November 14, 2009

Email that was sent out Nov. 14:

Hi!
I just had the most amazing thing happen. I was driving home from a church workday, thinking about my trip to Haiti (seems to be on my mind all the time) and wondering how I could get some money (like from an ATM) if the opportunity arose while I was there to get the materials to build a chicken coop and get some chickens. I was also wondering if it was legal to take seeds in with me to plant a garden with.

And I got home, and found an email from Amy, one of the missionaries at Christianville, the compound not far from Pastor Val's place that offered their clinic services to him and the children last year. She said that her parents had really fallen in love with those children on one of their visits, and that SOMEONE HAD DONATED MONEY SPECIFICALLY FOR A CHICKEN COOP AND CHICKENS AND HERE WERE THE PHOTOS!!!! I almost leaped off the couch reading it! The chicks were brand new and would be ready for market in 6 weeks, for egg production and meat. It is a source of income for the orphanage, as well as a learning opportunity for the children.

I am amazed at God's care; I have felt so inadequate caring for them, as if it were up to me anyway... I just keep wishing there was a way to do more. And I've been specifically thinking along the lines of micro-investing, or just finding ways of helping them to become self-sufficient, especially when Pastor Val passes on.

Just wanted to share that bit of incredible news with you. Thanks for your love and support.

Kellee

Forwarded messages from Amy's mother:

Hi Kellee,
I am Amy Riechley's Mom, Rita. I hope you don't mind that Amy gave me your address. She told me about you & I was hoping to someday meet you. My husband & I will be in Haiti Jan. 11th - I will be staying till Feb 2nd. I hope that maybe we could meet, if the timing is right for you too.
We have surely taken an interest & fell in-love with Val, Emma & the kids. We are trying to get others to partner with helping them also. God has been good to lead us to some very kind, generous Brothers & Sisters-in-Christ who have come along side of us.
I will send you a couple photos of the new chicks that were just delivered this past week. At 6 weeks of age they will be ready for market so the orphanage can make a profit & even eat some themselves too. We have other projects planned that I'd love to share with you.
Hope to meet you in Jan.
God Bless,
Jeff & Rita Riedel

Here are the new chicks delivered this week to Val's!
They will be ready for market in 6 weeks!
God Bless the gift & the giver!
Rita

November 11, 2009

Email that went out in early November:

Hello Friends,
Guess what?! I'm going to Haiti! God has miraculously provided some funding, and I'm going to visit Pastor Val and the orphanage, and some old friends in Port au Prince in January. I think I also have two others coming along, and we can each take up to 100 pounds of checked luggage. I plan to fill up those bags with socks, underwear, school supplies, vitamins and other needed supplies. There are approximately 30 children, boys and girls, aged 3-17.

Would you and your family consider donating some items, maybe as part of your Christmas gifting? Even if it's just one item, every little bit helps. I don't mind taking used things, if they are in excellent condition.

Here is a list:
socks
black or dark blue tennis shoes
underwear
bras
short-sleeved t-shirts
pants for boys
skirts/dresses for girls (remember - it's hot there)
multi-vitamins
bandaids
antibiotic cream (like Neosporin)
first-aid kits
toothpaste

Thank you so much! I'll keep you posted with forthcoming details.