Distribution

This morning we got to the distribution site and began distributing family packs. Each family pack consists of 20lbs. rice, 20lbs. rolled oats, 20lbs. cornmeal, assorted canned meats, assorted canned vegetables and canned milk. The distribution started off well, but as the family packs began to dwindle, the crowds became more restless and the environment became more tense. A few family packs got "swiped" and Gene went after a couple of Haitians who did not have a card for a family pack. I went after one guy who I suspected of swiping a family pack, brought him back to the site only to learn he was "legitimate." I just had to make sure. I told him, "merci" (which means "thank you"), and the man smiled and seemed to be fine. We ended up distributing 135 family packs in Mirebalais. I suspect about a dozen were swiped (it's hard to describe how crowded and tense the scene was, even with some of our security people in place). We then hooked up with Brian Kelso of GCA who was coming from Ft. Lauderdale and together traveled to another dropoff site near Port au Prince. There we dropped off another 150 family packs. Near the end of distribution near Mirebalais, we were rushing to get food back into the container and locked up. I believe the remaining food items will go to the Port au Prince University students we met a few days ago, and their networks. We rushed to get the food back in the containers because we wanted to make sure the crowds did not get out of hand. Most of GCA's distribution efforts will be through local Haitian networks where the Haitians are distributing, rather than the "blancs"; however, we made a decision to try and distribute to the many people and families who had come out to help us yesterday. Did I feel in danger? I suppose I would say, "as much as I do being around Americans at an 'after-Christmas' sale." The difference is the people are in a frenzy over rice, beans and oats rather than name-brand jeans and sweaters. Despite some tense moments, we accomplished our objectives and that feels pretty good. By the way, this is the big issue regarding relief in Haiti right now. How can we effectively get food to the people without inciting a riot? GCA will continue to work through their local networks so Haitian pastors and local leaders can continue to provide relief that is effective. If you are getting involved with an organization providing relief, feel free to inquire as to : 1) how relief is being provided? and 2) precisely who is providing the relief (the locals or someone else)? Of course, sometimes it is necessary for the outside people to provide relief (like we did today), but is that an exceptional situation or the actual strategy? The former approach seeks to empower the Haitians, the latter does not.