On Tuesday, 19 Jan 10 the unofficial number of deaths was over 70,000 and rising. In Haiti South some of our families have lost more then five members.  Medical attention is being provided where needed for those that are suffering severe shock and are unable to cope with this grave news. Our Haitian Sisters are also stressed as they are all waiting to hear on the status of their families. 

At our Sites there is the added feeling of isolation and abandonment as news that Port-au-Prince (PAP) is no longer accessible is realized. We thank God that our Canadian Good Shepherd Sisters of Quebec in PAP confirmed their evacuation to Canada with the Canadian High Commission. Their home and office was split in half during the earthquake and on the University grounds many students, faculty and two Brothers known to us have perished.

At Latiboliere, Brother Antoine has been able to gather many of our children and youth at Alexandre Dumas Secondary School to keep them occupied playing games and doing small projects. All of our Sites are working to try and create some form of a routine for the children and their families. Regular meetings to provide counseling and support services are of highest priority. 

At our Haiti North Site, Sr. Gina, Director and Edley Gabeau, Assistant Director, explain that the community has received word that overwhelming numbers of the students attending University and Colleges in PAP have perished. Many of our children have lost their brothers and sisters. The Schools supported by the congregation will look to open as soon as possible with activities planned for counseling and support services. We are also working on developing memorial walls and organizing community vigils as coping strategies.