleep. It turned into conversations with reporters, red cross, volunteers and church organizations. Then after using a few of the journalists phones I was able to let Geoff know how to find me.
After waiting for 2 hours at the bus station the following day in the hot dry air of Dominican Republic , we met up. The next day we went to the market and checked the prices of food , and later Geoff and nathian went back and purchased the food to bring to Port au Prince. We planned to leave in the morning and I was so nervous about the unknown trip and had a hard time sleeping. I walked over to the ocean and gazed over it until I could only see the horizon..but my mind was thinking back in December when I saw so much hope and development coming forth for Haiti. I was wondering what it would be like this time for me and the fact that what I saw before was so much need..now what?
There was a lot of tension at the bus stop in the morning of our departure. We were thankful when the food arrived then worried if it could go with us on the same bus. Geoff started to get really sick and I was just having heat stroke for the fast change in the culture from Alaska to Dominican Republic. The bus we were getting on looked a lot like the greyhound buses and I was relieved to discover this because I thought we were taking a tap-tap all the way to Port au Prince.
The ride was torturous and very rough, our first driver had been drunk and was driving like a crazy chicken all over the roads , in through construction sights and hit a latter on the side of a truck parked on the road. Then our second driver had a stroke before we even got close enough to the border. Geoff was starting to get a fever and was in and out of sleep. I watched over him and gave him food and water when ever he needed it. After we crossed the border , you could see the signs of the earth quake , detestation in the eyes of the locals, and the thick cloud of dust and cement in the air which made its own cloud .
We arrived very late into Port au Prince, it was pitch dark and people were grabbing bags left and right from the bus. I became so worried of the supplies I brought in Alaska and our belongings. We met Cajuste and some of Cajuste's friends , then went to the office. Cajuste was talking about what had happened and Geoff was responding some. . all I was thinking about was we made it to Port au Prince alive. wow.
We slept at the office and Geoff kept getting sicker. I started to show signs of something but was able to look over him and take care of him. As the first days of my arrival passed by, I started the translation form from English to Creole, helped with the computer programs, and stocked all the special supplies I brought with me. I had not yet been any place to see the devastation and did not want to ask Geoff to show me since he was clearly not feeling himself at all. I took care of him until he flew back to America.
The day Cajuste and I took him to the airport, is when I was seeing for the first time the real destruction of what had happened. As anyone else , who had seen something a month ago would react- it shocked me. Imagine going to a place and spending two weeks there , coming back a month later to destruction- and how would you feel? I was overwhelmed and then Geoff took off on the plane, cajuste took me to downtown Port au Prince, took me by the apartments that I use to know, the bank which was ruins now...I was with out words. I was thinking over and over to myself, why hasn't anyone taken a bulldozer to search this and why hasn't anyone moved the soil over here..but no words spoken. Just looking and taking in all of it .
I thought night and day after that tour of destruction that cajuste took me on..and still could not come up with a solution for the problems I saw left and right, in front and behind me. It surrounds you in Haiti, almost consumes you - if it could. You are not thinking about yourself when you are in something so tragic, you think to save, heal and rebuild and work every fiber of your being to come up with a constructed plan or method to all of what you see, hear and experience. There is a huge cry for help every where you look or hear. and it echos not just verbally but in the eye of mankind. I saw many things under the same moon, same sky, and same sun as them.
I will write more later.
I am still sick and slowly recovering . Thank you for all you prayers, support and thoughts.
Sincerely
Love and Light
Jennifer
Head Coordination Director
I arrived at the hotel that looked like a larger level designed from the 60's era . It had the look and feel of some old movie scene. But I was tired and all I wanted was to leave a message for Geoff and sleep. It turned into conversations with reporters, red cross, volunteers and church organizations. Then after using a few of the journalists phones I was able to let Geoff know how to find me.
After waiting for 2 hours at the bus station the following day in the hot dry air of Dominican Republic , we met up. The next day we went to the market and checked the prices of food , and later Geoff and nathian went back and purchased the food to bring to Port au Prince. We planned to leave in the morning and I was so nervous about the unknown trip and had a hard time sleeping. I walked over to the ocean and gazed over it until I could only see the horizon..but my mind was thinking back in December when I saw so much hope and development coming forth for Haiti. I was wondering what it would be like this time for me and the fact that what I saw before was so much need..now what?
There was a lot of tension at the bus stop in the morning of our departure. We were thankful when the food arrived then worried if it could go with us on the same bus. Geoff started to get really sick and I was just having heat stroke for the fast change in the culture from Alaska to Dominican Republic. The bus we were getting on looked a lot like the greyhound buses and I was relieved to discover this because I thought we were taking a tap-tap all the way to Port au Prince.
The ride was torturous and very rough, our first driver had been drunk and was driving like a crazy chicken all over the roads , in through construction sights and hit a latter on the side of a truck parked on the road. Then our second driver had a stroke before we even got close enough to the border. Geoff was starting to get a fever and was in and out of sleep. I watched over him and gave him food and water when ever he needed it. After we crossed the border , you could see the signs of the earth quake , detestation in the eyes of the locals, and the thick cloud of dust and cement in the air which made its own cloud .
We arrived very late into Port au Prince, it was pitch dark and people were grabbing bags left and right from the bus. I became so worried of the supplies I brought in Alaska and our belongings. We met Cajuste and some of Cajuste's friends , then went to the office. Cajuste was talking about what had happened and Geoff was responding some. . all I was thinking about was we made it to Port au Prince alive. wow.
We slept at the office and Geoff kept getting sicker. I started to show signs of something but was able to look over him and take care of him. As the first days of my arrival passed by, I started the translation form from English to Creole, helped with the computer programs, and stocked all the special supplies I brought with me. I had not yet been any place to see the devastation and did not want to ask Geoff to show me since he was clearly not feeling himself at all. I took care of him until he flew back to America.
The day Cajuste and I took him to the airport, is when I was seeing for the first time the real destruction of what had happened. As anyone else , who had seen something a month ago would react- it shocked me. Imagine going to a place and spending two weeks there , coming back a month later to destruction- and how would you feel? I was overwhelmed and then Geoff took off on the plane, cajuste took me to downtown Port au Prince, took me by the apartments that I use to know, the bank which was ruins now...I was with out words. I was thinking over and over to myself, why hasn't anyone taken a bulldozer to search this and why hasn't anyone moved the soil over here..but no words spoken. Just looking and taking in all of it .
I thought night and day after that tour of destruction that cajuste took me on..and still could not come up with a solution for the problems I saw left and right, in front and behind me. It surrounds you in Haiti, almost consumes you - if it could. You are not thinking about yourself when you are in something so tragic, you think to save, heal and rebuild and work every fiber of your being to come up with a constructed plan or method to all of what you see, hear and experience. There is a huge cry for help every where you look or hear. and it echos not just verbally but in the eye of mankind. I saw many things under the same moon, same sky, and same sun as them.
I will write more later.
I am still sick and slowly recovering . Thank you for all you prayers, support and thoughts.
Sincerely
Love and Light
Jennifer
Head Coordination Director
I have returned from Haiti. I left late Thursday night from sickness. The us air force gave me 2 pints of IV before okaying my plane trip on the military plane to Charleston , South Carolina . Once I arrived into Charleston , South Carolina - I was greeted by the Red Cross who immediately admitted me to the hospital emergency room. They found bacteria infection , bladder infection and possible malaria in my system. I was in extreme pain and still have some of the symptoms remaining. I am on 2 medications and need plenty of water and sleep to recover. I will update everyone once I have recovered from this illness. Thank you for all of your prayers, thoughts and supports.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Johnson
Head Coordination Director
Sincerely,
Jennifer Johnson
Head Coordination Director
Today, I am focusing on the learning center. We need to make sure that all computers for the learning center have the english learning program. Also I want to make sure that the People in Need Guest Hostel is going to be a success for the volunteers and guests who come to visit the office and Haiti. I am not feeling good, and moving slowly today. I have a fever and my stomach an throat hurt. I hope that it will be okay before I fly back to America tomorrow morning or Saturday morning. It rained this morning and woke me up to the smell of dust in the air. I am sure it was a combination of dust and cement. It really didn't help with the fever I already have.
Yesterday, Sophia and I were teaching the mothers some letters of the alphabet and then we did 2 food distributions. I feel it was a good start for the people in need partnership and the food relief progam for Feast and famine. It was difficult on our last delivery because it was not planned and people were hiding fish and asking for more. It was hard to control and I think that in the events of the future food distributions that there should be at least 2 or 3 visits before the food is distributed for the safety of the staff and a controlled food distribution. I heard from alot of american's that have done food distributions in the tent cities tell me that once the people get their food their usually is a fight once they leave and people try to take their food, if the person is weak they usually lose all their food in the fight.
Tomorrow through Sunday is a celebration in Haiti and all tap-taps , taxis , and businesses are closed. This is from the request of the president of Haiti. So , there will not be any work after today for me to do here. I will stay some place downtown , and then have Cajuste take me to the airport. It is getting cooler outside and I think there will be rain today or tomorrow. I worry for the people in Haiti that are on the hills. Because of possible mud slides.
Once I return to Alaska, I will write my thoughts and experience for everyone to read. I have visited with many of our partners and they all look very well. I send greetings from Haiti.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Johnson
Head Coordination Director
Yesterday, Sophia and I were teaching the mothers some letters of the alphabet and then we did 2 food distributions. I feel it was a good start for the people in need partnership and the food relief progam for Feast and famine. It was difficult on our last delivery because it was not planned and people were hiding fish and asking for more. It was hard to control and I think that in the events of the future food distributions that there should be at least 2 or 3 visits before the food is distributed for the safety of the staff and a controlled food distribution. I heard from alot of american's that have done food distributions in the tent cities tell me that once the people get their food their usually is a fight once they leave and people try to take their food, if the person is weak they usually lose all their food in the fight.
Tomorrow through Sunday is a celebration in Haiti and all tap-taps , taxis , and businesses are closed. This is from the request of the president of Haiti. So , there will not be any work after today for me to do here. I will stay some place downtown , and then have Cajuste take me to the airport. It is getting cooler outside and I think there will be rain today or tomorrow. I worry for the people in Haiti that are on the hills. Because of possible mud slides.
Once I return to Alaska, I will write my thoughts and experience for everyone to read. I have visited with many of our partners and they all look very well. I send greetings from Haiti.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Johnson
Head Coordination Director
This weekend I stayed at the Hotel Kinam. There were many reporters and camera men everywhere. I spoke to many of them and each one told me that the most important news right now is on the orphan case, about the two women who tried to kidnap 30 some children from Haiti. I agree that this is important news but so is thousands upon thousands of haitian people who are bracing for the rain season and have no tents that are rain standards and do not have food or water to provide for the needs of their family. It worries me - I don't know about them. I think that it will be very difficult once the rain arrives. Especially on the hills, where there are houses upon houses - and then account for the mud slides that may also occur then we will have more devistation after the devestation of the earth quake , and the extreme poverty crisis before that. What then ? Why haven't the larger organization came up with a plan for the tent cities outside of port au prince in a controlled medical, food and water distribution? There are already people fighting over the food after they recieve it and the weak lose their food over the fights.
It rained this weekend for a moment and I raised my hands up and said stop raining. after 10 minutes it stopped but many of the reports and film crew at the hotel were thinking of their equipment. I wonder if they stopped and thought about the children, families and the handicapped that are in sheets right outside the gates of the hotel.
The riots have started on the street and I watched alot of americans leave since I have arrived here. If you go to the international airport in Port au prince you can fly to florida for free if your american. But once they leave the problem is still here in Haiti. Is there a solution to this level of need? I studied many scholars at the restaurant while sipping my coffee and watched the puzzled gazes in their faces. It was like they had no clue what to offer them or a solution to the food and water crisis.
We did our food distribution on Monday , thanks to the donations received from our members on http://www.feastandfamine.org, partners on http://www.pinpartnership.org and special contribution from AMDA , Japanese Medical Doctors , and a grateful thank you to Nithian. We are sincerely grateful in all the donations and contributions to everyone and organizations, who have contributed to our efferts in helping the people in Haiti. We sincerley thank you and so do the people in Haiti.
I will try to post more before my return to America. I appreciate all the prayers and wonderful thoughts from the partners. I hope that you can keep a candle burning for Haiti, our partners, and staff and my safe trip back to America.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Johnson
Head Coordination Director
It rained this weekend for a moment and I raised my hands up and said stop raining. after 10 minutes it stopped but many of the reports and film crew at the hotel were thinking of their equipment. I wonder if they stopped and thought about the children, families and the handicapped that are in sheets right outside the gates of the hotel.
The riots have started on the street and I watched alot of americans leave since I have arrived here. If you go to the international airport in Port au prince you can fly to florida for free if your american. But once they leave the problem is still here in Haiti. Is there a solution to this level of need? I studied many scholars at the restaurant while sipping my coffee and watched the puzzled gazes in their faces. It was like they had no clue what to offer them or a solution to the food and water crisis.
We did our food distribution on Monday , thanks to the donations received from our members on http://www.feastandfamine.org, partners on http://www.pinpartnership.org and special contribution from AMDA , Japanese Medical Doctors , and a grateful thank you to Nithian. We are sincerely grateful in all the donations and contributions to everyone and organizations, who have contributed to our efferts in helping the people in Haiti. We sincerley thank you and so do the people in Haiti.
I will try to post more before my return to America. I appreciate all the prayers and wonderful thoughts from the partners. I hope that you can keep a candle burning for Haiti, our partners, and staff and my safe trip back to America.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Johnson
Head Coordination Director
Last night, it was extremely tense and difficult. The miracle is we did receive the food delivery and water. We are going to plan where the food delivery will go to and then I will take plenty of pictures and videos to post for all to see. Cajuste said it would not be safe for me to stay at the office alone. So I will stay at the hotel that Geoff stayed at while he was here. I will stay at the hotel for two nights and then for next week,Cajuste said he will sleep outside the office to make sure the food , office and I are safe. The reason Cajuste sleeps outside , is because everyone here is afraid of going inside the houses or buildings. None of the buildings or houses that I have seen and stayed at have passed inspections for health codes and living quarters.
It is hot today but there is a breeze coming from somewhere. I am smelling the gas from the generator and working with Cajuste today on the mini center.Today, I will work with Sofia to make formation on the desks , translating from english and Creole for the partners to learn how to send and receive messages on their own. We think it will take time for them to understand the basic computer skills , but with this program it will be better for the partners to have their own connection with their partners abroad.
Cajuste and I driving Geoff to the International Airport, when we passed thousands and thousands of tents. Geoff asked Cajuste, what the tents that were oval and long were for. Cajuste said the Haitian Military. I took pictures and will take more upon my departure. I saw the tents upon tents lined up in the soccer field where in December children were playing, beside the soccer field is tents upon tents for Red Cross, and all the way to the international airport is tent cities. Thousands and Thousands of them. At the airport , when Geoff and I got out of Cajustes car the police asked for our passports. I showed mine, he showed his and then the one behind the line of police said go. I said I was staying and he is leaving. The international airport is giving free flights to all American's in Haiti. In fact, they do not want us to stay here. There is so much need everywhere and it is difficult watching doctors and nurses leaving for America when there are so many lives that still need saved.
When Cajuste and I left the airport , he said he wanted to show me something. We went down the street that I use to know. He parked and pointed to this destroyed building. He said" that us to be an apartment. It had 10 levels before." , it was so sad to see this. There are no more levels to this apartment. We walked over to it and I was devestated , screaming for anyone to hear me. No one answered. I waited and still no sound. We drove down the road less then a block and he pulled over and pointed. All around me was ruins, and bodies still inside these collapsed buildings, houses and apartments. He said to come with him. We walked across the desserted gas station with people standing around dazzed and confused. He pointed across the street to the bank. I froze. I was just staring at this bank that is now destroyed and in my mind I recall that the earth quake happened at 5pm. We said nothing.Staring in Shock, I finally asked Cajuste, " How many people do you think were inside when it happened."..he said, " at least 300 lives were inside , Jennifer." We passed Hotels that use to be 10 stories high, and now they are 2 stories. There was an apartment that had 10 stories and it is now 1 level and none of them show a sign that anyone has searched for survivals in these buildings because you would see marks where the bull dozer attempted , but nothing. It has been 25 days now since the earth quake, there is still a chance that someone is alive in the rubble.
I will keep posting as often as I can. I promised that I would do so and I am doing the best that I can. We still need more donations. Each time we receive $2,000 , we will purchase more food. The website for Feast and Famine once again is http://www.feastandfamine.org, sign in , leave us your email address and a minimum of 50 cents donation.Please keep Haiti in your prayers and us.
It is hot today but there is a breeze coming from somewhere. I am smelling the gas from the generator and working with Cajuste today on the mini center.Today, I will work with Sofia to make formation on the desks , translating from english and Creole for the partners to learn how to send and receive messages on their own. We think it will take time for them to understand the basic computer skills , but with this program it will be better for the partners to have their own connection with their partners abroad.
Cajuste and I driving Geoff to the International Airport, when we passed thousands and thousands of tents. Geoff asked Cajuste, what the tents that were oval and long were for. Cajuste said the Haitian Military. I took pictures and will take more upon my departure. I saw the tents upon tents lined up in the soccer field where in December children were playing, beside the soccer field is tents upon tents for Red Cross, and all the way to the international airport is tent cities. Thousands and Thousands of them. At the airport , when Geoff and I got out of Cajustes car the police asked for our passports. I showed mine, he showed his and then the one behind the line of police said go. I said I was staying and he is leaving. The international airport is giving free flights to all American's in Haiti. In fact, they do not want us to stay here. There is so much need everywhere and it is difficult watching doctors and nurses leaving for America when there are so many lives that still need saved.
When Cajuste and I left the airport , he said he wanted to show me something. We went down the street that I use to know. He parked and pointed to this destroyed building. He said" that us to be an apartment. It had 10 levels before." , it was so sad to see this. There are no more levels to this apartment. We walked over to it and I was devestated , screaming for anyone to hear me. No one answered. I waited and still no sound. We drove down the road less then a block and he pulled over and pointed. All around me was ruins, and bodies still inside these collapsed buildings, houses and apartments. He said to come with him. We walked across the desserted gas station with people standing around dazzed and confused. He pointed across the street to the bank. I froze. I was just staring at this bank that is now destroyed and in my mind I recall that the earth quake happened at 5pm. We said nothing.Staring in Shock, I finally asked Cajuste, " How many people do you think were inside when it happened."..he said, " at least 300 lives were inside , Jennifer." We passed Hotels that use to be 10 stories high, and now they are 2 stories. There was an apartment that had 10 stories and it is now 1 level and none of them show a sign that anyone has searched for survivals in these buildings because you would see marks where the bull dozer attempted , but nothing. It has been 25 days now since the earth quake, there is still a chance that someone is alive in the rubble.
I will keep posting as often as I can. I promised that I would do so and I am doing the best that I can. We still need more donations. Each time we receive $2,000 , we will purchase more food. The website for Feast and Famine once again is http://www.feastandfamine.org, sign in , leave us your email address and a minimum of 50 cents donation.Please keep Haiti in your prayers and us.
It is hard to see myself in this place from time to time. It is so difficult to find water, food and even power for the generator to use the internet until the generator goes off. I have been praying all the time. I heard storys that are horrifying and spoke with US TODAY , Head director of Red Cross, and some relief organizations as well as the medical teams from around the world.
Geoff and I stayed 2 nights in Dominican Republic and then we traveled by bus to Haiti. We are trying to get the fod relief set up and also the office situated. It has not been easy and it is difficult to even get food or water. My stomach has hurt for 2 days, Geoff said his muscles are hurting but he has been here for 2 and 1/2 weeks.
Geoff met Nathaniel in Domincian Republic, and he and Geoff went to the market to purchase $2,000 us in food . The bus to Haiti was so rough and dangerous but Geoff not feeling well, slept through most of it. I on the otherhand was so frightened. It was a miracle to make it to Port au prince. Today, we set up the office, and we are programing the computers for the mini center.
When your stomach hurts like this it is so hard to eat anything. I did try but not easy. I will work on that. Sleep is another story. There are dogs fighting , roosters screaming, people singing gospal and then you hear cries . It is so hard to sleep. It is also very hot and humid which doesn't help at all.
We will hopefully get the shipment of food tomorrow and in the mean time, we are setting the office up for the partners with People in Need partnership. I saw Nazer today, and he spoke to me about his experience and said he saw me coming back sooner then I told him.
We are working on the lights, water and generator issues so that we can rent one or two rooms out at the office. Which is like a house. I will try to write when I can.
Keep us in your prayers.
Love and Light
Jennifer Johnson
Head Coordinating Director
Geoff and I stayed 2 nights in Dominican Republic and then we traveled by bus to Haiti. We are trying to get the fod relief set up and also the office situated. It has not been easy and it is difficult to even get food or water. My stomach has hurt for 2 days, Geoff said his muscles are hurting but he has been here for 2 and 1/2 weeks.
Geoff met Nathaniel in Domincian Republic, and he and Geoff went to the market to purchase $2,000 us in food . The bus to Haiti was so rough and dangerous but Geoff not feeling well, slept through most of it. I on the otherhand was so frightened. It was a miracle to make it to Port au prince. Today, we set up the office, and we are programing the computers for the mini center.
When your stomach hurts like this it is so hard to eat anything. I did try but not easy. I will work on that. Sleep is another story. There are dogs fighting , roosters screaming, people singing gospal and then you hear cries . It is so hard to sleep. It is also very hot and humid which doesn't help at all.
We will hopefully get the shipment of food tomorrow and in the mean time, we are setting the office up for the partners with People in Need partnership. I saw Nazer today, and he spoke to me about his experience and said he saw me coming back sooner then I told him.
We are working on the lights, water and generator issues so that we can rent one or two rooms out at the office. Which is like a house. I will try to write when I can.
Keep us in your prayers.
Love and Light
Jennifer Johnson
Head Coordinating Director
I promised to update when I can. I arrived in San Domingo last night at midnight. I was warned to not go outside, but I need to get a ride to the hotel. I waited not knowing what to do. Then contacted the police who arranged for a special ride to Hotel Lena. I was brought here and it is a very nice hotel. I am sure that this pleasure will be gone very soon and I will see like a rocket the reality of this by tomorrow. I have spoken to red cross on my idea for all non-profit to have their own tent city and to give them responsibility for these cities and what ever supplies they may need. Geoff is traveling today to San Domingo to meet me. A journalist with US Today, Kevin ? my mind went blank on his last name. He let me use his phone to text Geoff. I have four phones and none of them work. It took me until now to explain that I need to use the internet. Hopefully it will be smoother soon. I have all the supplies safely here. Later today, I will hand write all of the letters to the partners. I do not have a lot of time for internet. There is a lot of Americans here at the Hotel Lena. I spoke with red cross , they are also staying here and the group from Switzerland red cross, they might have room for Geoff and I on the bus they pay $400 a day for transportation through Dominican Republic to Haiti. Since so many people have donated for Haiti, my argument was we are working there too. They will speak with Geoff on arrival. It is very hot here, and it is a must for me to find water. I almost forgot, I found a market place one block from the hotel.
Keep us in your prayers and Keep a candle burning for us. Please.
Love and Light
Sincerely
Jennifer Johnson
Head Coordinating Director
Keep us in your prayers and Keep a candle burning for us. Please.
Love and Light
Sincerely
Jennifer Johnson
Head Coordinating Director
01-25-2010
We have a new office and are moving the salvaged supplies inside. It is larger then the one we had before that collapsed in the earth quake. Our staff is getting ready to go to Dominican Republic and get food , supplies and water. It will be a great move for the people in need partnership , and it is a wonderful blessing to finally be in our new building.
We are still in need of water tablets and dried camping food. I am getting ready to go and assist our staff and interview all the partners in our new office. I will keep everyone posted . If you would like me to give a special message to your partners , please email me at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) and I will do my best to get the messages delivered for you.
Also thank you for the partners who are spread the news for us on donations. Each $2000 we will get food and water supplies from Dominican Republic to bring to our partners and people living in the tent cities. I will send email receipts for all the donations received this week. Thank you for your patients.
Some partners have been interviewed and will be updated as soon as the internet is able to upload from our Haiti office. I will keep everyone informed and I want to thank everyone for the support, prayers and lighting the candle for all of the partners and staff .
Love and Light
Sincerely,
Jennifer Johnson
Head Coordinating Director
We have a new office and are moving the salvaged supplies inside. It is larger then the one we had before that collapsed in the earth quake. Our staff is getting ready to go to Dominican Republic and get food , supplies and water. It will be a great move for the people in need partnership , and it is a wonderful blessing to finally be in our new building.
We are still in need of water tablets and dried camping food. I am getting ready to go and assist our staff and interview all the partners in our new office. I will keep everyone posted . If you would like me to give a special message to your partners , please email me at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) and I will do my best to get the messages delivered for you.
Also thank you for the partners who are spread the news for us on donations. Each $2000 we will get food and water supplies from Dominican Republic to bring to our partners and people living in the tent cities. I will send email receipts for all the donations received this week. Thank you for your patients.
Some partners have been interviewed and will be updated as soon as the internet is able to upload from our Haiti office. I will keep everyone informed and I want to thank everyone for the support, prayers and lighting the candle for all of the partners and staff .
Love and Light
Sincerely,
Jennifer Johnson
Head Coordinating Director
Our staff is continuing to search for aid relief from other large organizations with no luck on relief for food and water to Cite Soleil. The staff has spoken at the American Embassy, UN , US and Haiti NG, United States Marines and all are not able to help in the food relief efforts that People in Need are trying to bring to our partners and the people in Cite Soleil that have had very little help since the earth quake.
I am working with many spokes people for PINP and volunteers to organize fund raisers and anchor reports on the request for food and water aid to distribute in the areas that are not getting any relief. There are many I wish to thank and they know who they are. I appreciate all of you that have given your prayers, support and donations to PINP. Our staff appreciates everyone's help and are planning to set up the first trip to Dominican Republic for food and water supplies on Monday.
A message from Geoff , " lots of US aid , but little food and water reaching many areas. PINP is preparing to deliver there if they provide the supplies"
continued message:
" We will do so anyway beginning Mondaywith food we buy in the DR (Dominican Republic) almost low on batteries."
As soon as he recharges the batteries, which will most likely be the location on Petion-Ville, then I will find out more details to write to everyone. The staff is staying strong and working to put the PINP back in place and work to secure our partners and office location in Port au Prince, Haiti.
I have been organizing many different projects and those who are wanting to start fund raiser at restaurants or businesses . Please email me at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), I will answer all requests but please be patient for I have been getting many letters and emails for the past week. I appreciate everyone's support, love and prayers for the people in Haiti, staff, and partners.
As soon as I hear more , I will share with everyone.
Thank you from my heart to yours for all your support and words of encouragement that you have given to me too.
Love and Light
Sincerely,
Jennifer Johnson
I am working with many spokes people for PINP and volunteers to organize fund raisers and anchor reports on the request for food and water aid to distribute in the areas that are not getting any relief. There are many I wish to thank and they know who they are. I appreciate all of you that have given your prayers, support and donations to PINP. Our staff appreciates everyone's help and are planning to set up the first trip to Dominican Republic for food and water supplies on Monday.
A message from Geoff , " lots of US aid , but little food and water reaching many areas. PINP is preparing to deliver there if they provide the supplies"
continued message:
" We will do so anyway beginning Mondaywith food we buy in the DR (Dominican Republic) almost low on batteries."
As soon as he recharges the batteries, which will most likely be the location on Petion-Ville, then I will find out more details to write to everyone. The staff is staying strong and working to put the PINP back in place and work to secure our partners and office location in Port au Prince, Haiti.
I have been organizing many different projects and those who are wanting to start fund raiser at restaurants or businesses . Please email me at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), I will answer all requests but please be patient for I have been getting many letters and emails for the past week. I appreciate everyone's support, love and prayers for the people in Haiti, staff, and partners.
As soon as I hear more , I will share with everyone.
Thank you from my heart to yours for all your support and words of encouragement that you have given to me too.
Love and Light
Sincerely,
Jennifer Johnson
I have heard from Cajuste and Marcel today by way of email and all the staff is doing well. I have sent $400 via western union today and the funds will be available for Geoff in one hour. I will send more tomorrow and continue to update on the reports I get in. Cajuste said his eye and stomach are burned but he will be seeing a doctor about the burns. Marcel lost everything in his house and it is not safe for him to return home. He is also homeless. I will be receiving supplies daily through UPS . We are in need of more water tablets and dried camping food packages. I will post and share the email letters that I received shortly following this update.
Sincerely
Jennifer Johnson
Head Coordinating Director
Sincerely
Jennifer Johnson
Head Coordinating Director
Today, 01-20-2010 Geoff along with Marcel and Myriam are traveling through Port au Prince to find a way, to bring food to those in Cite Soleil . There is no food or water being distributed in Cite Soleil.Geoff has found a location that allows him to use the computers for a brief time to report his stories. He will be able to send us videos and the latest on the development of food aid through that location.
Today-
4pm - Haiti time, Cajuste contacted Geoff and told him that he is burned. He is being taken to a tent city where the staff will meet him and treat his wounds or take him to a hospital if 3rd degree is discovered. They are at the embassy and heading to Cajuste right now. I will keep everyone posted on our staff and Cajuste's updates.
A while back, I wrote that Cajuste would be taking his wife and child to a village. He has been in this village for two days outside of Port au Prince. Please pray for the staff , partners and Haiti. Keep the candle burning . I hope and pray my friend, Cajuste will be okay.
Love and Light
Sincerely, Jennifer Johnson
Head Coordinating Director
Today-
4pm - Haiti time, Cajuste contacted Geoff and told him that he is burned. He is being taken to a tent city where the staff will meet him and treat his wounds or take him to a hospital if 3rd degree is discovered. They are at the embassy and heading to Cajuste right now. I will keep everyone posted on our staff and Cajuste's updates.
A while back, I wrote that Cajuste would be taking his wife and child to a village. He has been in this village for two days outside of Port au Prince. Please pray for the staff , partners and Haiti. Keep the candle burning . I hope and pray my friend, Cajuste will be okay.
Love and Light
Sincerely, Jennifer Johnson
Head Coordinating Director
When I started to cover the news on Haiti, it was the first outside contact that our director received, when I asked about the well being of our partners Cajuste speculated that some where alive and others dead, in his first contact with anyone outside the nightmare. He was talking about the people fighting over water and gas, and I am sure he was traumatized as I had mentioned.. I want to apologize on behalf of all of the staff for that misconception. In answering Alecia, Treva' and many other partners concern for their partner- all partners are alive.
Our staff has traveled through streets of despair and destruction, through the ruins of villages past to find the truth about the safety and well being of all of our partners. It is unfortunate on what has happened to each of our partners, with the devastating earth quake hitting their country and then for some losing even more then they have already lost and suffered through. We are looking for possible locations for a new office and will begin repairing the necessary damages on partners homes and finding shelter for the others who have lost what little they had. Also, we will be providing all of them with moral support,supplies, food and water.
Responding to Linda's thoughtful message, thank you so much for the heartfelt words you spoke. I could use some help when I arrive in Haiti. By sending the photos for the partners. I am still located in America and will leave shortly for Haiti to join the staff in helping our partners. I will be reporting all the photos and documented needs of the partners ,as soon as we have internet access available. I want to thank Betty and those that have been a wonderful wing for me . There is a saying, " Angels were born with only one wing, and need the other to fly." Keep all of us in your thoughts and prayers, and continue to keep the candle burning. Linda, I will see if there are specific's on supplies and let you know if I need help gathering them. I already know the top of the list will be water tablets and simple to prepare food packages.
Thank you for your questions and concerns, Once again all partners are alive and well.
I will keep everyone informed as I promised.
Love and Light
Sincerely, Jennifer Johnson
Head Coordinating Director
Our staff has traveled through streets of despair and destruction, through the ruins of villages past to find the truth about the safety and well being of all of our partners. It is unfortunate on what has happened to each of our partners, with the devastating earth quake hitting their country and then for some losing even more then they have already lost and suffered through. We are looking for possible locations for a new office and will begin repairing the necessary damages on partners homes and finding shelter for the others who have lost what little they had. Also, we will be providing all of them with moral support,supplies, food and water.
Responding to Linda's thoughtful message, thank you so much for the heartfelt words you spoke. I could use some help when I arrive in Haiti. By sending the photos for the partners. I am still located in America and will leave shortly for Haiti to join the staff in helping our partners. I will be reporting all the photos and documented needs of the partners ,as soon as we have internet access available. I want to thank Betty and those that have been a wonderful wing for me . There is a saying, " Angels were born with only one wing, and need the other to fly." Keep all of us in your thoughts and prayers, and continue to keep the candle burning. Linda, I will see if there are specific's on supplies and let you know if I need help gathering them. I already know the top of the list will be water tablets and simple to prepare food packages.
Thank you for your questions and concerns, Once again all partners are alive and well.
I will keep everyone informed as I promised.
Love and Light
Sincerely, Jennifer Johnson
Head Coordinating Director
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