Days 12 & 13 (9/26 -27)
Monday – Just another day in paradise. We had 1 team leave for the airport at 5:30 AM and 1 team return from Mellier at about 10:30. We will get the Mellier team to the airport at about 8:00 AM tomorrow and then have about 8 days without any teams - bit of a breather for the staff. Sarah leaves for a week’s vacation on Wednesday.
I spoke too soon about the breather. We just got word that there was some serious flooding this afternoon in Thomas (where my team is going in a couple of weeks). 17 families lost all of their belongings. No one was hurt – Thank God. These tropical thunderstorms that blow thru here on a daily basis are generally short lived but can produce torrential rains. When there is virtually no vegetation on the hillsides, flash flooding and mudslides are pretty common occurrences. I have a meeting in the morning with the staff interpreters and then I’m off to Thomas to assess the damages. I’m sure these families will need some assistance. If it looks like they’re living in a flood plain, we may have to consider raising their houses off of the ground.
Tuesday – We received another call this morning from Thomas and although there apparently was some serious damage from the flooding, it does not require emergency response. James Lazarre, the young man managing the Hot Lunch Program at the school in Thomas, is coming to Petionville tomorrow to meet with me. I hope to get more information about the situation in Thomas from him.
The Mellier team left for the airport without incidence this morning and we are officially teamless until Oct. 4th. I hope to use the lull to get in some site visits. I’ll be traveling to some sites west of PAP on Friday and north (including Thomas) on Monday.
Wow, it's been fascinating reading your blog. You are in our thoughts and prayers, and I know the Sacramento team is really looking forward to being present with you. Do let us know if there is anything specific we might send. Blessings! Linda P-J
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