so much love so little time - June 1997

I was to work at St. Vincent’s children’s rehab hospital.  I collected supplies.  I wrote to the airlines asking them to waive any additional cargo fees and they did.  When I arrived at the hospital they noticed that I didn’t have any technical medical training.  They informed me that I would not be of any help to them.  They thanked me for the supplies and I left.

Before entering the school of St. Pierre I looked up toward heaven and said, “I know you have sent me to this place. What is it that you want me to do here?”  In less than 24 hours the bishop had reviewed my resume and asked me to work with the American Partnership Program.   Morehouse publishing printed the brochures that I created, the videos were distributed at the National convention booth I helped to create and host in Philadelphia later that summer.  My heart is breaking for my brothers and sisters in Haiti.  Unless you have been there you can not begin to imagine what a wonder and horrifying place it was before the earth quake.  Maybe now true transformation can begin.

Church EMAILS: We were informed of the destruction of the following buildings:

• The Cathedral of Holy Trinity was destroyed.
• The Cathedral complex including the Diocesan Offices were destroyed.
• The Bishop Tharp School suffered considerable damage.
• St. Margaret’s Convent was destroyed but the sisters are alive.
• The secondary school of St. Pierre was destroyed and students had gone home for the day.
• The Jubilee Center was destroyed.
• The four Episcopal Church missionaries are reportedly alive but direct contact has not been made by officers at the Church Center.
• Young Adult Service Corps (YASC) Missionary Mallory Holding was evacuated out through the US Embassy today and is on her way home to Chicago. She said that she was with the bishop yesterday, he is safe and well, although his wife has a serious leg injury. (friend of the Munros)

Dear Friends:
I have taken the liberty to pass on Tracy Bruce’s e-mail as she and Steven have long and deep ties to Haiti and so their information is critical.  Please pray for the people of Haiti.          +John Rabb

Our inside information says that there are many more churches that are devastated…confirmations of collapse have come though several sites

• St. Etienne’s church in the mountains where we have worked for almost 30 years…church and priest’s residence collapsed.
• St. Croix Hospital in Leogane is gone according a NY Times website.
• The collapsed roof on four worshippers happened at St. Marc, Trouin, near St Etienne’s, so their church is destroyed.  We estimate that at least ten churches are deeply damaged or demolished.  Most Episcopal Churches in Haiti are actually outside the capital.  St. Vincent’s Crippled Children’s Hospital, just a few blocks away from the Cathedral…with children and adults with all sorts of disabilities seems to be in tact. Small miracles abound.  No news yet from any of our clergy friends.

The  Episcopal Sister’s  OF St. Margaret’s ARE ALIVE AND UNHURT!

We have spoken directly to Sr. Marie Margaret. She is with Sr. Marjorie Raphael and Sr. Marie Therese in a football field at College St. Pierre. The front of the Foyer collapsed but the back is still standing. They had some of the ladies from the Foyer with them. We will keep updating you as we know any more. PRAISE GOD!

Monetary donations may be sent to:
The Society of St. Margaret
17 Highland Park St., Boston, MA 02119

A Prayer for Haiti:
Almighty Father, God of mercies and giver of comfort, deal graciously, we pray, with the people of Haiti in the midst of the great suffering caused by the catastrophic earthquake. May they cast all their care on you and know the consolation of your love.
Give us the courage, zeal, wisdom and patience to assist them, not only in these first days and weeks of urgent need, but as they continue to need the care and partnership of all their sisters and brothers around the world in the long and difficult work of healing and rebuilding.  Grant eternal life to those who have died, healing to the injured and strength to all the survivors, through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

(by the Ven. Dr. J. Fritz Bazin Diocese of Southeast Florida)