Help from all around the country

I never cease to be amazed at who has found us. Segolene Wilson from Hawaii, Carol Keith from northern Ontario, Reine Boyer from Bridgeport, Dr. David Walker from New Haven, Robin Mills from Port Townsend, WA, Bill Siegle from Miami and the list goes on. So many people want to help. And when I remember feeling little Fabriano's hand in mine last year at Jean-Elie's 75th birthday party, it reminds me that she was holding all of your hands, too. This is about these wonderful children, their families and friends who are our friends and family as well.


I have neglected to highlight one of our most important partners in the relief effort in Carrefour--United Haitian American Society of Norwalk, CT (UHAS). This organization, through the auspices of Reine Boyer, has coordinated and provided our Yale-New Haven Hospital volunteers. We are extremely grateful to be working with them and appreciate what they bring to our friends in Carrefour. My sense is that our partnership with them will be for the long-haul.


Post University has collected donations for Haiti. Tracy Simmons gathered them up and directed them to us for the children and families of École le Bon Samaritan. We are very grateful.


Among the real gifts in the Good Samaritan Rebuilding project has been the input and good spirit of Tracy Simmons of Waterbury. Tracy writes the religious blog creedible.com, a source of thoughtful religious conversation in and around Connecticut. Her ecumenical content is informative, instructive, and nutritious food for the spiritual, curious, and faithful. 


Early on, Tracy called and volunteered to work at the Clinic. She wondered what she might be able to contribute and I quickly said, "Two things. First, you can help us with our health and wellbeing program where you'll be distributing food, diapers, and other necessities to people who visit the Clinic. Second, I would like you to tell the story of what has happened to the children from École le Bon Samaritain and their families. Start with what the School has provided for 14 years and then say what happened after the earthquake." 


I cannot overstate the importance of having Tracy's clear-headed voice describe life on the ground in Carrefour and I'm looking forward to her serving with the Good Samaritan Rebuilding project on Team 4.