As the shock subsides, reality sinks in. Our three story orphanage building might have collapsed, with us all inside. They would have been digging us out for weeks. During the earthquake, which lasted for 35-40 seconds, our house shook violently, and rocked from side to side and appeared to lean towards the ground.. The house did not crumble. It did not fall.A neighbour's collapsed hut
Our beautiful and beleaguered country has been devastated. Port-au-Prince lies in ruins. Water, food and fuel are in short supply. We run an orphanage with 150 children. Where will we get these basic necessities from?
The day has brought some answers. Our board in the USA is gathering supplies for the orphanage, to be delivered on a relief flight, and later by shipping container. We are hopeful that people overseas will donate baby milk, infant cereal, non-perishable food and hygiene supplies, blankets, clothes, food and medicine; items desperately needed at the orphanage and by our staff members and neighbours who have lost their homes and loved ones.
A Mennonite mission, based in Fond-Parisiene, close to the Dominican boarder is delivering drinking water and diesel to us tomorrow. We have enough food to last through two weeks - although we have been told our diet is likely to be very basic. We will not be able to take showers or use the washing machines until the water trucks begin bringing water; this usually comes from a reservoir on a near-by mountain. Part of that mountain-side, which, has been heavily quarried, collapsed during the earthquake. It is unclear whether whether the reservoir remains accessible.
We are a Christian mission. Even so, I for one find myself questioning, 'Why God?' Why in a country so impoverished, with so much suffering? How will we survive in the aftermath of this?
I was asking just these questions on Tuesday night after the eathquake hit, as I watched our babies, sleeping on mattresses on the ground. And then, our nannies broke into song, and among the rising and falling harmonies, I recognised familiar words, sung to a familiar tune.
'Great is thy faithfulness,
Great is thy faithfulness,
Morning by morning, new mercies I see.
All I have needed, thy hand has provided.
Great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto me.'
3 comments:
Amen. Great is Thy faithfulness what a beautiful hymn. So much sadness, so much suffering. I'm so glad you GLA babes are alive and well. Praise God your building stood. May God's comfort and provision be with each one of you.
The world is listening and responding to your Christian witness. We stand with you in prayer during this difficult time.
Jeff Gentry
Assistant Pastor
The Gathering Community
Salem, MA
Dear Susan I just read this post where you ask God why...it is not gods doing he is not the blame nor part of what is happening in the world right now. It is his adversary the Devil Satan who is in charge right now. God is going to step in as he promised and set things straight again...please have faith in this ..God can give us his peace and strength to survive this as referred to in the bible..unforeseen occurrence that can befall us all. This could have happened anywhere to any of us. You have a quote that says "the best and most beautiful things cant be seen or touched but felt with the heart" this is true of our Father our creator...he is there. Remember to stay close to him through this harrowing time...he will get you through and call him by his name Jehovah. His name is more powerful that anything and it says in the bible that those that call on my name will be saved. He knows whats in your heart he is with you in your so very important work. hugs and hugs Michelle
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