Haiti... Mom was trapped, injured, finally home [UPDATE: photos, post 41]

[KathyTX]

Background: My mom has been volunteering on medical mission trips to Haiti since the early 80s. She was with a team of 12 from Dallas near Port au Prince when the earthquake hit. We went through agony here not knowing where or how they were

See this thread from the Podcast board to follow my timeline: My mom's in Haiti, near the epicenter of the quake.

They were trapped. My mother and some of her companions were trapped under the rubble of their clinic for hours. She's now home with me, but she lived a nightmare. One member of her team, Jean Arnwine, died of the injuries she received in that building collapse.

I shared this in a thread on the Podcast board yesterday, but want to share with my friends here, too:

The below link are to first-hand video accounts of the events in Haiti from three members of Mom's group.

The three spoke today, less than 12 hours since arriving home. I watched a live feed of these interviews with Mom, so much emotion and so much detail of their ordeals and fears and strength are here. Have the tissues handy.

The account by Alex is particulary powerful... if you only have time for one, listen to Alex and you'll hear, as I did, what my mother (Nancy) and her friends really experienced.

When you listen to Lila, realize that she and her husband have led this mission for over 30 years and have a very strong tie to the Haitian people. She is an amazing, strong, gracious woman.

Katy Langley

Alex Paz

Lila Foree

There's so much in these interviews that I was hearing for the first time, it filled in a lot of blanks and helped me discuss the experience with her better. I'm really just beginning to truly realize the depth of the horror that she's survived and that this will forever change her.

The thing that strikes me the most is that there were an astounding number of coincidences and and unexplainable luck that led to the safe return of most of this group: The "backpack man" who asked if they needed help and happened to have generator and special excavating equipment in particular. I do not know how they were so lucky or so blessed, but I am very thankful that they were.

We continue to pray for and mourn Jean, for the people of Haiti, and for the emotional and physical healing of our friends and family who shared this experience.

 

[Magic Mom]

 

[happygirl]

Background: My mom has been volunteering on medical mission trips to Haiti since the early 80s. She was with a team of 12 from Dallas near Port au Prince when the earthquake hit. We went through agony here not knowing where or how they were (see this thread from the Podcast board to follow my timeline: My mom's in Haiti, near the epicenter of the quake).

They were trapped. My mother and some of her companions were trapped under the rubble of their clinic for hours. She's now home with me, but she lived a nightmare. One member of her team, Jean Arnwine, died of the injuries she received in that building collapse.

I shared this in a thread on the Podcast board yesterday, but want to share with my friends here, too:

The below link are to first-hand video accounts of the events in Haiti from three members of Mom's group.

The three spoke today, less than 12 hours since arriving home. I watched a live feed of these interviews with Mom, so much emotion and so much detail of their ordeals and fears and strength are here. Have the tissues handy.

The account by Alex is particulary powerful... if you only have time for one, listen to Alex and you'll hear, as I did, what my mother (Nancy) and her friends really experienced.

When you listen to Lila, realize that she and her husband have led this mission for over 30 years and have a very strong tie to the Haitian people. Also realize that they are in their late 80s... she is an amazing, strong, gracious woman.

Katy Langley

Alex Paz

Lila Foree

There's so much in these interviews that I was hearing for the first time, it filled in a lot of blanks and helped me discuss the experience with her better. I'm really just beginning to truly realize the depth of the horror that she's survived and that this will forever change her.

The thing that strikes me the most is that there were an astounding number of coincidences and and unexplainable luck that led to the safe return of most of this group: The "backpack man" who asked if they needed help and happened to have generator and special excavating equipment in particular. I do not know how they were so lucky or so blessed, but I am very thankful that they were.

We continue to pray for and mourn Jean, for the people of Haiti, and for the emotional and physical healing of our friends and family who shared this experience.

Hugs and prayers going out to your family

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I am so sorry for your loss and sorrow. Thank you for sharing your story.

 

[pumba]

Kathy.....we are all still praying for the people who have died and for those still living (like you said...this nightmare).
Thanks for posting this so we can all hear and see what is going on.
Hugs to your mama and to you

 

[chisnpeke]

Kathy,

I'm so glad your mom is OK. I was thinking of her and her team.

How sad that you go to a country to help those poor people and then this happens.

I pray that your mom heals from her wounds quickly, both physically and emotionally.

 

[Tuffcookie]

Kathy,



I cannot imagine what it is like over there! I know you are so grateful to have your DM home!

I will continue to keep the people of Haiti, & the rescue workers, in my prayers.

TC

 

[JerseyJanice]

Thank you for sharing this with us, Kathy.

I can not find words to express how I feel. It's just too much tragedy to fathom.

 

[Mic_n_Min]

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of their friend. My thoughts and prayers for everyone involved.

 

[java]

Kathy I am thinking of your mom and all she has lost. Hoping she finds that beautiful part of herself that brought her there in the first place- and that the nightmare of it all fades.

 

[dcentity2000]

My heart goes out to all those caught by the tragedy in Haiti



Rich::

 

[Planogirl]

I'm so sorry to hear about this but I am glad that your Mom made it out. May she find peace eventually.

 

[crazee4mickey]

Such a horrible tragedy that has unfolded for so many people, the numbers are truly staggering. my thoughts and prayers go out to your mom, her team and all who have been so devestated by this.

 

[MelanieC]

Kathy - I'm so happy that your mom is home safe now. I can't even imagine what you or your famiy went through while waiting to hear from her. I'm so thankful that there are people like your mom that risk their lives to help others. She is such a hero and I'm so glad that she is home with you now. Please let her know our prayers and thoughts are with her as I know she has lots of healing emotionally to go through. My thoughts and prayers are also with Jean, her family and friends as well as with all the others that have died or have lost loved ones over there.

 

[minniebeth]

Prayers to your mom, her team, you, all your friends, family, loved ones!
I watched the videos last night when I was up late and could not sleep.
I can't even begin to imagine what fright and tragedy she is even still coping with.

 

[AnnR]

I am sorry for what your mom and her friends went through. Glad your Mom made it out.

 

[m&m's mom]

Oh Kathy, I am so sorry for what you and your family went through but especially your Mom.
The local news just had so much about the group from HP and the eye clinic group that you felt like you knew them. It was heartbreaking seeing Jean's husband on the news so hopeful the 1st couple of days and the pictures of Dr Fish fanning her waiting for help made it seem like it was going to be OK. My co-worker called me crying to tell me she had died on her way to get the help she needed.

 

[S. C.]

Thank you for posting this.

 

[powellrj]

 

[amyy]

Thank you for sharing. This is a reminder to me that the money I have donated may buy a bottle of water for a fellow American as much as a native of Haiti.