O/T Haiti Earthquake
 

John - Was your mission in Haiti badly damaged by yesterday's earthquake?

I'll fill in a little of what John told me a few minutes ago when I telephoned him.
He has not been able to make contact with any of his 'people' in Haiti due to lack of any type of communication including his cell phone from Haiti nor by e-mail either.
He is very busy and exhausted but tells me that the schools they built are very strong and not very near the epicenter and the orphanage was some 90 miles away from Port Au Prince so he has high hopes for that.

Let's all keep John and the Haitian people in our prayers.

Hi John and Dean..

My sincerest thanks for your posts and concern - it is very, very appreciated!! As well - I've received several phone calls from Dean and others - and for those, again - simply, Thank you..! OK....

P-A-P is pretty much a mess, but, like all of you - most of my news is coming from the press... I had the opportunity to get a notice from one of the folks at Pwoje Espwa - and all is OK there...

I've been trying since yesterday afternoon/evening using Internet, phone (land, cell) and some social networking sites Even my Digicel (my cell phone & # for Haiti) phone won't go through..

OK - mostly - I still know nothing.. I've heard that one of the schools we built is fine - as well as the 600+ children in that orphanage (according to Marc - the "kids are a little shaken up by the whole thing" (Marc has a dry sense of humor ;) ).... The other two story school, the other orphanage, the villagers and the children we are support (in our "family to child" programs) are in other districts - and as of now, I have no news about..

I suspect downtown Cayes suffered the most damage in that region, as well as some of the mountain villages in the Petite Riviere area - but, I have no way of knowing for sure? I did see a couple of clips from what was portrayed as Cayes with buildings in rubble, but I can't be certain they were actually from that city?

While it's been a long night for Jen & I - I know it was a longer night for those in Haiti..

I will also add this.. I can not tell you how incredible your words and support means - not really to Jen and I and Project Rennwish - but rather, to those folks in Haiti who are "living this nightmare"... Your thoughts, pledges and financial contributions - each of them - is gratefully acknowledged and most thankfully received... More than you may know...

I think it's best to keep that momentum up as, once we find out what is needed most (food, water, medical, equipment, etc. ) - then and only then can we decide how to make the largest positive impact during their time of crisis and the ensuing aftermath...

At that time, when we have all the facts about which items are most in need, we can make a decision how best to help the greatest number of victims of this natural tragedy.

'Till then - my sincerest thanks to all....

John

John,Jen,yourself and your adopted family in Haiti are in my thoughts and prayers.

Hi Dave and all,

My sincerest thanks..!! A difficult day. However - Finally - Adrien (one of the Rennwish folks in Haiti) was able to grab an internet connection... His area has no phones (and since my Haiti number is tied to that same area - I have no phone into Haiti...)... So - here are snippets of his long e-mail - but, in short - all our kids are OK..

Thank you all who posted in this read, or read this thread, or have supported Rennwish...

"Dear Brother

...it did not make a lot of damage in les Cayes but in port-au-prince it broke a lot of buildings, a lot of people die. People that leave in les Cayes are victim because they have their family leave at port-au-price. Some of these peoples you know too.

Now in Haiti there are a lot people crying for their close family they are lose and until now we don’t know the number of death and Injured people we have. They searchers and the investigators keep seeking for the death and injured people. We have many relatives and friends in Port-au-prince so, We don’t know how many victims we have because we don’t have any way to communicate, phone does not work.

There are some deaths in les cayes and a lot of injured people in hospital in les cayes and there is not enough bed for them.

It is a very sad situation for Haiti. I love you my brother.

Your brother,

Adrien"

John,

I would like to make a contribution to your organization for the kids. Where should I send it and to whom should the check be made out to.

Bill

contributions
 

As Bill stated. Where do we send our contributions to John??

I'm in too... pending mailing instructions

Me Too- just advise where to send the funds pls. John
 

I would 100 times more prefer to donate through your organization John- I won't get "political" here, and I appreciate former President Clinton heading an appeal for funds to aid Haiti- as on National TV- But I am more trusting of your stewardship here than any Gov't related operation, at least for now.

I went down from our Church with a few other 'retirees" also skilled in carpentry and construction, both to FL. after the 4 hurricanes hit, and later after Katrina- and some, not all of course, of the government efforts to help were bogged down in red tape-fact of life I should guess.

Please keep us all posted as you can on this and what we can do to bring effective help to that island so devastated by the earthquake-- FM

John Dunkle and his Haiti connection in the local media.

http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll...S_01/701149751

The headline is in pretty poor taste but worthy of being sent to David Letterman.

I am sure John is a little busy right now, as we can all imagine. I went to the website for Johns organization and made a donation, which was very easy. Here is the site www.rennwish.org

Bill

Pete- thanks I couldn't get past this Adobe blocker to see it
 

[QUOTE=Pete Lester;11170]John Dunkle and his Haiti connection in the local media.

http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll...S_01/701149751

The headline is in pretty poor taste but worthy of being sent to David Letterman.[ I'll pass on making any "off-beat" comment until I see it Pete, and I am known by my friends to have a "Letterman outlook" at times- BUT- for anything to be in questionable taste regarding our friend and Board mentor Mr. Dunkle and his (and his wife's too) Christian efforts and outlook- Thanks for supporting John and his mission outreach not only in other times, but now as well-- Francis M.- PS-- revised 1/15/2010-- John, anyone can say "My check is in the mail" but mine will be mailed to you tomorrow- at the PO box 4219 Portsmouth, NH address listed-

I know this is "spitballing" a bit, but it will take a long time to rebuild, and many donations- I'm just wondering if the PGCA BOD might consider taking a % of the raffle ticket revenues from the next Vintagers (Sept- 2010) and donating it to Rennwish? Maybe some of our members here who also belong to the LC Smith, AH Fox or LeFever groups might also consider a similar event- and perhaps some of the up-coming clays shoots this year, a % of the funds could go to help out.

I can't, of course, speak for everyone, but most of us are lucky to have enjoyed a comfortable life, regardless of how the means to gain that were garnered. When I consider the tragedy that befell Haiti- the most impoverished Country in the Free World, the old phrase: "There but for God's grace go you and I"-- with all best wishes!! Francis M.

Donating to John's organization could not be easier, I clicked the web link and was done in 30 seconds. Good luck to John and his friends in Haiti.

In short - I just want to say "Thank You" - for a lot of reasons... You folks know why.. Your support, enthusiasm, words, advice, suggestions - are simply amazing - my thanks for those.. As well - I do share many with Adrien and his reply last evening was:

"...Say thank you to those people who are praying for us.Say to them,we love them so much.."

Anyway - I know I owe many of you private notes, private thanks for your donations and e-mails back.. I promise you - I will reply - let me get my head above water, OK? As well, as what is happening in Les Cayes right now, I Just had a conversation with Adrien (he stood in line for 3 hours for three hours to use a temporary phone that was set up to call family/friends in the USA). He mentioned the following:

There are vast amounts of people leaving Les Cayes to Port-au-Prince to check on family and friends. However, there is only primary road, which, as he understands is not open. There are several back routes at twice the distance, but he is unsure whether those are open either either.

The hospital in Les Cayes is desperate need of food, medicine, beds, dressings and basic supplies. Many remain on the street waiting for any medical attention at all. I'm sure this pales by comparison to Port-au-Prince.

The next two to three weeks will be critical. As food, water, medical supplies are already in short supply - we can further expect a displacement of people from Port-au-Prince as an influx into Les Cayes and other outlying cities. This will tax an already over-stressed region, and given the condition of the infra-structure in Haiti today, I'm not certain International Assistance will be able to reach these cities in time with adequate basic supplies.

My sincerest thanks to all of you...

And as a further update, there is a slight chance I'll be in Haiti within the next 24-48 hours for search & rescue (I got a call from a local corporation to perhaps assist them, as no one in their team has been into Haiti) - and then help figure out the logistics of getting some basics into Les Cayes. If I am, I'll ask Jenn (my wife) to post any updates, OK??

My Best Always,

John

John,Godspeed..You will be in my thoughts.Please be safe.

Know the area well, John. No way Aux Cayes easily land or sea. Canada built a school on Isle Vache. Since Aux Cayes is on Haiti's periphery, it may not be as bad. My thoughts are with you, as they are with the wonderful Haitians who provided Canada's current Governor-General, Michaelle Jean.

Buy a Bandage
 

I am about to make this public announcement:

"Buy a Bandage"

What is "Buy a Bandage"? It's a Rennwish (a 501C3) partnership with Pwoje Espwa, based in Les Cayes, Haiti, to subsidize the Hospital in Les Cayes, Haiti for emergency medical care, supplies, food, and basic necessities for its operation and relief of earthquake victims. As of today - all those items are depleted.

To help - please visit http://rennwish.org

Summary: Again - I wanted to thank all of you for your words, ideas, support and encouragement. As you know, many of your comments I've shared with some of our friends in Haiti. They are more appreciated thank you may know - or, maybe you do know?

Over the past several days - I've been trying to understand exactly "how" Rennwish can make the greatest impact given our limited exposure and, well - to be frank - limited resources. From our previous projects, we have selected programs, which are guaranteed to directly impact and influence the lives and education of children within Haiti. We believe we have been successful with our "partners" in those efforts - namely the children themselves, the villages, and our more formal partners, such as Pwoje Espwa.

The current crisis and disaster has only strengthened our commitment to the same credo - do as much as we possibly can to effect immediate improvement to those children, women, and men who, as I write this - are suffering unimaginable injuries and trauma.

Therefore, after communicating with Fr. Marc Boisvert - we believe, that together - you, Rennwish and Pwoje Espwa - can assist those injured children, women and men who might be otherwise overlooked immediately by the tremendous International Aid effort underway in Port-au-Prince, Petionville, Jacmel and some additional regions

The Goal: Immediate Requirement: $75,000 ($21,000 Medical/Supplies and $54,000 Emergency food/relief).

In the last few days, Rennwish has received exactly $5,042.00 in contributions earmarked for relief, with another $4,550 committed. All of those monies will be released for their intended purpose specified below. The remaining roughly $65,000 we hope to raise in the next few days - and with your help - by gosh - we can and will do it.

Mission - short term: To subsidize the Hospital in Les Cayes, Haiti for emergency medical supplies, food, and basic necessities for its operation and relief of victims. As of today - all those items are depleted. In short, we will buy and distribute Medical supplies for the Les Cayes Hospital, re-stock Pwoje Espwa's medical clinic and provide medicine, food an comfort for many of the injured children, women and men who are strewn throughout the Les Cayes hospital grounds awaiting any relief whatsoever.

The Purpose: All monies will be wired to Fr. Marc Boisvert at Pwoje Espwa directly into Haiti. As well - that is the same orphanage we partnered with to construct one of several planned Technical Schools. I trust Marc and his staff implicitly and since they are "on site" in the Cayes region - represent our partnership locally for this huge effort.

As well, Marc assures us that if he had the money to acquire the medical supplies and food - he has access to them. So - let's get Marc that money so he can do his part to assist those most in need.

So - here is the deal….

As true to Rennwish's and Pwoje Espwa's legacy - we believe that getting your donations directly into the hands of those most in need sends a powerful message. While we could purchase the items outside of Haiti, pay for packing, pay for shipping, pay for delivery into Haiti and pay more to get them into Les Cayes - that option becomes both cost prohibitive and doesn't allow the emergency supplies to get into the hands that need them most - when they are needed most… Further, it also dilutes your donations with unnecessary packing/shipping/delivery charges. Our intention has always been - and will always be - 100% of what you donate goes to the programs. This program. "Buy a Bandage" is "one of those programs.

You may also ask that isn't this program outside what Rennwish has traditionally undertaken? Yes, it is. As you know, in the past - we have succeeded at building infrastructure in the care and education of children who can go on and change their own community as they mature. However, Rennwish has always responded to where there is the greatest need - which is why we have a legacy of programs in Haiti today. Today's need in Haiti is both acute and life threatening.

We are obligated to respond to those same needs today. Working directly with Fr. Marc, his staff, Pwoje Espwa and the hospital in Les Cayes as they struggle to make a difference in basic human life isn't an option. It's a requirement of "life" for us, the living.

We must not fail.

It really is that simple.

Our thanks,

John Dunkle
Rennwish.org

Fr. Marc Boisvert
Pwoje Espwa - Haiti

I have been asked to update this thread with any information... This post is difficult... Again, my thanks to a few of you.... I'd almost run out of words.. However - I just received this note from Adrien for Port-au-Prince.. I asked him to go to PAP to check on our friends and his family. This e-mail from him is NOT EDITED.... It is what it is - and why we are doing all this.. As you read his note, he has NO IDEA I would post his comments - and please know this is one of my guys - who I trust without question.

My dear brother,

The situation in Haiti is very complicated today. Port-au-prince is broken down and the town should be repaired

Most of the buildings that are broken are the state’s building, like The palace, laws court and some of the Government representative are died during a meeting they had at Montana hotel some of our artist died in Le Flambroyant hotel they had a meeting for the carnival next February, most of the universities are collapsed with student who made an examination at that time and most of them still alive under the ground and they send message text to their family and close friends. Some die because they can’t breathe and others because they had hurt.

Now Port-au-Prince is very smell bad because the deaths are everywhere in the streets they the obliged to dug holes to bury the deaths, they put them in a dumbstruck to throw them in holes. And a lot of crying everywhere in Haiti.

What which is hard for some people is because they may be lost a close and they will not see them anymore.

There is no communication, the way is broken the circulation to go there is not good.

I have some of my cousins who hurt but not to bad and their houses are broken.

The people live in the street because they are houseless some who have houses sleep outside because they are afraid of the houses even the people in les cayes they sleep in the street for the same reason.

Even the strangers who come to the country for help, it is true they help but they more focus on the hotel of Montana where they have some their own nation as representative in Haiti.

The people in Port-au-Prince are waterless and foodless. Most of them leave the Capital to go to different places. Now in Les cayes all the hospital are full with people and we don’t have enough doctor or medical assistant to take care of them. The representing we have in les cayes to ameliorate the situation and to welcome the new comers let the people leave in the soccer field and ask to every people to come with their help, like to bring water, food, clothes because some of them escape from the Capital with only one clothe and most of them are not from in les cayes so, they don’t have any one here they know they come because they find only the opportunity to escape the Capital and they profit to leave. Most of them are died by painful. The situation is very sad.

Now everything is very expensive like thought, like food, gas, even clothes and for the electricity they only give us power for some hours and all the institutions is closed like bank, school, university and all the state’s institution. Now the situation is very hard, sad and complicated in Haiti.

For the money I could not take it from western union but I borrowed it from a friend that I used to buy cement and Iron,when I get the money,I will pay it back.I went to Port-au-prince,I bought waters,juice,breads and some snacks and brought them to the people and then I share the rest of the money to them and their neighbors.They were very happy,they told me thank you and I told them to thank God and my brother John Dunkle and his wife.

My brother it is very Sad.I took some pictures,the internet conection is not very good now,I will send you them next time.

I love you Jen and my brother very very much.

Adrien.

My Reply:

Hello Brother....

You are not alone - I cry with you for all Haiti is today, after the earthquake. I cry for the people too. What Jen and I and all of Rennwish do is so small compared to the hurt of the people there. I am so sad also to read about what the international community try to save - but, as I say to you another time, I know they try to save their own first. that makes me sad...

Today, I start a new program to save the hospital in Cayes. We try to raise money - and then have Fr. Mark at Espwa buy medical supplies , food, beds for the Haitians at the hospital in Cayes - not for our use - BUT for the use for the people of Haiti - the children especially and those people who are like those who you mention. Your people, family and friends. I think "our" people.

I think we can do all that - just for the people. Not for the USA or for the Chinese or for all the countries, alone - but - more importantly - only for the people in Haiti...

It is OK my brother to cry about all that happens in PAP and Haiti - and all that you see. All that you live through. It is all OK..

You - and the people in Haiti do not cry alone.

We cry with you.

You are not alone. We are with you. All who support Rennwish... Please tell people in Haiti who want to give us a hug - all of us hug them back even more.

And please tell them they are not alone either...

I love you,

Your Brother,

John

I wonder if we can set up with our employers a weekly payroll deduction so we can continue to help the Rennwish organization for the long haul... after all, this effort will need to be perpetuated for years - it won't be over in a month or two. Think of it, where else can we be guaranteed that 100% of our donations go directly to the people who need it the most - the victims... not a penny of our dollar will go to administrative or logistical expenses... it's a volunteer organization. You employers might look into some way that your employees can contribute in this manner if they so wish.
If not a payroll deduction, how about an automatic monthly checking account withdrawal?
There must be a way. I'm going to look into this at least for Kathy and me. I urge anyone else who wishes to contribute long-term to look into this as well.

Hi Dean,

My thanks.. As well - you asked if employers can deduct? Yes - in fact - what they require to do so are copies of our EIN, conformance certification by the IRS that we are a 501c3 and a copy of our articles of incorporation. All of those have been made available previously to corporations that have asked, so again - simply - thank you....

As well...

Apparently there are a number of copies of this thread in the various forums and sites, so I apologize to all of you is you have read this post in one of those threads as well... You see....

I just came home from work - and while I'm trying to prepare to get into Haiti as part of a rescue, if we get clearance, I wanted to say this...

You folks - all of you - are amazing. I am humbled, speechless - and a lot more than a little proud to be your voice to so many in Haiti who have no voice. In short - what we are trying to do - and will do - is actually "adopt" a hospital for the next few weeks and give the children, men & women (I believe there are about 1500 in dire medical need at that hospital as I write this) - the medicine they require, food, water - and most importantly - simply *hope* that we - or rather YOU - have not forgotten nor forsaken them... I don't really know anymore the right words to say. I do know that those in Haiti do not have the right words, either - to express to all of you their thanks. If you doubt that - please read Adrien's e-mail posted earlier, OK?

As well - on to the "nut-and-bolts"...

In the past 28 hours - Rennwish has raised approximately $23,000 for this effort alone. The prelimary figures are:

$14,267 - PayPal
$8,100 - Committed as "checks in the mail";
$700 - eChecks not cleared but in process

I shake my head in disbelief, because - just like you - I find it amazing that so many could care so much...

And we have just started on attacking that $75,000 goal. I know - we will "just get it done" - as you and Rennwish has so often in the past...

To the number of folks that asked if they could defray the PayPal processing expenses, my thanks - but the answer is "no". It's been our "mantra" that if you give "$1" - then "$1" goes to that Rennwish Program. Jen and I have traditionally offset any PayPal or wire transfer or bank expenses from our end. We will continue to do so - as I made that guarantee that your "$1" reaches the children and the people intact and in full. It's what we do and will continue to do...

A few have asked how we intend to get the funds into Haiti to acquire the supplies, etc... That's easy... We need to get some funds immediately into those purchasing the medical supplies - so they can get them into the hands of the hospital and the folks. So, we'll send enough via instant wire services to make the initial purchases for the first few days. At the same time - we will bank-wire direct into the Haitian financial banks the major portion of your funds, but it typically takes those funds about 4-5 days to clear within Haiti.

So - in short - we'll start getting your supplies into Haiti as a trickle, while the major banks clear the majority of the assets - which will insure the funds, medicine, food and necessities of life continue to flow... This is all being done from "within Haiti" itself...

Finally - here and an edited private e-mail I sent to a contributor, who was worried if he'd done enough...

....Honestly? I am so overwhelmed by you and others - I am speechless... Since the earthquake - in private - I've been a mess. I've lost some "friends" - and given the situation, have felt like "what can we really do?" - which pales in comparison to all the International Aid, syndicated charities, etc... But then - as I got in contact with my folks (like Adrien and Marc), knew that there was so much to do...

All we want to do is get aide to the people who need it... One person to one person....

Giving an entire hospital - which has been forsaken so far - medicine, supplies, food, water, - HOPE - is what we do best. In fact -- it is what "we do"...

That "we" is you and the folks who have contributed - have done. It's "person to person". That's personal. That is you.

You made a huge difference - simply by choosing to care....

So, my thanks.... My "job" is easy... My "job" is to ensure that $1.00 donated goes to $1.00 of aid. No newspaper articles. And no clips on major network TV news... No pictures.... No pat on the backs....

Just simply - people-to-people.

My thanks for that,

John

Just thought this should be brought back to the top. God speed John

Just a couple of notes... First - thank you...... All of you - whether you have contributed, or will contribute, or have let others know about all we are doing - just - well, thank you...

I have NOT posted this before, but....

A quick update.. We got the first money INTO Les Cayes early this morning - and I'm walking a bit of a tightrope. You see - if I send too much, it won't be distributed, as available money in Cayes from the banks and the wire transfer agencies are in short supply (yes - I mean that..).. When they "run out of money" - they close. So - if we send too much - it won't be distributed. If we send to little, it won't do much at all given the prices of food, medicine and fuel (in fact - you can't buy fuel today)...

Anyway - today, we have our first first small victory for those in Les Cayes. Today, we were able to get some money there, and have started purchasing and distributing medicine and food and those much needed goods will be distributed to:
- one of the local hospitals;
- a village that is hosting many refugees from PAP which is now out of food; and
- and a smaller orphanage outside Les Cayes that is in dire need.

We are fortunate, as many "non-profits" are still struggling to get any money "in country". We have done so - and we will continue to do so.

While it is one small step - we are indeed moving forward.

My thanks to all of you...

John.

I've said it before - and I'll keep saying it - thank you..... After many PMs and a few phone calls, I was asked to update this thread.. So here you go - it includes a release - and a sincere thank you... So - here goes...

If you have contributed to this program and I have your e-mail - you should have gotten a "semi-personal" thank you..?? What's "semi-personal"??? Well - it was an e-mail sent out to over 200 folks who have contributed... I'm a little humbled by all of you... I always have been - and I always will be...

For that - it gives me great pleasure to make public our first "press release".. It was edited and authored by many of you - and requested by many more... If you would like - feel free to use it and distribute it as you will.. This success is not to my credit - but rather - to yours collectively....

In short - we have reached nearly 50% of our goal of $75,000 since last Friday afternoon.... And while we still have a long road ahead - we can - no rather, we will do this....

Here is that press release..... (<--- Click there if you want to read it...)...

My sincerest thanks,

Always,

John

I'm finally home again from Haiti - two one and a half week trips in a month? I guess I've spent more time in Haiti in the last month then I have at home... Anyway - I am amazed, discouraged and frankly very disillusioned about what is happening in Haiti. If folks knew the story from inside Haiti, and from the view of the Haitians - you would feel as I do..

On a positive note however - I took a while to create a Gallery from the village we fed - Bomachan. Again, this village of about 1500 children, men and women has no water, no electricity, no food, no school, no doctor, no nurse, no hope and to illustrate this - people walk for about one mile each way to fill their buckets with water - twice a day - to a well that has water. As well - twice a week some walk to the "market" which is about 10 miles (each way) to try to buy whatever they can to exist.

Next Tuesday, I have a Haitian well digger going into this remote village to asses what it will take to fix their well and pump, which failed in 2003. I'll add it to the Rennwish Project Pages in a day or two. In the meantime - these links are for the picture gallery I set up. When you see the pictures, you will see complete and utter desperation and the blank stares of harrowed human beings living in absolute poverty inside a poverty stricken country.

Later in the album - when Adrein and I showed up with more food two days later - you will also see some of those blank looks have started to become feint smiles - as people began to believe that someone cared about their fate... Those of you who have supported Rennwish are responsible for those traces of smiles - as we are just starting to reinvigorate their hopes and lives...

The slide show: -> http://reutterwerk.com/gallery2/main...2_itemId=15637

The Main Gallery: -> http://reutterwerk.com/gallery2/main.php/v/Haiti2010/bomachan

My Best to all - and frankly - it's nice to be home...
John

This is off-topic - but something I've spent the past two days wrestling.... The folks in Haiti can't catch a break.... I am at a loss for words... The only good news is that your school (if you have supported Rennwish) is being used as a public shelter...

http://rennwish.blogspot.com/

Please bookmark the above link, as I'll try to post updates there, OK???

John

Hi from Project Rennwish!

As a few know, I just returned once again from Haiti and it was wonderful. In this post, I'll try to give you a brief update on all our programs - and as well, try to keep the Rennwish BLOG & site updated with more information and pictures (links below).

First, it was my pleasure to escort Blair, Mac and Devon Richardson along with Don and Brooke Bailey - all who reside in Colorado - for several days last week. They did a fabulous job and we are indebted to them for their energy, their support and their smiles!

The village of Bamachan: The water & well is nearly complete! As you may remember, this is the poverty stricken village that has been without a local source of water since 2003, and last week, the well is being re-dug, a new cap has been made and a new pump acquired. The village is both amazed and grateful - more than I could ever express in mere words. As well, I'd like to thank Don, Leslie & Brooke Bailey - along with HERBALIFE, for the incredible donation of hundreds of high-nutrition drink packs for the children Bamachan - simply outstanding! I wrote about it and posted pictures on our BLOG:
http://rennwish.blogspot.com/2010/03...herbalife.html
We are looking at the possibility of expanding our support in this village in the near future including building the first regional school and perhaps other basic life necessities.
http://rennwish.org/bamachan.htm

Pastor Andre's Orphanage:
http://rennwish.org/place_of_hope.htm
Thanks to Steve Richards and Don Bailey, we packed another 1000 pounds of much needed food into the orphanage - thank you Steve and Don! As well, the pace of the construction is breathtaking and the front rooms, ceilings and walls are nearly complete in little over one week. In addition, we purchased twenty new mattresses - along with 15 others that were recently purchased - in addition to 10 new beds! The next hard construction phase we will undertake is completing the wing for older boys along with installing electricity for the orphanage.

The Garden donated by Dani and the Thurston Middle School:
http://rennwish.blogspot.com/2010/02...rden-grow.html
WOW - things are actually GROWING!!! I would have thought with all the rain, the garden would be delayed - not at all!! Junior and the young boys have planted about 15 rows of tomatoes, squash and other vegetables - and the seedling boxes are full! The small fence is even installed to keep the goats and kids (baby goats - not the orphans ;) ) out of the new plantings. I have quite a few pictures of this project - and will post them on our BLOG and website shortly.

Pastor Vilnor's School:
http://rennwish.blogspot.com/2010/03...tnerships.html

http://rennwish.org/Pastor_Vilnor.htm

We have authorized and started some improvements to Pastor Vilnor's school - including putting electric into all the rooms on the second floor; converting the second floor front "office" into a computer lab with an Internet connection - and as well, buying and installing a railing for the second floor where today, there is only a knee-wall. There is a reason we are improving this school yet again - so PLEASE WATCH THIS SPACE for more details, as it's our intent to provide schooling to another 50 or so plus children who cannot afford tuition and so are not in school today. When I disclose our thoughts on this - I hope you will be as delighted as we are!!

Foster Families and Children: All are doing wonderfully and send their best and their thanks! A special thanks again to Kelly for her letters I took down last trip:
http://rennwish.blogspot.com/2010/02/kellys-world.html -
and I told them there would be more coming from Kelly and some other children who expressed a desire to start a "pen-pal" relationship with some of our children in Haiti…

All in all - a successful trip - but, none of this could/would be possible with all of your support and contributions. I am humbled and proud to be your voice and face to thousands of children in Haiti.

That being said, it is critical we continue at the pace we holding today, as we are trying to accomplish so much in an accelerated fashion. And for that, again - my have my sincerest thanks for your financial contributions, support and encouragement…

It means more than you could ever know - but then again - maybe you do know?

My sincerest thanks and warmest regards,

John Dunkle
Project Rennwish

Welcome home John- a job well done, but not over yet!
 

Your mission to Haiti, and the support of your friends, both on the PGCA and elsewhere, in providing Humitarian aid to a Country that sorely needs it, is beyond my mere scope of words to detail.

If I may, I'll quote from another friend with the same first name as yours: "One hundred years from now, it will NOT matter what kind of house we lived in, what kind of car we drove, or how much money we had in the bank. What will matter is that we made the difference in the lives of children"!! Good on You!!:bigbye:

Francis,

Just - simply - "Thank you".. I wouldn't and I couldn't do it without you and so many others, who like you - just want to make a difference...

Please know you have done just that, Sir. You have made a tremendous difference...

I pass on the thanks of thousands of childen, refugees and foster children in this reply - to you and to all who have stepped up to assist.

My Sincerest thanks and My Best Regards, Francis,

John

GOD BLESS YOU JOHN, You and your Other Angels.........George

I just posted about finishing Pastor Vilnor's school on the Rennwish BLOG:

http://rennwish.blogspot.com/

For that, if you are reading this post and contributed to our efforts, I would like to thank you personally for "making this happen". All of you have perhaps have no idea how appreciated your support has been through the construction and this project. I wish you could meet the 200 or so students of the school - and listen to them as they say "Thank You".

Next year, if you read the post I just made - well, hopefully, we'll give another 100 or so children an opportunity for an education. Kids who wouldn't have one otherwise - without your support and your belief that we can, indeed - make a difference

As for our other projects? Pastor Andre's Orphanage, the village at Bamachan, the foster children we care for and provide life necessities, the students we have enrolled in the University, the.. Well - so many projects.. We have done so much together... And we will continue to do so given your support..

Thank you for that - your belief we can make a change... Each of you on this e-mail list deserve huge "bragging rights" to be able to tell others - family, friends, business associates - that you, indeed, have made a tremendous difference to the people in Haiti... That is to your credit, not mine.

And you have done so with my sincerest thanks and the thanks of so many who believe in all you have done,

Thank you to all,

John

I know John is in Haiti again this week and I just watched the weather. It looks bad. Not only have hundreds of people died of cholera recently in Haiti but now it looks like a strong tropical storm, or level one hurricane, is about to hit all those homeless people. Living in a tent and no place to hide in a strong storm must be terrible!

Let's hope John stays healthy and safe!

Has the Haitian Gov't released any of the money that was sent early after the quake hit that was intended to go to helping the Haitian people??










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GOD BLESS YOU JOHN! And may God bless all of your fellow workers and the Haitian people as well. In my time in the U.S. Navy I visited Haiti and the Dominican Republic and know first hand them to be a kind and loving people and deeply religous. They have always had a rough life.

Best Regards, George

Hi from Haiti!!!

It's been a long couple of days (or more than a week down here?). I'm posting from a celluar data connection which is difficult at best, so to the folks that have e-mailed me or Messaged me, please understand I'm way out of country ok?

Anyway. ....

The hurricane passed through last night and into to the early
hours this morning. Our projects were at ground zero for the first landfall of Tomas so it was a little silly for a while.?? But, for all the projects and children under my care there was no loss of life and minimal damage to our schools, orphanage, foster care facilities etc. Amazing.

Anyway, I've been trying to keep my supporters up to date with pictures and even a video from Les Cayes this morning as the event winded down. You can see some of them in my next post as I gather the links (I'm on my cell phone).

My best to all and looking forward to coming home sometime next week as my original return flight was cancelled.

My thanks and best,

John

These links are the easiest to create:

http://rennwish.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Projec...2618..1&v=wall

http://rennwish.org

Many thanks to all again, especially to Robin, Dean and George. I carried your comments and well wishes with me and to all the children though the past few days. Simply guys,

Thank you.

John