Tropical Storm Isaac Update

My translator just spoke with Pastor Justin at the center to get the update on his preparations for the storm and how things are going today. He told me that the staff has stored enough food and water to get them through the storm, and that right now they are doing pretty well. The kids are remaining at the center, which is not the best place to be, but we don’t have anywhere better we can move them.

All of the buildings at the center will leak water on them. The orphanage will leak through the gap between the walls and tin roof. The church sprays mist through the openings in the bricks made for air to pass through. The next 48 hours will not be pleasant for them, to say the least. Although we are forming plans to better the facilities, this storm has come quicker than our abilities to do anything about it.

Right now the storm has already started to rain on them and Justin said the fog is very thick right now. I took this photo from the balcony where I am staying. The orphanage is in the mountains behind those clouds, almost in the center of this shot. The storm will be coming my direction from over them. Mudslides are the major concern where they are at. Flooding is the major concern where I am.

Our orphanage is high in the mountains contained within those clouds.

After a special offering taken up last Sunday, on Monday morning workers were brought in to begin work on the retaining wall needed to shore up the foundation under one of the church walls. Justin told me that this morning the workers kept working as long as possible to try and get some of it done, but now the weather has brought those efforts to a hault.

If I were to be completely honest, the thing that scares me most about Isaac is the damage it could do to this wall right here. If enough rain comes down to wash away the dirt, then the whole wall could come down. Please pray for God’s hand of protection over our kids, over the village of Godet (where our orphanage is located), and for as little damage to come from this storm as possible.

I took this picture of the retaining wall construction on Monday evening. I don't know how much work has been done since.

I took this picture of the retaining wall construction on Monday evening. I don’t know how much work has been done since.

Justin told me that if things get too bad or any major damage comes, he will let me know as soon as he is able.

If you want to see regular updated photos of the storm from where I am styaing, I am posting them on my personal blog every couple of hours as long as the internet holds out.