Dear Friends in Christ:

As you can imagine, the last 36 hours have been filled with uncertainty, fear and prayers. I have been trying to work with The Episcopal Church both here in the U.S. and in Haiti (the latter is quite limited contact, of course). And I have not been able to keep everyone updated via email.

Please know that I am putting as much information as possible on my website, www.gointotheworld.net, and using facebook for other updates. 

Right now, those are probably the best ways to keep track of what I know.

The good news is that yesterday evening, we were able to hear from two of our missionaries, Mallory Holding and Jude Harmon, and received news of Pere Oge Beauvoir, and his wife, Serette. All have been found and are alive. What happens next for them we don't know yet.

I have heard from one dear friend, Pere Kesner Ajax, who is attempting to drive from Les Cayes to Port au Prince today to help. We know that Bishop is alive, and that his wife was injured in the quake. They have lost their home. I do not know the fate of my other colleagues, my friends, my students, my parish or my home. I live and serve in Petion Ville, above Port au Prince. The area has been quite hard hit, but last night I received news that the hotel across the street from my parish is still standing, and that indeed, some visiting missionaries are there right now. But I have not been able to be in contact with those folks, so I've no more information on that front.

Also, I do not know what the future holds for me. I desperately want to return to Haiti, to work on the relief efforts. But right now, it seems that at least some of my work is here. Until I am able to speak with Bishop Duracin, I will keep working from the United States.

I ask you to continue praying for our brothers and sisters in Haiti, and to help in any way you can. Episcopal Relief & Development is already sending aid, and will continue to do so for a very long time. 

It is an excellent aid organization; please give generously to help the people of Haiti. (www.er-d.org)

And know that the Church is alive and well in Haiti, that God is present, and the people, although in desperate need, have not lost hope.

Blessings and peace,

Lauren