Haiti and Cholera

My heart is slowly sinking as I think it is probably pretty certain that cholera has now made it's way into every village/town in Haiti.  I don't know if it's possible to adequately explain how great the potential is for a disease based disaster.  It's a bit like the earthquake.  Minutes after the first newscast and the death toll started coming in, I just looked at D and said that there was no way it would be so minimal, that the death toll would be immense.  Cholera leaves me with that same feeling.
Please pray for Haiti tonight.  For people who already been greatly impacted by death and who may be impacted yet again.  For kids who have already lost one parent and may lose another.  For kids who have no parents to speak of and are sick and afraid.  For moms who fear losing their babies.  For dads who fear losing their wives.  For health care workers who are too few, too far between, too tired, and too strapped for resources. 

Conleigh's orphanage started the day with two sick children who were transported to the hospital. One was confirmed as cholera and was sent home with IV's.  However, Evan is not doing well and has returned to the hospital.  And another child has started presenting with symptoms.  The "skeleton crew" that is running the orphanage is kind of a make do group as the directors are Stateside due to visa issues following the earthquake.  I'm sure they are feeling very overwhelmed.  They are also in need of a nurse who can do iv's as well as medication for cholera.

Real Hope for Haiti has just started seeing cases and has a posted a bit on what they are seeing.  Lori, their nurse, did not sleep last night.  Please pray for her strength.  Licia, her sister, has 4 children and will be leaving the area in order to try to keep the kid healthy.  She is torn as she wants to stay. 

These stories are playing out every day, every hour, in Haiti.  For me, it's what comes with loving my kids.  Loving my kids means loving these people.  It means being reminded of how easily my kids could have stayed in Haiti and how vulnerable they would have been.  It means sorting all of that out while they are snug in their beds, under layers of covers, cudding a favorite toy.  So for me and for my kids, love Haiti too.  Love her with a gift of money, given to Real Hope for Haiti.  Love her with your prayers.  Love her with your time, spent passing the word about the needs.  Just love her.