There is presently a social unrest/manifestation situation in Haiti that has basically blocked the country. The manifestations are ongoing. Those who have planned this have stated they will continue to manifest and block things until the President steps down. There were problems here like this in November. It did settle down however, and the country returned to normal for Haiti. Then a few days ago it started up again. This time it is worse and the group is saying they will not back down this time. They plan to keep going until the president steps down. Thus we have a statemate/blocked country. A few of the reasons given by the group include – hunger, lack of security throughout the country, government corruption.
The roads are blocked through the country. It has affected schools, businesses, government offices, the Embassies, and all people – Haitians, Missionaries, Expats, etc. People can’t get to and from the airport due to all the blockades. There has been no diesel available at any of the gas stations for awhile. Now there is no way anyone can reach various gas stations to deliver if diesel does arrive in the country. Too, no one in need could go purchase any if it did arrive. In short the country is in a mess. I am requesting our HATS-Haiti family, friends, and supporters, as well as our personal family, friends and supporters who pray to please do so as at this time the country is troubled and seems to be operating presently in an upside down fashion.
We have cancelled our group from Texas who were scheduled to arrive this week. They understand and will come when things settle down again at a time good for us and for them.
We have people scheduled for late February and in March. We are certainly hopeful things will settle down nicely and we will be able to tell them to ‘come on down’. It is a wait and see situation.
Those of us here at HATS are okay. We have security, food, water, plus the entertainment of kids who are well running around noisily – thinking they need our attention all day long as schools are closed. Difficult to get much done, but the children and us adults are all okay. That is what is important. I am very thankful that Keith and Joan are here with me at this time.
IT IS ALL ABOUT THE CHILDREN
God bless each and every one of you.
With love from Karen and the crew at HATS-Haiti
