Ruuska Village Update 2/24/10

In response to frequent requests regarding new adoptions I am sorry but I will not be accepting applications for assistance with new adoptions until further notice—my focus is on finishing those already in progress. Due to the loss of buildings key to various steps in the adoption process and the loss of documents and records this is difficult enough. Please feel free to request an “adoption packet” which outlines some of the steps that need to be done in the US and will be helpful to you in the future wherever you adopt from. There are many issues which must be addressed and resolved before I can effectively move forward, and I feel it is best to simply wait it out rather than to enter into a situation that could be of indeterminate length, frustration, and cost to prospective parents. The Haitian government is doing the best that they can to compensate for the losses that have occurred but is not fully functional at this time.

On a more specific note I am presently seeking New York State approval to “conduct adoption related activities”, and regardless of the Haitian issues presently at hand, I will not be accepting any applications from NYS residents until I have received formal OCFS approval, regardless of other agency or legal involvement retained on behalf of the prospective parents. I will, of course, keep you up to date on this issue as well as any progress and/or modifications that may be required for the Haitian end of the adoption process.

Again ALL new applications have been suspended. I apologize for the inconvenience but it has always been my goal to assist families in the most efficient, timely, and cost effective way possible and, at this time, this is simply an unattainable goal. I receive no money for the assistance that I provide with the Haitian end of the adoption process but I cannot in good conscience encourage the initiation of a new petitions until the Haitian government is fully functional in regards to the adoption process, I am familiar with any changes in the process itself, and am certain that it will move forward successfully. In light of the present situation in Haiti, I, again, feel it is best to wait and see what develops.

If you have any specific questions please feel free to email me at reachouttohaiti@yahoo.com and I will answer your questions as best that I can.

On a more positive note, we have been able to start with some of the many repairs that are needed after the earthquake and continued aftershocks. The front wall and gate have received a face lift and we have begun the task of tearing down those buildings that need to be completely re-built—it has been quite the project relocating the food and supply depots to other buildings which can be secured and trying to assess the damages and gather supplies that will be needed. Thanks to all of you, the village, orphanage, and medical clinic will be fine, but it is going to take a lot of work. We will try to keep you all posted on the new developments and get pictures up as the reconstruction progresses.

As always, Barbara is still at work trying to get the rest of the adoptions completed and arrange flights to meet up with waiting parents—even amid various difficulties the Haitian government is working to assist as quickly as possible and 5 more left today! Due to weather problems they are stuck overnight in the Bahamas with Joe Hurston, but they will be heading home soon! We can’t thank Joe enough as well as Doug, Pat, and Troy (our other pilots) who have been working tirelessly to arrange transportation for the children as soon as the paperwork allows. They are the best!

The Ruuska recovery 2/14/10

I know it has been awhile since I added any new updates to the site (Tom accidentally blew up my computer) and, although I have taken a bit of a break, I will assure you that Barbara has NOT! Long nights of paperwork followed by the daily trips to “camp out” waiting for new visas to be signed—and ( just for fun) scour the city for available fresh food, supplies, and (of course) gasoline to keep the generator (and everything else) going continue. Though it seems like a never-ending job, her tireless efforts have continued to be rewarded. 57 children have been taken out so far to meet their new families—including 13 to Argentina that the ambassador himself secured visa signatures for from the Haitian Prime Minister. Lawanna was also able to get a well deserved break—with the last of the tiny babies leaving for their new homes she was able to head for home herself for a bit of much needed rest!

Barbara attended a weekend fundraising event in Melbourne, Florida “IndiaFest” was and OVERWHELMING success leaving Barbara in a VERY rare moment where she was completely speechless (YES—BARBARA—SPEECHLESS) simply managing to ask “what can I possibly say that can even come close to thanking everyone that has made this all possible?” It is our sincere hope that each and every one can truly understand all of the things that these donations HAVE , and WILL, make possible. It is much more than just help for today that Barbara offers—it is HOPE for tomorrow. She starts with the basics and the people work and build the rest for themselves—it is the best form of “charity” —the kind that keeps on growing long after the fact. It is more than simply feeding someone for a day—it is providing assistance for a home—a family—and education—personal dignity and growth—the chance to control their own lives and to contribute to the lives of others around them knowing that every person CAN make a difference—every person counts. THAT is Barbara’s mission and we can’t possibly express our thanks to everyone that has helped to make it a reality. The work has only begun but we will be here for you to follow along with us every step of the way as Barbara (with the help of so many) rebuilds and recovers to meet the new challenges that lie ahead.

02/05/10 Ruuska update

Barbara is back— with 11 visas ready to pick up, and at least 13 more ready for submission after todays work–she is back to the grind. 1 child went out yesterday and 1 goes to canada tomorrow–and more to come as soon as flights are available.

Emma is finally home as well–after just one more overnight delay in Philadelphia, Missy was finally able to bring her home after being detained in a Miami facility for almost a week.

Cherie is keeping the supplies coming with 2 thousand pounds of cargo going in over the last few days—what would we do without her!!!

Special thanks to Mike Barber and family from the Rustic Cottage–they held a donation drive and personally delivered a truck load of much needed medical supplies, baby food,formula,cereal, diapers, wipes, and powder right to my door—Let the packing begin!!

Thanks also go out to Samaritans Purse for a large donation of food for the village/orphanage, and Harris Rosen of Orlando for his contribution of food and medical supplies—these , along with many other generous donations, help us to help others—the more we get in the more we can help.

As you may have noticed we FINALLY got some more photos up—the damage speaks for itself; we have a long road ahead.