The Dallas Morning News reports this morning that all 12 people in Haiti on a medical mission trip are fine, though their families and friends remain concerned about their welfare. Yesterday’s 7.0 quake caused widespread destruction on the island and was centered about 23 miles from Petit Goave, where LH’s Dr. Kenneth Foree, his wife Lila, and 10 other people are providing optical health care to residents.
Late last night I received an email request from Cindy Funderburgh, my neighbor and employee in the Texas Retina Associates eye clinic with several members of the group. “Very few details are available, please keep them in your prayers,” she urged. “One family member has gotten a very short text that said one of the physicians is trapped under the rubble of a building. The families are frantic and we are especially concerned that the group may have gotten separated.”
Overnight, confirmation came that all in the group are accounted for, but their task to help the people there is now an even bigger challenge. Supporters at Highland Park United Methodist Church, which organized the trip, are waiting to hear more about damage to the island and its effect on logistics of the trip, including travel plans home. The Forees have been making the trip for 30 years, and supporters hope their experience on the island and relationships with people there will help them navigate the chaos.
