Bethesda Evangelical Mission

To our faithful friends and families in the US,

Due to the task and the crazy hours on travel days and other technical difficulties, we were unable to send an update yesterday. But whenever we had a chance we took pictures which we hope you enjoy.

We left Wallingford Wednesday at 1:30am and arrived at JFK International Airport at 3:30am where we faced the opposition of American Airlines. They refused to allow us to check additional bags. We explained to the desk supervisor that we are a Christian relief / charitable organization, but they still did not allow us the chance to check the extra bags in. However, the Lord worked in the heart of another desk worker who allowed us to shift some items around, meaning emptying the bags that were too light and make room in the heavy bags and waived the overload costs. She even allowed us to duct-tape together 2 bags at no additional cost. So 10 people checked 25 bags and only paid an additional $300, instead of the original $700 overcharge! We called the second worker "our angel"! Once again, your prayers have been answered.

We departed at 5:45am to catch a connecting flight at Miami International and landed in Port-au-Prince at 12:05pm.

Our famous bus driver, Gary Jean, came later than expected with one van instead of 2. The team went to a trusted restaurant for a wonderful lunch of rice, beans, salad, and juice. We took eating shifts as some of us needed to stay with the bags as the others ate. We then departed for Les Cayes. On our way we drove by some national structures, now destroyed by the earthquake such as the National Palace, the Catholic Cathedral, and the Federal Prison. The scene was truly both unbelievable and heartbreaking. A great number of houses were down, the people's spirits were high and extremely positive.

We are amazed to see, inspite of the earthquake, the road to Les Cayes is not as damaged as it could have been.

We arrived in Les Cayes at about 7:45pm and enjoyed a wonderful traditional spaghetti dinner, sorted out the meds and headed to our bedrooms for some much needed rest.

The team is high in spirits and ready and anxious to serve. Please continue to pray for us as we work to fulfil the needs of so many here.

Blessings,