Yesterday (Wednesday) - Troy spent the day getting supplies in the D.R. for whatever reason the big outfits are not helping the little NGO's with supplies and such - so we've been finding stuff ourselves and we've been finding favor. It is clear that politics and things on higher levels are causing a delay in adequate response. While that is totally discouraging - we've been networking together with other tiny NGO's to find a way around being snubbed by the big relief organizations. It is degaje net around here. (Degaje is the Kreyol saying that basically means 'make it work' - net is the kreyol word for 'all the way or alot').
Today we've had a new group of medical people come in. We have a few trying to depart. The organization of the people and learning their skill sets and trying to assign them a position had gotten really difficult. A man walked into my kitchen last night and (staying with another NGO worker that is crashing in our make-shift hotel) and he is a disaster response guy without work. I told him what we've been doing and why it has gotten difficult to administrate and he is now "our guy" and is here at the clinic setting up teams and organization - I have this feeling that he is a gift and I hope that all of our staff end up feeling the same way. We needed a strong administrator that ALSO has experience in dealing with disaster relief. Pray for Ed Lord and for our two head Doctors, Dr. McKnight and Dr. Halverson. Pray for unity and clear minds - this little operation we're running gets bigger day to day and organization will be key to our effect and success.
Our house is set up with room to sleep 20+ when I get home at night I have no idea who might be there. Different people have been sleeping over each night. At one time a few years back I could not deal with little messes without getting all uppity and cleaning it up instantly. Today I have friends and strangers in and out of my house and the place is totally unorganized -- crap everywhere ... but it is not bothering me yet. I let go of all of that need for perfect order and we're getting by without it. Hoping that will be true a week from now too.
Last night Troy walked in very late and one of our guests said, "Hi who are you and why are you here?" Wearily Troy said, "Well, I am Troy and I live here." :) The guest said, "Well then - make yourself at home." It's a little bit crazy. But we're still laughing.
I think we have five or six more coming in tonight to claim a spot at Hotel Livesay. Mints on the pillows optional.
![Livesay [Haiti] Weblog](http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WImkelA85fQ/T774B_tbjMI/AAAAAAAANjM/Zup5rYTxdWs/s810/blog%2Bheader%2BTRL2011-07-07_%2B%25281%2529.jpeg)
Better to love God and die unknown than to love the world and be a hero; better to be content with poverty than to die a slave to wealth; better to have taken some risks and lost than to have done nothing and succeeded at it. -erwin lutzer
53 comments:
Praying! Praying for peace and strength,for organization and many, many gifts and miracles along the way!
Girlfriend, bless you for keeping your sense of humor. You're not forgotten or forsaken, though it feels like it at times. Those of us who care are working diligently to keep spreading the word. Those who are causing delays will be held accountable for their actions. I am encouraging people I know to give to the small NGOs who are delivering aid on a daily basis. Good luck / bon chance!
I've been following your blog. It is such a blessing to get real news thank you so much. How can we get supplies directly to you? Are you affilated with love a child. I know they are gathering medical supplies all over to be sent to haiti.
Bless you and yours during this difficult time and may the political roadblocks come down as more aid and help arrives at your doorstep.
In his most precious name!
So thankful that aid is starting to come in! May it overflow (in an organized fashion, of course)!
Love you Tara! thinking of you NON-STOP. for real.
I'm following your blog via Mona and the girls at GafferGlass.
You and your family (and any of those who are there to stay with you at "the hotel") are in my thoughts and prayers.
May God provide you with what you need, when you need it....and may those around you provide you with the love and care and support that you ALWAYS need...and may your sense of humor be ever present.
debbie, nagasaki japan
The day the quake hit, my wife & I said; "how long before Haiti is old news to the major news networks"? Today, on all morning shows, there was barely, barely any coverage. We have not forgot, nor will abandon you. As Troy said, "God is in charge" and His work will prevail. FOR HIS KINGDOM TO FULLY COME TO HAITI in memory of Jeanne Munos, missionary to Haiti, who died last Tuesday. Steve & Sheila Scheib
Your blog is wonderful, thanks for sharing and keeping us informed. May the Lord bless and keep you and may his grace shine upon you.
God bless,
Ryan
Glad you are still laughing through the Crazyness... God is still there in the difficult times.
Praying daily for all of you.
Tara, thank you so much for continuing to post. You are a lifeline to those of us who are forced to be out of the country right now. Kembe fem!
praying...
so much misinformation going on here in the US...tales, etc. so sad. so sad.
Hotel Livesay and the beautiful country of Haiti will not be forgotten!!
Thank you and may God strengthen you, comfort you, grant you patience, grant you peace, and give you energy!!!
I've also made yours my blog of choice to know what is truly going on in Haiti. We're specifically praying for a church member who is using his small plane to fly people and supplies in and out of Haiti. He got an email from another pilot who knows the area and was gone from home in two hours to help in any way he can. What an example of using the gifts/talents/blessings God has given him to make a difference. I know you're also doing the same, and being stretched in many challenging/difficult ways. The information you're sharing here is keeping Haiti in our thoughts and prayers. And sharing your home, resources, and heart is making a difference to many. Though it must seem like an impossible task, like the starfish story, it's making a difference to each one you help. Your story of the miracle flight to the hospital ship is amazing!
Nancy in the Midwest
Thank you...bless you..for your diligence to blog on these important hours. We are dear friends of Tom McKnight and hang on every word of news about him and the work you are doing...your words are like water to us.
We are working and praying like crazy every day raising funds for Heartline..we pray every time we think of all of you
Troy and Tara,
I live in Simi Valley California and have been following your blog. What a blessing to hear how you and others are on the frontline doing what needs to be done. I feel I have gotten to know you in this past week as I have prayed for you. I am part of a big church called Cornerstone. Francis Chan is the pastor. My husband is in charge of a ministry distributing mosquito nets in Uganda. If you guys need nets or other supplies that we could send down in the future - please let me know!
God Bless,
Gaye Quick
qlibrarian@gmail.com
Tara,
prayers for energy, joy and peace. Along with continue safety for you all and for you specifically as you must miss your kids like crazy. We are so proud of you guys!
hugs Amy
God bless your family and everyone you touch! I learned about your blog through a teacher whose daughter just came back from staying with you for a mission trip a few weeks ago.
Ed is a gift. He reminds you (and us) that God knows our every need and supplies it at just the right time, exactly when it is needed. We continue to surround you with prayers and thanksgiving. We link your blog with ours every day, and in every email. We are suggesting people donate to you rather than the big outfits. YOU ARE UPHELD AND SUPPORTED IN EVERY WAY by your partnering prayer warriors.
Lord Jesus, today we praise you for the mighty works of compassion and hope that you give to the Livesay network. Gratitude fills our hearts for your providence in Ed, in the supplies Troy was able to collect, and in that amazing miracle flight to the Comfort.
Lord Jesus, you restore our souls and sustain us in the valley of the shadow of death. We thank you for supplying every need, from the basics of food, shelter, sleep, and medical supplies, to the miraculous. You are using this team to save precious souls, to minister to so many, and to comfort the grieving. All is going according to your mercy and grace. May all of these humble, hard-working people be renewed every morning, with songs in their hearts. Amen.
It's great to see how your team is making things happen for the people of Haiti. I am, as always, inspired by your service and amazed at your spirit. Continuing to pray for you, your team, and the people of Haiti.
Glad to hear your humor is still in place. ;)
Thinking of all of you.
i'm glad that the mix matched sheets and covers aren't bothering you too much. :)
Are you still looking for coords to Foyer? Is this Foyer de Sion in PAP?
Oh how I wish I could just come and take care of your "hotel" ... cooking and cleaning and putting mints on the pillows.
God has given you much grace to accept things as they are, without your normal tendencies towards perfection. And ... he will continue to give you that grace, day after day. I'm sure of it.
mama of many
A friend of mine recently told me about your blog. I just wanted to say THANK YOU for doing the work that you are doing. What an amazing testimony you are! If there is anything that we can do to help, please let us know. My Sunday School class would love to help out if you can think of something that we could do. Our church family continues to pray.
God Bless you and your family. :)
You don't know me, but my sister found your blog on Day 1 of this disaster and I've been following you (and telling others) ever since. THANK YOU for blogging. We all wish we could be there helping and you're opening a window to us to know how to pray. We bless you with continued favor and all of the doctors, administrators and supplies you need!! (And of course, sleep and energy!)
You are amazing! May God bless you as you are stretched to the limit. May the whole island see Jesus through you.
Have you heard from Renald or his family?
Praying for you in Christ,
So thankful for your open and willing heart and spirit. Think and pray for you daily.
Thank you for sharing and allowing us to be a simple part of your journey even if it is just by praying. I have a simple verse posted above my front door that reads, "Love God, Love Other." You, your family and those working with you are living out that statement every hour of every day. May the Lord bless you, keep you close and sustain you through this journey.
Tara--We have two cases of formula (variety of types) that we'd love to send to you guys or to RHFH. Do you know anyone about to come that we could mail it to so that they could bring it over? I'm worried that the mail system to Haiti would be too unreliable right now.
If you're too busy to let me know, I understand! Just wanted to offer...
Yeah, I agree with the others that your's is the best reporting! Forget CNN. :) Thanking God for the gift of "Ed" and laughing at what Troy said - and the humorous guest's remark. Its wonderful to have a good laugh now and then, huh? I check your blog several times a day...I'm hanging on every word. :) Love to all!
God Bless you and your family! If only there were more people out there like you and yours! My prayers will stay with you daily! I am donating $1 for every comment left on my blog to help Haiti!! So we are with you in spirit and prayers!
Blessings, & thank you!
A story unfolding...
i wanna be just like you when i grow up. ;)
May our God who is Great, Powerful, Loving, Compassionate and Merciful, may this God bless and keep you and those you serve in the days to come. My prayer for you is that He grants you all the peace, stamina, wisdom, fortitude, mercy and love you will possibly need. Your work is the work of Jesus and I thank you for doing it.
Just wanted to let you know that I've been reading every post since I found your blog last weekend. We are **praying** for you and for the people you are mentioning. I woke up this morning and the first prayer out of my heart was for Colette. I cannot bandage wounds and give the thirsty water, but I can give money and I **can** pray!!! I prayed for Patrick, too, and for the hospital ship, the Embassy workers, the children, you and your husband. I just wanted you to know that a complete stanger in Ohio is your sister in Christ Jesus - and I'm praying.
I can't tell you how happy it makes me to hear you're laughing and to feel the "spring" in your writing. It is truly evidence of God that you can find a bit of joy in the midst of so much pain. Love you guys and praying God continues to use you and work through you and help you and guide you!!!
praying for all you are doing and all the lives you are touching...
do you know if you will be able to send Phoebe and Annie to the states yet?
praying
this blog is hilarious, touching, and inspirational. hope to cross paths at hotel livesay. keep up the God work.
still praying!!
I prayed for you today. The work God is doing through you is touching so many lives- from the injured and sick that you care for to the guests who have found solace in your home. I pray that God will continue to comfort and lift up all people in Haiti.
On our knees for you, your family, your team, and all of Haiti. Keep on keeping on! We love you and New Joy is covering you in prayer!
I saw a picture on MSNBC showing the first baby ever born on the Navy Hospital ship to a woman with a fractured pelvis. Could this be your "don't forget me" patient? Praising God for this little miracle, named Ester, and praying for you all everyday. Thank you for your blog.
WOW and BLESS YOUR HEARTS, how you can keep a sense of humor in the midst of all this is a reflection of His grace all over you. Carry on, good and faithful servants. You are making your Father so proud.
--Heather Baker
On Twitter, I saw that Troy is looking for coord. for Foyer. I am not the person who originally emailed him. However, could it possibly be Foyer des Filles de Dieu? On 1/20, they reported needs at http://haiti.ushahidi.com/reports/view/1327. According to their website, last Thursday, the Catholic Relief Services visited them. However, this Monday they reported food and water running low.
They list their coordinates as lat:18.55659574576912, long:-72.30873942375183
However,if this does not work, on the map it looks to me as 18.53909, long -72.33543
Their director, Paula Thybulle, can be reached at 509-3-454-4829. Their address is: Delmas 19, Angle Rues Jeune Et Calao PAP Haiti. They are an orphanage of 70 girls. May God bless you.
I just saw your family in Waco on a news story here in North Texas. They all look healthy and happy. Bless you guys for all the work you are doing for those who can not. Thank you for your blog; it gives us a poignant window into your lives. Blessings to you all.
funny his last name is LORD...heaven sent I am guessing :)
I came across your blog via google photos. I know, weird. I am so impressed by your work! God bless you. I'm asking people to donate to you, by posting to my online groups, twitter, facebook, etc. Next I'll write a news article about your efforts. Would love a quote. Here in the US there are people losing their kids through forced adoptions (CPS). Can you tell people who are critical of the Haiti adoptions that this is different? If you have time, please send to teristoddard@gmail.com. And can I use a photo from your blog of your family You rock!
Your patients on the USNS Comfort are in good hands.... http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/news/haiti-earthquake/
Prayers for you and your team.
Hello, love your blog. I have been reading since about day 2 of earthquake. What kept me looking at yours was the fact you started a pre-natal class there prior to the earthquake. I am an OR nurse in Southern Calif. I speciliaze with women. So it struck a nerve with me that someone was thinking of this, oh so important! All of you are awesome! Keep up the humor as I am sure you are aware you will need it for the days, weeks and months to come! I also wanted to let you know that I e-mailed Bill Coughlin re:supplies. I found his name via your link to heartline ministries. However, all of you must be inundated with email. So if you need some surgical supplies, not meds but gloves, gauze, etc I can send via someone here. No offense if not worth it to send to you. Keep up the great work. Will be donating to you guys next week on my pay day!
Used paypal to send a donation for Hotel Livesay. May it help with tp, soap, internet and utility bills etc.
Keep up the good work you do.
Peace be with you.
Tara,
We live just north of Dallas, and will be happy to help your children here any way we can. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help. God bless you and Troy. You two are an amazing testimony.
Liz
Post a Comment