Update by phone/email - Kellee Metty/Pastor Franklin Val 2/2/10:
Orphanage in Leogane was completely destroyed and all 28 children were evacuated to Carrefour.
They are currently caring for a total of 49 children and 80+ community members.
There is enough food to last the children for 2 mos., however they want to be able to continue sheltering and feeding the community so additional food would be helpful.
A scooner/sail boat is on it's way to Jacmel with 10,000 pounds of food/supplies (including heavy camping equipment) and part of that supply will get to this site.
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EARTHQUAKE UPDATE FROM THE WEBSITE:
Hello Friends,
I have just returned from a harrowing week in Haiti. Our plane landed one hour before the 7.2 quake hit, with the epicenter just a few miles from our little orphanage. Pastor Val picked us up at the airport and as he was gathering the last of the bags from inside, and we were sitting in his Trooper, it struck. He came running out of the airport, extremely shaken, but unhurt. We headed in the direction of the orphanage, but soon found the roads impassable. We turned around and spent two nights on a soccer field, earthquake refugees like the rest of the city's population. Everyone in Port au Prince was outside on the streets that night, as aftershock after aftershock rumbled the ground beneath us. The night, however, was filled with singing and worshiping as the church members that we spent the night with led us in beautiful praise to God in the midst of the chaos. In the morning we began using the supplies we had brought for the orphanage to treat wounds, some we could do nothing about but pray. We delivered two babies. We shared our clothes and food, and watched as God multiplied granola bars, trail mix and water. Pastor Val watched over us for two days like a father, and we eventually found shelter at an American Christian school. We were evacuated five days after the initial quake.
The orphanage: The buildings have all been lost, but praise God, THE CHILDREN ARE ALL SAFE! As are Pastor Val and his sister Yrma. They have been staying in a converted chicken coop. They had a well, but with the quake, things underground have been damaged. We do not know for certain, but we suspect the well may have been damaged. Someone at our home church gave us 3 water filters that each would take care of 25 people for a year. This was the hand of the Lord at the last minute. Those filters may save lives! We also gave Pastor Val everything in our suitcases that we had brought for him, so they have some med supplies, some candy :) and lots of clothes, school supplies, vitamins, toys, shoes, and other needed items. It is certainly not nearly enough, but we are praying the Lord will multiply.
If you would like to donate, cash is the big need right now. We have a non profit set up that will donate 100% with no admin fee to this cause. Please go to www.sgionline.info for more information and a link for donations.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH. PLEASE KEEP PRAYING FOR OUR PRECIOUS LITTLE ONES.
Most Sincerely,
Kellee Metty
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SEE CAT FACILITY RECORD FOR STRATEGIC GLOBAL INITIATIVE AT:
https://reliefdb.org/shelters/5230
Rebuilding Val's Children's School
Many are asking how they can help rebuild the orphanage founded by Pastor Val. Recently we received a report from friends in Haiti that we will be working closely with in this project. Thank you for considering what part you will play in this effort.
PART 1 - keep the children safe and well nourished. We need to raise funds to insure a daily supply of basic needs are met. (approx $500.00 per month to $1000 a month)
PART 2 - hire locals to chip away at the rubble, saving as much building material as possible. Approximately 12 Haitians to work each day to clear the site may be the way to go. They do not have any heavy equipment so they must chip away.....day by day....with small hammers and shovels. I do not know how long this will take since the buildings are very large. Once labor has begun but could be 3 to 4 months...perhaps faster if funds are available for special equipment. Approx cost for labor - $10,000 to $15,000
PART 3 - Rebuild Church. The church is the center of the community. Once the church is done, children can be moved from the chicken house to the church temporarily until their living quarters are complete. Skilled builders have been identified, looking for work and are ready to go. Approx cost - $75,000 to $90,000
PART 4 - Rebuild the living quarters (to include toilets). Would like to have a "Boys Dorm" and "Girls Dorm". Enough space for current children and more space for additional children who may be orphans as a result of the earthquake. Separate rooms for Irma (Pastor Val's sister) and older boys and girls. Also, 2 guest rooms (men and women) for American visitors associated with Val's who will contribute their time and labor to future projects. Approx cost - $100,000
PART 5 - Kitchen/Food Pantry. Cooking facility with propane stove(s). Rat proof & Thief proof storage for all food goods. This kitchen will be closely assigned to classroom area open room for feeding meals (see PART 6). Approx cost - $30,000
PART 6 - Classrooms for school, complete with desks, chalkboards, school supplies, etc.. Approximately 6 rooms with an open room for feeding meals to the kids. Would like the kids to sit together at one or two very large tables to share their meals together (family style). Approx cost - $75,000
Total Estimated Cost: $325,000
For more information on how you can get involved in this project, please contact Kellee Metty at kelleemetty@gmail.com.
SOURCE: http://www.sgionline.info/index.php?id=69