Fall 2021 Newsletter

Dear W4H Supporters,

43 pumps repaired this summer

The summer is gone and there were many projects which did not include just repairing pumps because of shortages such as no fuel, political unrest, blocked roads, and harassment.

From May – August, 43 pumps were repaired, dug 2 new wells, and 5 wells cleaned. So we worked mainly in Montrouis with cleaning, digging, and repairing pumps. There is still a fuel shortage as gangs control the harbor where fuel tankers off-load to storage tanks. The semis will not enter to load fuel to distribute across the across the country.

New sewing machine

Early this year we proposed the need for used sewing machines as the sewers old treadle machines are wearing out. Sewing clothes and school uniforms is the occupation of many Haitians. At this time, 11 machines have been delivered. Electricity is very limited in Haiti, but the people are very creative in finding power through solar, vehicle batteries, or a neighbor with electricity. We are indebted to a number of ladies in Nebraska who have gathered and paid for the shipping of these machines. They have made a difference! One sewing club has a goal of sending 25 machines!

Sitting in line for 5 hours to get fuel

Another project involved shipping hundreds of bags of water, toilet paper, paper towels, and other items to the area involved in the earthquake and hurricane. The area of our work was not affected by either storm or earthquake, but thousands on the western peninsula were devastated.

During one of the fuel shortage periods we took the opportunity to do a major repair on the box of our main work truck. It has been with us for nearly 10 years and served us faithfully. But the salt sea air had taken a toll on the stringers and girders under the floor of the box. In fact in some places the steel was paper thin to absolutely gone, Just holes in the steel. It took 3 weeks but the repair men did a great job and did it right so at least the box will last many more years, we will just pray the engine and transmission last that long also.

The first round of Covid 19 basically missed Haiti but in this second go-round the numbers have increased. There are few vaccine shots available and how many are dying from it is difficult to determine. Victims are just buried with no records. Most recent reports say the there are many Covid cases in hospitals at this time with shortages of oxygen.

Installing new floor of truck box

During the past three years the riots have mainly centered around the issue of getting the President out of office. After his assignation, a month ago, unrest calmed down a bit, but now the disruptions are starting to escalate again. The Prime Minister seems to be running what government still exists. Elections are 2 years past due so basically it is a dictator system for the moment.

As you can see things are pretty much the same for the people of Haiti as it has been the past 5, 10, 20 years? The wealthy like it as it is –keep the poor, poor. This country tries to survive with 50% inflation during the past few years.

Hundreds of packets of water for earthquake victims

Haitians are a very resilient people. They are constantly facing new challenges in their lives. I know that we who have so many material things would never be able to cope as well as they do when hurricanes blow away all of your earthly belongings and an earthquake buries your home, its contents and even on occasion, taking a loved one.

I am returning soon for a 2 month stay and what I have been sharing seems so discouraging. Returning to Haiti is always a home coming for me with the many friends but I need to keep in mind the words of Paul in Gal. 6: 9,10, “ Don’t get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessings at the appropriate time. Whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone, especially to our Christian brothers and sisters.” As always, we are so thankful to you, our faithful supporters, who make it possible to continue this work. Please keep Haiti and especially the government in your prayers.

Sincerely,

Chuck and the Water4Haiti Board of Directors