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.