Where do we begin. We got a very good nights rest last night. We spent this morning worshipping in church with the Haitian people. They had very little and now in some circumstances have nothing yet they are praising the Lord! How often do we have a minor inconvience and grumble. Makes you really put life into a new perspective. We can't begin to describe all of it to you but are taking many pictures. Pastor Pierre took his message from Psalm 46 this morning. It was very appropriate. We then toured a village and saw the childrens home.

We had another group join us today whose plans had fallen apart with another organization. One of the PA's with them use to work at Stoney Brook Pediatrics in Dansville. It is a small world. Several other people were from the Rochester area. They will be working with us for the next several days.

We will be splitting the group up tomorrow with some working in the clinic and others taking the bus to a refugee camp. Cindy and I will be going on the bus. The 82nd airborne is suppose to join us for safety. Although we have had no real issues we all feel it is better to be preventive and they have been very positive about accompaning us. We are also getting more supplies in and they have helped on the tarmack as well.

At this time it looks like we are going to have to go back out thru the DR on Sat. Because of that we will not be able to book flights until we get there. We are expecting it will be late on Sunday before we arrive home. No sense in worrying about it because the Lord knows and already has it laid out.

The longer we are here we are awed by the Haitian people and the work that Nehemiah Vision Ministries has done in just a short time.

Please continue to pray. We both feel well and although food is in short supply the Lord continues to provide.

To those in E'Tienne's family reading this she is doing well. However, I think you have lost her heart to Haiti.

Tim, Cindy and E'Tienne

Tired greetings from Haiti. We traveled overnight by bus,(very difficult to sleep on a bouncing bus!), and arrived at Pastor Pierre's at about 7am. We had a start up meeting, got to wash up and change clothes, had a light breakfast, and then went to Chambrun to set up for clinic. We ended up having a half day clinic at the same time we were setting up. Estimate that they saw around 250 people in that time. A lot of stomach ailments, anxiety, sick and malnourished babies, along with some minor things that were basic treatment with Tylenol and vitamins. Tim worked triage and Cindy worked at organizing the pharmacy area sorting meds and supplies. E'Tienne did wound care and worked in an exam room with one of the doctors.

We are obviously back at Pastor Pierre's resting and waiting for suppertime. We are not near any of the really malodorous areas, thank God. We have had a nice breeze all day which has made the heat bearable. Haiti is in a bit of a drought at the moment which is a mixed blessing. They could use the water, but the people sleeping out in the open are glad it isn't raining. Many people who still have houses will not sleep in them because they are afraid. The ones who have lost their homes have no choice. Tent cities are cropping up all over, and they are bulldozing areas to set up new camps and move people out of the city.

The wells at the Nehemiah Vision compounds were recently tested, and all passed. The people have clean water there, but other areas are still questionable. There are a lot of buildings that are totally destroyed, and yet a lot of buildings are sound and standing. Many have minor cracks and repairable damage. Estimates are that it will take several years to rebuild the city of Port au Prince, but you see rebuilding already started.

Pastor Pierre said that there are about 300-400 thousand dead, and probably much more than that because people just bury their dead and don't report the deaths to the government. Outbreaks of disease are picking up, including measles and chickenpox.

Keep praying for health, and return travel. Apparently that can be a problem still.

In Christ we find rest.
Tim and Cindy

They have officially made it into Haiti. I received a text from a friend this morning telling me to get on my skype so that mom and dad could chat with me. I quote from them, "no worries, we made it here safely, no worries!" I think they think I worry!! (I wonder who I get that from!) Anyways, they are an hour ahead of us as far as the time change goes. They will be going in today and setting up clinic. Mom said that it shouldn't be too long of a day for them. Please continue to lift them up in your prayers.

Praying without ceasing,
Melissa Edwards

They have made it to Santo Domingo! No problems so far. They have the totes and have met the rest of the group. Now it's the long bus ride into Haiti for them now. I can't thank you all enough for all of your prayers and support for my parents and E'Tienne. This is all I have for an update for now. Hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

Melissa

Praise the Lord!!!!! Just received a phone call from my parents stating that all 6 totes made it onto the plane at the JFK airport. Prayers have been answered. Thank you all so much for your continued prayer in the tote situation. Please continue to keep them in your prayers as they continue on their journey.

Melissa Edwards
Tim & Cindy's daughter

Well we made it to JFK. Quite a bit of turbulance on the first leg. E'Tienne has motion sickness, and Tim isn't far behind. I'm fine ......I like rollercoasters! Waiting for the next flight time which is 10:45. The totes made it on in Rochester, but they didn't reassure us that they would make it past JFK. They totes are marked "Haiti relief" and we are praying that will help. Apparently plastic totes are considered "boxes" in the Dominican Republic, and they don't allow boxes.

Will post again when we can! Please keep praying for the totes to clear!!

Thanks and God bless.

Cindy

So day zero is here. Totes are packed. Bills are paid. Good byes are said and instructions have been given. Now time to finish a few last minute details and try and get a few hours sleep before we leave for Rochester at 4am. Praying that the lake effect stops by morning so we can get out. For those who were concerned Tom and Missy are taking us to the airport. WETM was here and did a tv interview which should air on either the 10 or 11 news tonight.

There is alot of concern over our safety and return. We realize the dangers associated with this trip BUT also rest in the knowledge that we are in the Lord's hands. We don't say that lightly but with a true conviction. The purpose of this trip is to show the love of Christ to the Haitian people thru our willingness to come and serve them where they are. We are safer in Haiti doing what God desires for us rather than home out side of His will. We do appreciate your prayers for safety.

We are expecting to see some horrible things but also are looking forward to some great miracles and are expecting God to do great things. We had an e-mail from people in Haiti today who helped to deliver 3 babies on Wednesday. In the midst of all that death and destruction there is still new life and little lives that need to be cared for.

Thank you for all of your prayer and support. Lord willing the next post will be from Haiti.

Tim and Cindy. E'Tienne is ready to go to.

Well, the fun has begun in earnest. We did a news interview with WENY this afternoon that will air at 11pm tonight.(WE are not staying up to watch it! If you catch it let us know what they aired.) We have been frantically packing and repacking totes( we decided to go with them and let God get them through!) Still have to pack our carry on bags, which we hope will hold all of our clothing,bedding and personal items that don't have to be checked.

Tommorrow we have another news interview with WETM at 7pm. We have decided to stay at home tomorrow night and leave for the airport at 4am Friday. One more night in our own bed!
We were also contacted by a reporter for The Courier and The Leader wanting an interview. We were not able to accomodate her , but gave her permission to use information from our blog to write her article. You will have to let us know if she was accurate in her article!! :)

Work schedules are heavy tomorrow, so keep us in prayer for smooth days. It will be a late day for Cindy. And Tim has a million errands to take care of in addition to work.
Blessings to all.
Tim and Cindy

Less than 72 hours we should be in the Dominican Republic and yet so much to do. Tim is making lists in his head and Cindy is telling him it will all get done. We have been truly blessed the last couple of days both financially and with donations for things for us to take. A local medical supply store donated surgical dressings today that are valued at several 1000 dollars. We also found out this evening that we will be doing a TV interview with WETM news tomorrow evening. Our goal is that this draws attention to the people of Haiti and the outreach and mission of Nehemiah Vision Ministries.

Our plan at this time is to leave Thursday after work and spend the evening in Rochester. We need to be to the airport by 5:30 Friday morning. We would ask you to pray about our luggage. Tim spent alot of time on the phone today trying to get clarification on how much we could take and if there were exceptions because it is a medical mission. Everyone responded that they would make the exception but couldn't promise that the individuals who check us in on Friday would. We have decided that God has provided the supplies so He will make a way to get them there.

A special thanks to the guys at FLN who are doing a great job of keeping people informed of what we are doing. We know there are many people praying for us as we prepare and then as we go. A couple of specific request would be luggage. Also Tim is battling a sinus cold. Please pray for our family while we are away as it will be difficult for them. Also that God will be preparing us physically, emotionally and most of all spiritually for the work he has for us.

Thank you to all of you for your support. Tomorrow will be busy with finally packing, cleaning, paying of bills (yuck) and making sure everything is ready for a Thursday departure.

Tim and Cindy

We have collected a lot of casting supplies, gloves, hand sanitizer and some odds and ends so far. More coming in tomorrow. Some concern about the weight of the accumulated casting supplies. The materials are mostly plaster which is of course heavier than the new fiberglass stuff, but we will take what God provides.
Bandaging materials are promised for tomorrow, and will be considerably lighter, and can fill nooks and crannies in the heavier bags.
Packing will be interesting and more than a little creative!

We continue to be blessed by God's generous people. Thank you for praying!! Keep them coming!

Tim and Cindy

We are overwhelmed and humbled by the outpouring of support we are receiving. God is blessing in all aspects. We are steadily increasing the funds we will be taking with us (remember everything over and above our immediate needs is going to be left to continue the relief work after we return). We have been thoroughly bathed in prayer today. Please KEEP praying. We were also blessed by the MAPS KIDS ( a missions oriented youth program at our church) with wordless bracelets to take with us to minister to children in Haiti for them. We are surrounded by caring, praying men women AND children.

We are still waiting for finalized lists of needed supplies, but have a good idea of what is needed if the actual list fails to appear.

We did find out that we no longer have a strict 50 pound weight limit. We can now take 100 pounds each plus our carry on luggage. There is a size limit however, on baggage going into Santo Domingo that we will probably have to abide by. We do plan to call the baggage handlers at JFK tomorrow to see if there is any chance of leniency on those restrictions at present. It can't hurt to try.

We have our prescriptions for the antimalarials and preventive antibiotics and will be filling them in the next 2 days. Some of the meds have to be ordered in as they aren't commonly prescribed around here. :)

The whirlwind really begins tomorrow as we try to keep up with work schedules and still stay on top of trip preparations. Pray for clarity in thinking of all the minute details we need to remember and take care of in the next 4 days. Friday will be here quickly.

E'Tienne's week is as crazy as ours with work and packing etc. Keep her in your prayers also.

God is in control, and we rest in Him.
Tim and Cindy

WOW. Can you say fast and overwhelming. The last 6 hours have been a rush of activity. E'Tienne is ok and did make it here. Our flights are booked. We leave Rochester on Jan. 29th at 7 am and arrive in the Dominican Republic at 4pm. We then will take a bus at 1am into Haiti. We still need an orthopedic MD if anyone knows of one just sitting around. We all have a very busy week ahead and need to really prioritize in order to get to Rochester Thursday evening. Both Tim and Cindy are going to have to try and make some arrangements to get Friday off from work. We are still working on what we need and can take as far as supplies and hope to have some more concrete answers tonight. We are going to take some time tonight and go to dinner and relax a little before the craziness begins so the next update will probably be tomorrow.
Tim, Cindy, and E'Tienne

One quick prayer request. Please pray specifically for E'Tienne today. She had an accident with her car on her way to our house today to make flight arrangements. Satan is working today to discourage and delay. We will post more later.
Cindy

OK WE ARE GOING!!!!!!!! Team 1 arrived safely. We are flying out of Rochester on Friday to JFK then directly to Santo Domingo. We will be there about 9 hours then will be leaving on a bus at 1am for Haiti. Wow we got and overnight train ride in India and now an overnight bus ride in Haiti. It looks like we are going to be able to take extra luggage which means we can take supplies. We hope to have a list soon of what we can take. We are amazed at the people who heard us on the radio yesterday and are contacting us. We are both a little dazed at the moment and trying to get things organized. I am sure we will post more info later today.
Tim, Cindy and E'Tienne

Just recieved word that Team 1 is in Port a Prince safely. Hope to have more details later. We are very excited to find out that people from other states are reading this and following us as well. If you don't mind could you put yourself down as a follower so we have at least some idea of who is reading this. It really is an encouragement.

Tim and Cindy

New Info. Several of you have asked about transfering flights or miles to us. If You have Delta Sky miles they can be transfered to us as we both have Delta Sky miles accounts. They also give us 50% more if you do this. If interested let us know.
Tim

A quick update about Team 1. Apparently they had some travel difficulties getting into the Dominacin Republic but are all there now and should almost be into Haiti. The did get charged $800.00 for two totes of supplies they were taking in. We are still waiting.
Tim

Good evening. Just a quick update as we just got home from the game dinner at church and are very tired. We did hear today the the first team was going in today thru the Dominican Republic. We are hoping to hear how they did tomorrow and what the plans are for us. We also did a radio interview on FLN this afternoon and have already had some very positive feedback. It seems that many people are searching for a way to help the Haitian people much like we were. It is humbling to be able to assist others in helping the people of Haiti. It is difficult being in a holding pattern but we know the Lord is in control and that it is in His timing.Our grandson Noah told us this evening that he did not want us to go but was ok when we told him we were going to help the children of Haiti that he has been praying for.

We appreciate your prayers. Please pray specifically for patience, boldness as we tell others as well as physical health. We are trying to get rest this weekend as we know the next couple of weeks will be very busy and stressful.

Goodnight.

Tim and Cindy

If you have more questions and wish to reach us please email us at cpeterson2@stny.rr.com

Good evening to all. We don't have a lot of new information about departure dates yet, but team 1 should be leaving soon.

Continue to pray for Pastor Pierre and his family. A little more information about Pastor Pierre for those who are wondering. He is the National Director for Campus Crusades in Haiti. He also Pastors a church in Haiti, and is a founder of Nehemiah Vision Ministries as previously noted.

We are going to be interviewed on FLN's Afternoon Show with Kurt and Gene tomorrow at 4pm. You can hear that at 103.1FM locally or on any of the other stations and translaters , or online at FLN.ORG.

We had a sweet blessing today from a family with several adopted children. The mom saw Tim Wednesday and he told her about going to Haiti and gave her our blog site. She looked it up at home and the family read the blog together. The children then told their mom that they wanted to help. They each gave up their allowance for a month along with their family fun money for a month and asked us to use it to help the people in Haiti. Those children came up with a total of $90.00!!! They enclosed it in a handmade card, which they all signed, and then insisted that mom bring it to us TODAY so we would be sure to have it in time! So, kids, we know you are following our blog, and THANK YOU VERY MUCH!! You are an inspiration!

Obviously funds are coming in and the word is getting out. Please continue to pray for physical, emotional and spiritual strength for all of us. Satan is up to his usual tricks, trying to discourage us. We are determined not to let him win. We just have to constantly remember that in the end GOD WINS!!!

Blessings!
Cindy

Quick early morning update. The team going in this weekend is going in thru Santo Domingo and then will have a 6-8 hour bus ride into Haiti. Looking like this maybe the way we go next week.
Will let you know.
Tim

Wednesday evening

Greetings all. We are still awaiting travel dates. We haven't had any updates on the situation in Haiti since this mornings second major earthquake (6.0 quake at about 6am). We would like you to have the web site for the mission we are going under so you can check them out. It is www.nehemiahvisionministries.org. Things are going well on this end. Our funding is coming in, people are praying, and we are still committed to going. Still hoping to leave on or around the 30th.

We now know that we have a 50# per person baggage weight restriction that must include all personal items,carry on items and supplies including food. We will be eating lite! and wearing the same outfit often. We will have access to a laundry area at this point, unless the location we stay gets changed. At present the plan is for us to stay in the dorm rooms at Pastor Pierre's home if it remains standing after todays quake. Please pray for Pastor Pierre and his family as they will be separated for a time. His wife and children have returned to the states for safety reasons.

We also have a friend from work who will be travelling with us. Her name is E'Tienne York(pronounce her name a t n). She is also a registered nurse with a heart for children and missions. She has been on one other missions trip to Guatemala. She is from Canaseraga. She has completed her vaccinations, and is eagerly looking to get going as well.

That is all of the new information for now. As soon as we hear more you will see it here.

Cindy

Sorry we didn't post last night but it was very busy. We still don't have a firm leave date but are still planning for the weekend of the Jan. 30th. Cindy will try and post more specific details tonight. For those of you who have been asking how you can help financially you can donate two ways. If you need a tax reciept send your donation to Avoca Baptist Church PO Box Q Avoca, NY 14809 with a note that it is for our Haiti trip. You also can donate direct to us at Tim and Cindy Peterson PO Box 165 Avoca, NY 14809. Thank you for your prayers and support.
Tim

Jan. 20th. So yo have found our blog. We will try to at least update this once a day for the next couple of weeks so everyone knows what is going on. This journey began Sunday night at around 7:30. Apparently we had both been thinking of going to Haiti but we had not serioulsy discussed. Tim had spent Sunday looking at web sites without any real direction. Cindy had a friend send her a website Sunday for a group already in Haiti that was looking for volunteers. After looking at the website we sent out an email to them requesting more info and they responded within 30 minutes reqeusting us to leave on the 23rd. We replied that it was a little quick. The next morning they had again e-mailed us and asked if we could leave on the 30th with a medical team. Our reply was yes. Monday was busy with arranging work schedules and starting fund raising. We have been able to get the time off from work and now are waiting to make travel arrangements. We are tenatively leaving around the 30th. There is still difficulty with the airlines that has to be worked thru.

Many of you have already asked how you can help. The first thing is with prayer. We will need alot of it. We cannot do this on our own. 2nd is financial. Needless to say we weren't planning this trip in our budget. The cost is approximately $3000.00 Because of the quickness of this trip you can either donate to us or we are trying to get something set up thru church so that it can be tax deductible. Hopefully that will be worked out later today. We are also going to need medical supplies and will let you know what that is when we have a list. We will try to post again later today with more details and will include the website of the orphange and the group that we will be working with.
Tim and Cindy,.