7324: anonymous in reply to: Re: 7309: ANONYMOUS, PLEASE!

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

Unfortunately the poverty and extremes in Haiti seem to lend themselves to
a 
lot more of this than people would like to admit.  We have always
recommended 
to churches sending money to Haiti that the only way they can really find
out 
what is going on is to "pop call." Go unannounced and see what happens
when 
you aren't there.  Is that school for real or only a showplace while you 
visit?  Are there really children being cared for in that orphanage you 
support? or are they street kids being fed and played with for your week
or 
ten days? Is the medical clinic you take supplies and serve really free?
or 
are they selling "tickets" behind your back?

We have worked in Haiti for over 30 years and there are very few games
they 
haven't tried on us.  Some of the bad things may be the foreigners, but a
lot 
of the games are Haitians themselves.  It is some sort of sport until you
get 
caught, then you are disgraced. Haiti is a complex place to serve, but the 
needs are real if you are working with the right people you can make a 
difference.  But remember, until they REALLY know you, you will only hear 
what they think you want to hear.