Hello?    Can you hear me?!    Is anyone there?!?!

Unfortunately, it seems that no one is really out there or coming to help. 

Meanwhile … Haiti simply continues to deteriorate. 

The U.N. has been acknowledging multiple levels of unprecedented crisis (and they’re comparing it to conditions similar to what was happening in Somalia and Rwanda in the 90s). 

But still no help is coming …

In Haiti, the police are unable to stand up to the gangs. They are out-numbered and out-gunned — and corruption is deeply intermingled with the police and what’s left of the government. 

The hospitals are unable to provide care due to the lack of supplies, fear of violence against hospital staff, and a lack of doctors. (Aside from their fear of violence, there’s also a fear of being kidnapped). 

There really is no one you can call for help. You are on your own, with maybe some family or a small group of neighbors that you trust.  

• Food and water are very expensive as gangs steal everything on the road — and it’s very difficult to get things delivered. 

• There is still a significant fuel shortage. 

• Many of the people with better paying jobs are the ones able to leave for the U.S. with the new Parole program. So many of your service jobs, such as medical staff, police officers, and many business people are the ones leaving, making things even more difficult for majority of those left.  

• Most of the aid organizations have closed down and left, and the few people that do remain are often unable to leave their compound.  But, when they do they have a very limited area that they can operate in without a realistic expectation of trouble.  Most of the people I know can probably count on one hand the number of places that they dare go.

Sadly, given the current political world stage, it doesn’t look like anyone is going to help Haiti any time soon due to the potential repercussions of some of the other world superpowers.

It breaks my heart to see the hurting that so many in Haiti have to deal with on a daily basis.  I could tell you stories of things happening due to the gangs that would turn your stomach.  It’s so difficult to not be able to help by operate the clinic given the amount of need.  But the security situation on the streets, even going between my home and the clinic is not possible.

I need to apologies for the length of time since my last update.  But most days I feel like a broken record when people ask how things are in Haiti. You can only say “it’s actually gotten worse” so many times (despite it being true every day).  There is not much good to report.  When even your church has been broken into several times in the last couple months, there is nothing that the evil taking place in Haiti doesn’t affect.

It was difficult to pass my 6-year anniversary of moving to Haiti full-time while not being able to be in the place I call home.  I receive messages frequently from Haitians that ask when I am coming back.  But normally in a short time the conversation comes 180 degrees to “don’t come back now, it’s not safe!”

Technology is a wonderful thing though. Through Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, and some emails, I am frequently able to do some Telemedicine with people in Haiti.  It is encouraging to be able to help people out, given guidance, or direction for medical problems and injuries.  It helps to know that not everything I do in Haiti has been stopped.

I’ve also had the privilege of working at several winter teen retreats this year here in Michigan.  It was a blessing to be able to be involved in ministry here in the states during this time of waiting.  During that time, I was able to provide any needed medical care for just over 2,000 guests that came through the camps.  I am looking forward to an extended time of kids camps this summer (if I’m not able to get back to Haiti).

Last week I was able to attend a missionary debriefing in Joplin, Missouri with TRAIN International.  It was a time for missionaries who are currently in the states, away from the countries in which they serve.  It was a good opportunity to work through some of the unknowns of this time.  Many of the other missionaries are also in a time of waiting and seeking what’s next.  It’s always encouraging to be with fellow workers who really know the struggles of serving in difficult settings overseas.

Unfortunately, I don’t really have an answer as to what is next or when.  If an international force were to go in it could be a relatively short time until the clinic could be reopened. If nothing happens it could be a long time before it will be safe enough for the clinic to operate again.

I am so grateful and thankful for the continued support of so many of you!  There will be much work to be done when I am able to get back to Haiti. There are also continued expenses in Haiti while I am gone. I had to pay another year of rent last month as well as expenses to have someone stay at my house for additional security.

• Please be praying for Haiti and a resolution to the problems and suffering of its people. 

• Pray that the gang’s reign of terror and evil will be stopped. 

• Pray for stability that’s needed in order for me to return to the work in the clinic — to do the work I feel called to do. 

This time of waiting is a difficult time but I know that God has a plan in all of this.  Thank you for coming along side me and this ministry with your faithful prayer support! 

Until No Child Dies,

Kelby