O/T - A Quick Thank You and Update....

[John D.]

I just wanted to post a quick, new thread and say "Thank You" to many - many of you here for your support, encouragement and advice as we just try to "get it done" in Haiti.

To that end, I was working on the preliminary financial info last evening and this AM in preparation for departing for Haiti. So - below is a copy and paste out of my spreadsheet.. Before I post them below....

I also want to say thank you.. To all of you... I know we can keep the momentum going - so we will with all of your help... As well, while a few have privately asked that I stay in the USA, rather then travel to Haiti - unfortunately - we need to make some difficult decisions regarding tens of hundreds new orphans and seriously injured children in the next week who, as I write this - are streaming into Les Cayes - the base of all our projects.

I can't make those decisions while in the US - they have to be made "on-site" at our orphanages, schools and projects - with the people. But - while I'm in Haiti, please don't be surprised if we make some commitments to do some things in an accelerated fashion, which I'll ask one of the Rennwish volunteers (JoAnne) to post on the Rennwish Facebook page <--- link.

For any new programs and projects - I know - together - we'll excel at anything we set our minds and hearts to...


OK - the preliminary numbers as of this AM:
++++++++++++++++++++

Total PayPal Receipts - $27,973.36
Total Check Deposits: - $8,055.00
Total Cash Deposits: - $20.00

Actual Receipts - 1/12/10-1/23/10 - $36,048.36

Total Checks Committed - En Route: - $11,150.00

Total Actual and Committed Funds - $47,198.36

1-11-2010 through 1-23-2010 Donations
Total Donations - Via Paypal - 285
Total Donations - Via Checks - 19
Total Donations - Via Cash - 1

Total Number of Donations - 305

My Best to all!

John

[John D.]

Hi folks,

Really quickly as I'm trying to get a few things completed before I leave. The arrangements are to arrive in the DR - and then take a couple of options - I may have a flight into Cayes from a wonderful Pastor, if we can link up. The other option is drive to Cayes. If it's the latter, then I won't get there until late tomorrow night is my guess.. As well...

I spoke to Adrien earlier today. Les Cayes has had a few flights and some relief - but, the hospitals are still in dire need for basics and it is still has a very long way to go. While I'll be taking down a huge bag of supplies - my guess is that it will be like a "raindrop" hitting the ocean.... But - know for that - with you - if we can help only a few hundred with temporary supplies - it will be well worth it...

Food is still a critical item - and we have expanded our support there to include Pastor Andre's orphanage and facilities - Andre is another I can "call my brother", as his orphanage has been his life-long passion and dream. We are honored to be called to assist him with his dream - which is simply, as is our combined passion - is to do whatever we can to make a difference.

As well, in the villages, hospitals and other orphanages - refugees and "newly created" orphans from the disaster are still streaming in... While I'm there, we'll be discussing some options with Pastor Vilnor perhaps using the two stories of the school for temporary shelter/refuge for some of these children -until we can develop a better long-term plan.

So - in closing - simply - thank you - again. Not from me really - but rather - thank you from the hundreds and thousands who we hope to assist in some small way.

You have given them a voice - and more importantly - you have given them a little sliver of hope.

I'm personally honored to be your ambassador and your "face" to so many children, women and men in this program. So, my personal thanks for that privilege...

John

(In private - feel free to copy this into the other threads - as I don't think I'll have time for a while... Thank you!)

[Dean Romig]

Godspeed to you and your mission John. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers.