Transformation Thurrock : From Thurrock to Haiti

From Thurrock to Haiti

From Sara Astrom and Mike Mawhinney at the Stanford Boiler Room

Dear friends,

You have probably read something about Haiti in the news lately, but if not, let us give you a short up date.

Nearly a year ago, in January 2010, an earthquake struck Haiti and the government reported 230,000 deaths, 300,000 people injured and 1 million people made homeless. In the ensuing breakdown of infrastructure, a cholera epidemic took hold.

Then just last month - November 2010 - Hurricane Tomas caused floods in many parts of the country, leading to an escalation of the ongoing cholera epidemic. In just one month more than 1,500 people have died from cholera. In this chaos there is a massive need for help!!!

Sara and Mike SBR JPEG

We have been given the great opportunity to go out to Haiti between the Monday 6 and Wednesday 22 December, being sent by Samaritan's Purse (www.samaritanspurse.org - the same people responsible for the Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Appeal).

As we both are nurses we will work in a clinic with the cholera outbreak. We are really looking forward this trip and to be able to make a change practically.

We need you to stand with us in prayer! Please pray for... protection for us
the people in Haiti
more workers
a new season for the country!

Thank you for all your support!

Love,

Sara and Mike

Mike and Sara left for the airport and debrief last night (Monday 6 December) and flew late that evening.

Both Mike and Sara were part of last year's Transit team and have chosen to live on in Corringham and continue to be part of the Boiler Room community.

STOP PRESS 10.12.10
Mike & Sara have sent this message to Kathryn Biddle at the Boiler Room...
Hi brief update;
Things chaotic, please pray.
Cant leave cholera clinic cuz of gangs outside.
Now on 24 hour shift and on army rations.
Very dangerous but strangely exciting?!?

Sara Astrom and Mike Mawhinney, 07/12/2010