As most of you have probably heard, the country of Haiti experienced widespread protests and riots this past weekend, July 6-8, 2018. From what we have heard from our contacts in Haiti and from news outlets, the protests were in response to a proposed increase in fuel prices. The proposed increase was significant (around 50%) and would have made normal business very difficult for the majority of citizens in Haiti.
PAP was very hot (politically) and the protests were occurring all over the country. Cavaillon, the town at the bottom of our mountain road, was especially volatile as well with gunshots being fired and tear gas being thrown on Saturday. There were multiple roadblocks on the mountain road between Bonne Fin (BF) and Cavaillon on Saturday too.
Rick and the other missionaries at BF as well as most of the hospital staff stayed put and were safe.
The climate has calmed, but there are still a few roadblocks popping up and the situation is not completely stable. Yesterday(Tuesday), we had a group of docs en route to BF from PAP; they were stopped at a roadblock in Miragoane. It was peaceful, but there was no movement on the road for several hours. The group did arrive in BF late in the afternoon yesterday after waiting for the roadblock to open up. They had been stuck in PAP waiting for the protesting to calm before traveling to BF.
The kids and I were scheduled to return today (July 11), but with the current situation, I have rebooked our flights for Sunday. We will assess again on Saturday and make adjustments if necessary. Sunday is typically a quiet travel day so we are hoping for no or fewer blocks on the road.
We are hearing that travel between PAP and Cavaillon / Cayes is normal and the road is open with occasional roadblocks popping up. (Yes, this is normal) The US Embassy in Haiti did send an alert this AM about planned protests in several locations in and around PAP and again this is normal; however, the potential for "normal" protests to escalate and become violent is always present.
We ask for prayer for the people of Haiti; for Godly wisdom for their elected leaders; for calm amongst the younger generation that seems to be leading the protests; for safety and security for all people; and for peaceful resolutions in which God can be praised.
Also, prayers for our family as we have been separated from Rick for almost 2 weeks and for our missionary team in Haiti that is very small (4 people) currently.
We will be returning from our time in the USA to a stressful climate, both because of the recent protests/riots and because our missionary team will be the smallest group of people to serve during our time in Haiti. Please pray that God's will for the future of our mission work at Hôpital Lumière will be made clear to us as we seek to stay in the center of His will, whatever that may be.
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