At this point, everyone has heard about the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Port Au Prince yesterday. You all know that it leveled the UN headquarters, the National Palace, and the Ofatma hospital in Petionville. You’ve heard about how the quake struck at about 5pm, and then darkness settled over the city – except for sporadic fires along the coast. Perhaps you made it far enough in the article to read about the cries for help, echoing from under concrete fragments that used to be buildings.
Most likely, you don’t have much background on day to day life in that country. I don’t claim to be an expert, but I’ve been there three times:
2006: Jen and I nervously got on a plane.
2007: We took my dad, and friend Tara.
2008: Jen was recovering from ankle surgery, so I went without friends or family.
I have no idea how to help. Getting on an airplane seems entirely pointless. I feel a sadness and helplessness that reminds me of watching the twin towers burn.
There is some data on my friends from Family Health Ministries. Sounds like the leapfrog to wireless communications is really something of a godsend.
