It’s been a long time since I’ve written. Too long, really. To be honest, last year was one of the most difficult that our family has ever faced and writing took a major back seat. My oldest sister Michelle was admitted to the hospital in February just over a year ago. Within 24 hours she was on a ventilator fighting for her life with severe pancreatitis. She would spend seven months in the hospital with half of that spent in the ICU. At one point all the family flew in to say our final goodbyes. But a miracle happened and she began fighting like she’s never fought before. She’s now home and is improving a lot!
We made countless trips to the hospital throughout last year and pretty much everything was put on hold. I say pretty much because in the midst of our suffering, life still went on. Things happened. Things still broke. People still died. Others still got married. And the world still continues to spin. This is also the reality for a good friend of mine named Julien who preaches in a small town in Haiti. Last year, while attending his brother’s funeral, his only car was set on fire by protesters and was destroyed. The well at Julien’s church that serves hundreds of people each day broke. I received a desperate message that they had no water and needed the well fixed. Within 24 hours people from all over helped and we were able to send enough money for repairs to be made.
Then the well broke again. We were able to help fix it a second time last year and it is working great to this day! In the middle of all the chaos, Julien was left without transportation. Here in the US that’s not a huge problem because we can always hitch a ride, ride a bike, grab an Uber, or take public transportation. But in Haiti it’s different. Money is scarce. Preachers there have high expectations to deliver food and medicine to starving and sick people. This is a daily reality. I know because I’ve spent days with Julien as we took care of dying people. That’s the norm there. And Julien does it without complaining. Ever. In fact, he considers it an honor to be able to help people who are worse off than he and his family.
Recently he told me he is completely without transportation. Because of the gas shortage and instability in Haiti, cars are not a good mode of transportation. Motorcycles are more common and practical. My mom and I have a deeply personal connection to Julien and the town where he lives. I urge you to listen to the story below:
We’ve already raised 12% of our goal through the generosity of our listeners! We would be honored if you joined us in helping our good friend Julien get a motorcycle so he can deliver life saving medicine and food. He always sends updates and photos when we help, so I will be writing a follow up story. Let’s help this selfless man be able to take care of his community again! THANK YOU!!
I’m raising $3,000 until 4/12/23 for Help Buy a Haitian Friend a Motorcycle. Can you help? https://www.paypal.com/pools/c/8Sn4Wq7sx6