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The Caribbean Hurricane PageUpdates from the Islands
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If you are looking for family/friends in the Dominican Republic, you can post your plea for help on the Hispaniola Lost & Found Bulletin Board. For people who have been in contact with the Dominican Republic, or live on the Dominican Republic, please, also take a look at this Bulletin Board and try to see if you can help out these sometimes desperate people...
On a separate page you can read a very personal first-hand report of one of the many relief workers who were send out to the Dominican Republic by the Salvation Army.
Date: Tue, 22 Dec 1998 15:19:15 -0600 From: Susan_Shiels@USC.salvationarmy.org Subject: copy of letter from Santo Domingo Gert, I thought I would forward a letter I recently received. It helps describe some of the events that have occurred since I left Santo Domingo. [see also her story on this page -Gert] From: Captain Vilo Exantus December 22, 1998 Dear Friends, Greetings from all of your brothers and sisters here in the Dominican Republic. I hope that all of you are doing well and are having a glorious Christmas season. Unfortunately we have not been able to keep in touch with all of you because we have been very busy. But we have heard from many of you, and are grateful for your continued prayers and support. As I said previously, we have been very busy with our continuing hurricane relief efforts. We have had a four different teams (two were here at the same time) with whom we distributed food, gave medical attention, and constructed houses. For those of you who worked in Tres Brazos and La Cuarenta refugee centers, all of the refugees have been moved into one massive refugee center. The government has constructed military-style barracks to serve as temporary housing for some 5,000 refugees. Eventually, the government plans to construct apartments for the refugees. At Tres Brazos we have constructed or provided materials for the construction of around 20 houses. We have been holding morning Sunday school and an afternoon open-air meeting each Sunday near where we constructed the houses. The response of the people there has been very encouraging, and we plan to open up a corps there. Likewise the ministry in Matia Mella has continued to grow. The Sunday evening outdoor meetings, which began when you were with typically draw 50 people or more. The work of the Salvation Army is really beginning to make an impact on the neighborhood. Right now we have a team of local people (many of the same who worked with us in Tres Brazos) building houses in San Juan de la Maguana. They are working there for a week, then coming back for Christmas. We are constructing the houses with cement walls as opposed to wood which will ensure that our work will remain for some time to come. It appears that we will be receiving some more disaster funding, so we will return to San Juan in January to continue our construction program. We also have received donations of clothes, medical supplies, food, and water which we have been distributing in San Juan and Santo Domingo. The time that you spent with us was a great blessing to both the people who you served, and all of us here who had the pleasure of getting to know you all. We deeply appreciate all of your hard work despite some difficult situations. Be assured that all of you are in our thoughts and prayers. We also wish all of you a Feliz Navidad and a very happy new year. May God richly bless all of you! Sincerely, Captain Vilo Exantus Officer in Charge.
Date: Thu, 12 Nov 1998 17:12:15 -0400 From: Danny Stone (danny.stone@codetel.net.do) Subject: November Update Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, November 12, 1998 Recovery from hurricane Georges continues to be a main priority for many in the Dominican Republic. The hard task of aiding the thousands who lost their homes and all their belongings is one of the most difficult. The government is providing as much assistance as possible in this area and some charitable organizations are helping. The flow of foreign aid and personnell has been a great help, but with the disaster created by hurricane Mitch in Central America there is a fear that the flow will slow down dramatically. One area of great need is the reconstruction of the many bridges that were damaged or washed away by the flooding. As you know bridge construction is a long slow process under the best of conditions. In the capital city of Santo Domingo a brigade of trucks and many military personnell continue to clean up and haul away the thousands of downed trees. Repair crews for the electric and telephone companies continue to replace broken or damaged poles and cable. Some residents are still without telephone and electricity since the hurricane in September. Some good friends of ours in the northern side of the city in the section called Isabel Villas (for those of you familiar with the city), located along the Isabel river, just had their phone service restored November 11. However, the majority of the country has phone service and electrical service at least some portion of the day. There has been a long history here of electrical blackouts due to insufficient production, breakdowns, and political battles so when we say electrical service has been restored that does not mean there is a constant supply. There are still blackouts as before the storm, and of course there are outages due to the repair going on. None of this has dampened the spirits of some who have already decorated for Christmas with lights burning brightly when the electricity is flowing. One downside to all of this is a tripling of charges. That's right, we along with many others have had bills 3 times higher the last two months even though we went for many days after the storm with no electricity. On a personal note, our family continues to work in the relief effort. A church in Gastonia, NC sent a shipment of baby food, diapers, water purification tablets, Kool-Aid, baby cereal, rice, and beans which we have been able to distribute to the poor. A lady from Durham, NC sent a case of childrens' vitamins which we also distributed. There have also been financial donations from all over the US and Canada which we have used to buy rice, beans, cooking oil, bottled water, and powdered milk for 2 orphan homes. Some send their donations to Life Link/Dominican Republic in Tulsa, OK, and others have sent them directly to us. If you would like to help in the relief effort, please contact us at this e-mail address. Hundreds have contacted us through this site. Some had notes of encouragement, others needed information on different parts of the island, and many have wanted information about travel and the resorts. Most all of the resorts are open with the exception of 1 or 2. All airports are open and there is a site, in English, that is providing updates. It is called the Dominican Republic Information and News Service and can be found at http://dr1.com. On the main page they have a special section on the resorts and hotels, but you can also go into the Daily News section and find information on the resorts at the bottom of the page. We would like to see this tremendous website you are on now add the Dominican Republic and some of their great resorts. Hint, hint, Gert! For those of you that have been following our story, we have not had a vehicle in the 14 months we have lived here, but about two weeks after the storm we had the opportunity to buy a used Toyota Previa Van that came from an employee of the Japanese embassy who was transferred to Brazil. It is a 1991 with 62000 miles on it, and it is in very good shape. It worked out great in hauling all the food we have been distributing, and working with a YWAM missionary team that was here from Denver Colorado. It is a common sight here to see twice the number of people in a vehicle than what it was designed for. We didn't go quite that far when the team was here, but one day we did have all 10 of them plus the two of us for a total of 12 in a 7 passenger van. Thank goodness we were not going far. The van has been a tremendous help. We did have a lot of concern when we had to do a river crossing where one of the bridges had washed out. It was rough, rocky, and wet, but with the help of a boy walking ahead of us as our guide through the water we made it. We serve as missionaries here and work with a number of different churches, organizations, and orphanages. If you would like to receive our monthly newsletter to hear more about the work we are doing here, please contact us. We send it out free to anyone who is interested in our work. For those of you who pray, please keep us and the Dominican Repbulic on your list. There are many people here who need a lot of help. Danny, Denise, and Jessica Stone THE LIVING STONES 1 Peter 2:2-5 NIV P.S. Jessica is celebrating her 17th birthday, Friday, November 13th.
Date: Thu, 12 Nov 1998 01:50:56 -0400 From: F.Batlle-Tour 88 (tour88@usa.net) Subject: Dominican Rep almost two months after Georges Dear Gert, The situation here in the Dominican Republic seems to be back normal or at least in some remaining aspects going back to normal rapidly, but here and there there's still plenty of visible and livable evidence of what happened nearly two months ago when hurricane Georges hit. Most of the tourist resorts in the eastern part of the country directly affected by Georges are rebuilding and some have reopened in anticipation of the high season which starts in December. I've been able to go to the northern parts of the country -including Puerto Plata and Samana- several times and there's no damage to report...yet some smaller, isolated towns in the southern part of the island continue to struggle to regain normalcy, particularly those affected by flood and mudslides and where most of the fatalities occured. The cleanup and recovery of agriculture in those areas is likely to take months but at least in recent weeks the government has been addressing more efficiently the needs for food and shelter for the homeless in those places. Santo Domingo's trees and vegetation suffered extensively (the city lost about 30-40% of its extensive tree-covered areas) and major urban parks' present condition are a reminder of the absolutely drenching rains and winds that gusted at times to 130 mph during the afternoon hours of Sept. 22nd....some places look as if a giant saw or branch cutter has chopped everything in their path. Private citizens have helped a lot in the effort and many gardens and backyards have been taken care of hoping perhaps for a return to some of their previous tropical splendor. The Central Government and City Hall (through its municipal service units) seem to be handling things the best way they can (or aren't they?), but City Hall's own majestic modern architecture building sustained serious damage and even this morning when I drove by crews were busy there doing repair work. Yet the city has been cleaned up considerably and many of the surviving trees are sprouting leaves and new branches with renewed energy. Traffic in the city has become quite chaotic at rush hour peaks since many traffic lights were destroyed or damaged by the hurricane and this situation has added problems to an already complicated picture caused by several major road public woks improvement projects within the city already under way when the hurricane hit. However tourist spots near the Malecon (the boulevard by the Caribbean Sea) and the Old Section (Ciudad Colonial) of the city are fully operational and as lively as before Georges. Many billboards and lit signs are gone (to the relief of some urban "purists") but little by little they're finding their way back into the eyes of passerbys. Lots of people here think that despite the damage and loss of human life, we were very lucky in not being hit even near as Central America was by hurricane Mitch less than a month ago. Our hearts go out to our brothers and sisters there and hope that the gathering of relief supplies and assistance the government and private organizations have promissed to deliver to Central America from local sources -even in the midst of a post hurricane situation ourselves- helps a bit to mitigate their current situation. Sincerely, Arturo Pena
Date: Tue, 10 Nov 1998 12:12:09 EST From: Michele Wucker (Wuckerm@aol.com) Subject: hotel hurricane update Dominican Republic Tourism Rebounds From Hurricane SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 10, 1998--The Dominican Republic tourism industry reported reported Tuesday that 75,000 visitors to the island were recorded during the first 15 days of October, the first two weeks following Hurricane Georges. "This is a welcome sign that our number-one industry is fast returning to normal," said Felix Jimenez, Dominican Republic secretary of tourism. The influx of visitors increased the country's overall hotel room occupancy rate to 59 percent during the first eight days of October. Hotels in Puerto Plata, Sosua and Cabarete, areas in the country's North Coast unaffected by Hurricane Georges, reported occupancy rates of 75 percent during the final days of September and the first two weeks of October. "Thousands of tourists from Europe, North America and Latin America have come to our country since the hurricane to share the treasures the Dominican Republic has to offer," said Rafael Blanco, president of the National Association of Hotels and Restaurants (ASONAHORES). "Tourism activity is back to normal in most areas of the country, and all affected hotels are on schedule to reopen their rooms by December, the start of our high season for tourism." In Punta Cana, Bayahibe, La Romana, Juan Dolio, Boca Chica and Bavaro, the tourist zones most affected by Hurricane Georges, 13 hotels -- approximately 5,800 rooms -- sustained damage that interrupted normal operations. Hotels that reopened on schedule include Hotel Don Juan in Boca Chica (Oct. 15), Club Dominicus in Bayahibe (Oct. 31) and Natura Park in Punta Cana (Nov. 1). -0- *T All hotels in the following areas plan to reopen in or before December, the start of the country's high tourist season: Punta Cana -- Allegro Resort Bavaro, Nov. 15 -- Punta Cana Beach Resort, Nov. 15 -- Club Mediterranee, Nov. 20 Bayahibe -- Casa del Mar, Dec. 1 La Romana -- Casa de Campo, Dec. 20 (main rooms only) Juan Dolio -- Coral Costa Caribe, Dec. 1 -- Marena, Dec. 1 -- Talanquera, Dec. 1 -- Occidental Playa Real, Dec. 1 -- Melia Juan Dolio, Dec. 1 -- Caribbean Village Decameron, Dec. 20 *T The second-largest country in the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic attracts visitors from all over the world with its excellent cuisine, active nightlife, casinos, historic locales, thousands of miles of beautiful beaches and soaring mountains. It has the largest number of rooms in the entire Caribbean -- more than 40,000 -- and seven international airports. For more information about planning a Dominican Republic vacation, call 800/723-6138 for a "Dominican Republic's Vacation Planner" or visit http://www.dominicana.com.do on the World Wide Web. --30--pp/mi CONTACT: YP&B, Orlando, Fla. Cristina Alfaro, 407/875-1111 ext. 507
Send out an e-mail the other day to my special hurricane correspondents on the Dominican Republic to see how they were doing a month after Georges hit.... Here are the responses -Gert
Date: Sat, 31 Oct 1998 14:27:41 -0400 From: Joaquin Tamberg (j.tamberg@codetel.net.do) Subject: Re: How are you guys doing...? answer hi gert fortunately everything here is fine so far. we have our phone and fax back, also cable TV, and power too. of-course we are used to not having power regular since there are always blackouts every day but this has been going on for years now, so we are used to it. ofcourse there are sections of the city and the country where power has not been restored but the power company and also the rest of the utility companies are working day and night to get everything back to normal. [...]
Date: Fri, 30 Oct 1998 09:11:36 -0400 From: Jean M. Casasnovas (sadomo.garantia@codetel.net.do) Subject: Re: How are you guys doing...? [...] In regards to how we are, well for me, almost everything is back to normal except for the cable -TV, but in general there is still a lot of people with out a house even though the goverment has done a magnificent job after the disaster Almos all the comunication has been establisehed such as roads, telephones, bridges etc. Now is mainly the nature to recover the losts Still a lot of help from private companies and international, I never seen such a fast recovery. With regards Jean V. Casasnovas
Date: Fri, 30 Oct 1998 08:33:57 -0400 From: Danny Stone (danny.stone@codetel.net.do) Subject: Re: How are you guys doing...? Thanks Gert. We lost our phone service right after the last update and just had it restored. Good to hear from you. We will be posting another Update soon. We are still getting response from the updates on your page, and many of the ones coming now are offering and sending assistance. More later. Danny
Date: Fri, 30 Oct 1998 07:33:24 EST From: Wuckerm@aol.com Subject: Re: How are you guys doing...? Hi Gert, thanks for asking. I'll be going down to Santo Domingo Tuesday (I'm in New York)... from what I hear repairs in the cities have been going relatively quickly, but people in rural areas and small towns are not getting as much help. There's still a political brouhaha over the government's handling of the warnings and some of the cleanup, but I also suspect that even if they had done everything right, this would be a situation where they'd be blamed for absolutely everything. At any rate, many small private groups have gotten together to handle areas where the government might not be getting as much aid. Michele
Date: Fri, 23 Oct 1998 10:18:10 -0600 From: Gloriann O'brien (gobjob@mci2000.com) Subject: FOUND - La Romana I've been following your reports since the tragic hurricane and thank you for all your help. We have finally been successful in locating Gregorio Ruiz. His wife and girls are fine but they are in need of help. In a fax sent today, he informed us that his house and all his possessions have been destroyed and that they are living with a friend. Food, water, electricity, clothing, etc. are in short supply if available at all. They are all trying to help each other. It is far more desparate then we can even imagine. Communication is very difficult. Emails are hard to send. Fax is busy and slow. Telephone availability is difficult because of the need to use a central phone. I believe that codetel has been helpful in assisting with communications. Sending money via Western Union is very easy but it is difficult to assure that it gets to the right person. We have attempted to call Western Union while our young man was there but no one answered the phone. He tells that the golf course at Casa de Campo is seriously damaged so he will be out of work for quite awhile. This lack of work just makes the situation even more desparate. It is so hard to start over without a job or some kind of assistance. Though some parts of the country are getting back to normal there appears to be much to be done and still a lot of despair. God willing they will all get through this. We are still trying to find out what we can do to assist Gregorio but with no phone or address it is hard. Once again Gert thanks so much for your help. It's amazing how one vacation has altered our lives and make us feel so fortunate. If anyone out there would like to assist this family, please contact me (Gloriann O'Brien) at gobjob@mci2000.com. Thanks
Date: Mon, 19 Oct 1998 17:10:50 -0400 From: Gaye Somerton de Jimenez (lanfusion@codetel.net.do) Subject: From Sosua Dear Gert and Friends: Have been wanting to let you know about what was happening around San Juan de la Maguana - but have been off line for about two weeks. My sister-in-law visited my husband and I two weeks ago with great news - the family in El Cercado is fine, Thank God. I think there was some water damage, but was not clear as to any further damage. Ramona tells me Mesapotamia is a mess - and this is really awful - there are bodies trapped and needless to say, the odour is permeating the area. Granted this was over two weeks ago, so perhaps relief has reached there by now. Was pleased to see an interview with Sammy Sosa on The Tonight Show last Thursday - we are fortunate to have such a charming ambassador. At the end of the interview, he mentioned his foundation and the relief efforts underway but that we need more help. As a matter of interest for those of you who get ESPN, he is being interviewed tonight at 6:30 PM. I was particularly touched during his interiew with Jay Leno, when he said he would always remember where he came from and while he loves Chicago and the US, he misses his home. Gert, a personal thanks for all you are doing for us in addition to a full time job. This site has been a godsend as most of us would agree ! I am concerned that since we are "out of the news" our friends at home will "forget" about us. I don't want this to happen, as I am sure none of us do. My friend is still continuing his visits with relief efforts from Sosua to the areas in need - and as a matter of interest, two friends here had arranged two containers of food and medicine to be shipped in from the US. Junior has also visited last week in La Romana I believe (his first effort was to Cotui) with a video camera. He has had people request this so that copies can be made and sent "back home". A good idea ! This also might be another idea - I've been in touch with my friends at home, and have said that since I have a birthday in the next few weeks, and if I was living in Fergus, Ontario, we might have been able to get together for a drink, or maybe flowers would have been sent etc. - you get the idea. The best birthday gift I could receive was for that money to be sent for relief here. I don't want anyone to think of me as being "high and mighty" for saying this - I am being sincere. And I am thinking too it may be a good idea of Christmas. I have a lot to be thankful for in my life, and I think that it's time to give some of it back ! Gaye Somerton de Jimenez
Date: Sat, 10 Oct 1998 20:18:39 EDT From: Captain Susan Shiels (Suzhomaker@aol.com) Subject: The Salvation Army The Salvation Army is, as always, an unheralded presence during any disaster. 100% of donations to The Salvation Army earmarked with words like, "for Hurricane Georges Relief" will go directly to the victims of the hurricane. And it will be personally distributed by the hands of those who are committed to relieving human suffering and can present the spiritual healing that is possible only with God's help. And the hands of those who help receive nothing beyond their own subsistance, which they personally pay for while in the Dominican Republic. The Salvation Army is already a local presence in the Dominican Republic and will assist with finding news or family members, with providing spiritual counseling, and daily food in the shelters as well as to those who are able to return to their homes. See: News Bulletin (if hyperlink does not appear here, then use the address below) http://www.iserv.net/salvarmy/nr9861.htm Thank you, Captain Susan Shiels Omaha, Nebraska (appointed to the second shift of relief workers beginning October 21)
Date: Thu, 8 Oct 1998 18:14:54 -0300 From: Danny Stone (danny.stone@codetel.net.do) Subject: Update October 8 Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Thursday, October 8, 1998 Recovery is well under way, and a lot of clean up is going on. The mayor of Santo Domingo has set a goal of one month to clean up the city. Hundreds of volunteers join the effort each weekend in the streets and in the parks. Homes are being rebuilt and much aid is flowing in from other countries. We want to thank all of you for corresponding with us during this time, and this will be our last Update. If you would like to be continue to be updated on conditions here please e-mail us and let us know. We give a special thanks to all of you who made donations to help purchase food and water. We are going to continue in those efforts, and for those who might be interested in our work here we send out a monthly newsletter with articles about the DR, our family's experiences, and our ministry. It is a two page letter with color photos that we publish here in our office. It is sent out free to anyone who requests it. If we can ever be of help to you in any way, please feel free to call on us. Your friends in the islands, Danny, Denise and Jessica Stone THE LIVING STONES 1 Peter 2;2-5 NIV
Date: Tue, 6 Oct 1998 18:24:38 EDT From: Michele Wucker (Wuckerm@aol.com) Subject: more hurricane economic impact Subj: Tourism to Play Vital Role in Dominican Republic's Recovery Date: 10/6/98 5:35:45 PM Eastern Daylight Time SANTA DOMINGO, Dominican Republic--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct.6, 1998--Representing over 70 percent of the nation's $3 billion (U.S.) in revenues from exports, the tourism industry is expected to continue its role as the major contributor to the Dominican Republic's recovery efforts, following the damage caused by Hurricane Georges. Hardest hit by the hurricane was the agricultural industry, which represented approximately $407 million (U.S.) of the country's revenues from exports in 1997, according to information provided by the Dominican Republic Central Bank. "Our agricultural industry was negatively affected by Hurricane Georges, so we are very fortunate that our major tourism areas and tourism industry were relatively unharmed, thereby ensuring that tourism will remain a catalyst for the success of the country's economy and recovery effort," said Felix Jimenez, Secretary of Tourism from the Dominican Republic. "All of the islands in the Caribbean, except Cuba, can fit in the Dominican Republic's territory. It is important because many believe when a Caribbean island is hit by a hurricane, the entire island is adversely affected. However, because the Dominican Republic is so large, the hurricane only affected certain parts of the country. For example, Punta Cana sustained some damage, while Puerto Plata, which is in the country's North Coast, remained untouched." One of the Caribbean's largest islands, the Dominican Republic is 19,000 square miles, or twice the size of New Hampshire. The General Office of Civil Aeronautics of the Dominican Republic announced that Las Americas International Airport and Puerto Plata International Airport are both operating 24 hours. Barahona International Airport, Cibao International Airport and Herrera International Airport are maintaining regular schedules of operations until 10:00 p.m. Punta Cana International Airport and La Romana International Airport, both located in the country's southeastern region which was hardest hit by the hurricane, are operating 24 hours and from dawn to dusk, respectively. Much of the country's infrastructure and public services were unharmed. In the North Coast, none of the public services were interrupted. In Santo Domingo and the other tourist zones, electricity, electronic banking (ATMs), telephones and other communication foundations have been completely restored. All major roads are open, and public transportation systems are in working order. Most of the country's 40,000 hotel rooms were unaffected by the storm. Hotels in the North Coast from Puerto Plata to Samana, as well as hotels in the capital city of Santo Domingo are operating normally. In Punta Cana, Bayahibe, La Romana, Juan Dolio, Boca Chica and Bavaro, the tourist zones most affected by Hurricane Georges, 13 hotels -- approximately 5,800 rooms -- sustained damage that interrupted normal operations. The following hotels are currently open for business: Punta Cana: Punta Cana Beach Resort, Paradisus Punta Cana, Melia Bavaro, Barcelo Bavaro Beach Complex, Fiesta Bavaro, Iberostar Bavaro, Iberostar Dominicana, Iberostar Punta Cana, Carabela Resort, Hodelpa and Villas Bavaro. Juan Dolio: Capella and Metro Boca Chica: Coral Hamaca and Boca Chica Resort All hotels in these areas are planning to re-open by or before December, the country's highest tourism season. The following is a list of those hotels that will be opening in the coming months. Punta Cana -- Club Mediterranee will open in November 1998. -- Natura Park will open in November 1998. -- Allegro Resort Bavaro will open Nov. 15, 1998. Bayahibe -- Club Dominicus will open Oct. 31, 1998. -- Casa del Mar will open Dec. 1, 1998. La Romana -- Casa de Campo will open Nov. 1, 1998. Boca Chica -- Hotel Don Juan will open Oct. 15, 1998. Juan Dolio -- Melia Juan Dolio will open Dec. 1, 1998. -- Caribbean Village Decameron will open Dec. 20, 1998. -- Coral Costa Caribe will open December 1998. -- Marena will open December 1998. -- Talanquera will open December 1998. -- Occidental Playa Real will open Nov. 20, 1998. "Last year, nearly 1.8 million tourists chose the Dominican Republic as a vacation destination, and through August of 1998, we have welcomed more guests than ever before. In spite of the damage inflicted by Hurricane Georges, our airports are open and accepting international flights. Most of our hotels are operational and we are optimistic that by December, practically all of the hotels will be functioning at full capacity," said Rafael Blanco, president of the National Association of Hotels and Restaurants (ASONAHORES). For brochures and other printed information, please call 800/723-6138. Tour operators may call the Dominican Republic tourism office in New York at 888/374-6361 for more specific information. --30--lr/da* lm/da CONTACT: YP&B Public Relations, Orlando Cristina Alfaro, 407/875-1111
Date: Fri, 2 Oct 1998 08:33:52 -0300 From: Danny Stone (danny.stone@codetel.net.do) Subject: Friday 2 Update Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Friday, October 2, 1998 The death toll continues to rise, and the official count is now 249. Many believe the actual count could be 1000 or more. The count of homeless has also risen to over 155,000. However, relief is in progress. The US has provided 2000 plastice tarps that are large enough to cover a small house and make a temporary roof, and Mexico has sent a plane load of tin for reroofing. Several countries continue to send food, medicines, and other needed items. Our relief effort is making progress. Rice, beans, and bread was delivered yesterday to a donated area in a man's office, and he loaned 5 of his employees to help put the relief bags together. Another businessman loaned us his small truck and we purchased over 1000 bottles of water. We worked into the night putting together 100's of these bags each with 4 bottles of water, 3 pounds of rice, 1 pound of beans, and 4 pieces of bread. At 10:30 last night we were making deliveries to pastors. We were able to see some folks in one barrio receive a bag from the pastor. The look of gratitude and thankfulness on their faces made all the effort put forth worthwhile. Midnight came fast and we were tired but grateful to finally get some relief out. We will finish the first round of bags today and get them delivered. Tomorrow we will be working with a group of church people in a barrio helping to reroof houses. We will give you another update next week. Thank you to all of you who are responding with donations for the relief. You are helping to make a difference. All donations can be sent to: Life Link / Dominican Republic P.O. Box 701884 Tulsa, OK 74170-1884 and they will forward 100% of your donation to us. No amount is too small. We are able to help 7 families for $21.00 US. Thanks for all your help. More later. Danny, Denise, and Jessica THE LIVING STONES 1 Peter 2:2-5 NIV
Earlier reports have been moved to this page.
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