A Request for Help (Haiti Content, Please Read)

[CaptainHenreh]

As I'm sure you're all aware, the recent earthquake in Haiti has totally leveled that island nation. BEFORE the earthquake things were total shit there. People were baking literal mud cookies and eating them just to fill their stomachs. They had nothing, one of the poorest countries on earth (and most certainly the poorest on the West) and then they get struck by one of the worst disasters in recent history. Part of the reason the devastation in the urban areas was so bad is that they have NO natural resources whatsoever. The country literally has no trees, as Papa Doc cut 'em all down so all their buildings are made of shitty sand concrete.

My parents have carried a torch for Haiti for many years, as some of you know. Right before the earthquake they were there at an orphanage in LaJeune, my father installing solar panels for electricity (the only source they have other than a diesel generator) and my mother running a health clinic for the orphans there. The day after they landed safely in the US, the earthquake struck.

My parents then have taken in a family of refugees. A Mother & Father, and their two children. Those of you who know my parents know they are not people of means, but they would give their last dime to help someone in need, and these people who had little to begin with now have literally the clothes on their backs.

Dear Friends and Fam, Here's the scoop on what we're going through here. Henry and I just put out $2600.00 for airline tickets to bring Jean, Emilie and the two children to our home in Harrisonburg for an undetermined amount of time. We had to buy round trip tickets because of immigration even though the PAP airport isn't even open yet.

We've been asked many times about how "others" can help ~ Here's our needs:
Our expenses will go up for food and utilities and all the rest. I'll leave that open ended.

Our family will grow from two to six and we need a "cheap" vehicle that will hold six. Henry put a notice on Craigslist, but no hits yet. To those receiving this locally, I need a booster seat and car seat for the car by Friday.

The orphanage in LaJeune has grown from 26 to 50 or more in a week. Not necessarily with children either. Family and Christians from "sister churches" have all headed to the mountains after losing everything. Money is desperately needed to help feed and house
these refugees.

The churches in PAP are also in need for rebuilding and food plus other necessities. I hate to say it, but it's all about money.

I'm asking each of you that receive this to pray about how you can help or how God would have you to help. Even if it's praying that is enough! I know most of you will not be able to help financially, but prayers count for much if not everything!!

This is for information of what's happening. I just wanted you all to know.

On a wonderful note, we left two totes of meds and even suture kits in LaJeune. As God would have it, they were picked up today by rescue teams that are doing medical work on refugees in the area. God is so good!

Love you all, Janet/Mom

If any of you can help in any way, please do so. My dad is not Wyclef Jean, sure, but they definitely could use your help.

You can contact my mother, Janet, at:
Five Four Oscar, Two Seven One, Three TripleZero.

Thanks in advance for your help.

[TorinoCobra070]

Unfortunately I don't think I'm capable of doing anything more than keeping an eye out for a vehicle

It is pretty awesome what your parents are doing though. I can't say that I know many people who would do the same thing.

[ScottyB]

first of all, your parents are awesome. that is something that's way out of the comfort zone for most people and involves a good deal of sacrifice.

i understand your parents are already busy with a ton of stuff and probably can't set it up - however is there an account any of us could send money too through something like paypal? i don't want to cause a hassle, just curious as it is the fastest way i could send anything.

[Jewels]

first of all, your parents are awesome. that is something that's way out of the comfort zone for most people and involves a good deal of sacrifice.

i understand your parents are already busy with a ton of stuff and probably can't set it up - however is there an account any of us could send money too through something like paypal? i don't want to cause a hassle, just curious as it is the fastest way i could send anything.

There is already a bank account here stateside. Its a Bank Of America account, so you can automatically transfer from your checking account. I'll see if we can get that to you shortly.

[CaptainHenreh]

Dad's paypal account is elseaclan aT yahoo doT com. (won't be tax deductible, but will get there quickly)

If anyone is really interested in a financial donation, you can make a tax deductible one by mailing or dropping off a check to

Mount Pleasant Church of the Brethren
788 Taylor Spring Lane,
Harrisonburg VA 22801

In the subject line you can put 'Haiti Fund' for the general Haiti fund the church has, they go probably once a year to bring all kinds of medical supplies and stuff, and that money supports the orphanage that has now doubled in population that mom mentioned.

Or to help my parents with their refugees please put "Ordelus Fund" in the subject line, that will go to care the four refugees my parents are hosting. I'll personally make sure you get a receipt for whatever you give, to take off your 2010 taxes.

As for the BOA account, I don't know the details, but mom definitely would.

Thank you guys. :bow:

Also, if you college kids are bored or whatever, you can again call the above number and I'm sure you can help even if you have no money. My dad does ALOT in that church (Who knew Pastors were so busy) and even donating your time I've no doubt Dad could find alot of stuff for you guys to do, and any time that frees him up is time he can work for the Haitians. If that makes sense. If they do find some kind of vehicle it may need wrenching done on it, and you guys could really shine on that.

[Kaan]

Rex knows this, but I'll be donating my "pay check" from my AR15 class this weekend to help out. Some people need my play money more than I do.

[Steve85]

Ill give them a call tonight about the car seats.

[WRXtranceformed]

I've donated through my church to the Haiti disaster relief, so that's the most I'll do financially because all of my other donated time / monies go to local homeless folks who are in need here in Charlotte and that I am much more passionate about.

I will most definitely keep your family in my prayers though, I think it's an amazing thing they're doing. Becoming an outlet for Christ's love to those in need is one of the most important things one can do in life.

[Jewels]

Ill give them a call tonight about the car seats.

Looks like someone beat you to it Steve. They are all taken care of for car seats.

Lee, I understand about caring for your local community, that's a really good way to tithe in addition to usual tithing.

Seriously though, Rex's dad is amazing, those that know him know of his amazing strength, both physical and emotional, if any of you all are itching to help but don't have $$ but have some time on your hands, let us know because with 4 new family members his time is going to be limited and he already carries the world on his shoulders. Plus it does a body good to do physical labor, at least that's what I tell myself everytime we are home and he has a project for us to do.

[JustinG]

Any clothes/shoes needed? Sizes? Sex? etc? I know everyone has some clothes in their closet they don't wear.

[CaptainHenreh]

Any clothes/shoes needed? Sizes? Sex? etc? I know everyone has some clothes in their closet they don't wear.

Dad is picking them all up friday, I'll give you updates then.

[NTIman]

If they find a car and need some work done to it, I'll be willing to donate my time working on it, don't know how involved i could get (depends on the shape of the vehicle).

Also, if they'd like a donation of food, I'd be glad to stop by somewhere and pick up a variety of canned goods/boxed food and deliver it to their house.

[Jake]

If they do find some kind of vehicle it may need wrenching done on it, and you guys could really shine on that.

I'd be more than happy to lead a second MM project car (the first being the current BMW). We would have to figure out who's paying for parts - in the BMW's case, the owner is - but free labor is always a help IMO. I'm sure there would be enough student interest to get work done on whatever they find.

Rex, you have my number - feel free to pass it along to your dad for when they find a vehicle. We'll get it done up right.

[TorinoCobra070]

Just remembered... we have a big full size van at work. It isn't inspected though. I think it probably needs front tires, but I'm not sure what else is wrong with it. It isn't a very nice looking thing, but it definitely has potential to haul 6 people, and I know they are dying to get rid of it. I can get some details tomorrow if you're interested.

[WRXtranceformed]

Rex & Jules, please check your pms.

[CaptainHenreh]

Jeffypoo hooked my parents up with a Van, so a big bravo zulu to him for coming through in a pinch. Thanks to everyone else for their continued support.

They are being picked up in Dulles at 11pm on friday, so we'll know more about their specific needs then, I'll keep everyone posted.

[Jeff]

I'm glad I was able to find something that would work for them.

[Kaan]

Good look'n out Jeff!

[Jake]

Awesome to hear about the van! If they need work done (guessing not if it's from Jeff's dealership) just let us know.

[V1GiLaNtE]

keep us posted on how we can help in anyway.. no matter how big or SMALL