Rumors and Home Safely

It was a quiet evening. No wailing, just the men's choir from the Maranatha Church of Bohoc singing at their leader Fabius' house. Fabnot had played the accordion for the group when he was home growing up. The sweet sounds of the men's voices reached us at my house. Some one else in the community was quietly playing classical music.

Then, about 10:30 the phone rang. It was Jeremie letting us know that “they” were saying that everyone needed to be out of their houses and in the streets because there would be “an event” at 11:00! “What kind of an event?” I asked as the call was cut. I tried to call him back, but couldn't get through.

I got on the internet to see if there was some information about some event at 11 that everyone needed to know about. There was nothing. While I was looking, Justin called. He told me the same thing Jeremie did. He said “they” were not saying what kind of an event, but everyone was out in the road. He said he called me because he knew he could get good information here. I explained to him that no one could so exactly predict an earthquake. That while I could not say there would not be another earthquake at 11, no one could say there would be either. I did tell him to counsel people to plan ahead where to go in the event of another big earthquake that would damage buildings here. And then I gave him the US Embassy's counsel of where those safe places would be. I asked him to let Jeremie know and he said he would spread the news. Carla was here and she took the information up to the gate to be spread around.

A few minutes later, Wilnot and Whidson came by to ask the same thing for the same reason as Justin! I told them what I told Justin and they said they would spread the news. Then Heriveaux called and finally my cook! Needless to say, 11:00 passed with no event.

I went to bed about midnight. Then I heard the Land Cruiser stop at Met Telius' house. I knew they would be delivering people up and down the road and wouldn't be in to their house right away. So, I decided to rest till they got in. I fell asleep and never heard them come in! I did wake up just before 3 and heard Gabi get the last of her things from the house – she had been staying with me – and close the door. I hear Gabi's voice now. I hope Barb and Greg are still sleeping. Zach and Tonpi, who slept at Fabius' house, are here showering at my house now.

As we meet and make decisions, we will let everyone know what we will be doing and how you can help. Keep checking this blog for the latest updates. And keep praying. The rescue efforts continue in Port-au-Prince. Jean Jean and Kristie Mompremier (jeankris@starband.net) have sent a big truck load of charcoal to Port and are hoping to go to the Carrefour area of town to get some folks who want to come home. Clean up has not even begun and it is way too early to think about rebuilding. And people are still mourning and sorrowing. Thank you and bless you for your prayers and support and the emails and comments on the blog. Each one is precious to us and not a bother.