Plane Conversations

Even before the deadly 7.0 earthquake, Haiti, one of the world’s poorest countries, was filled with orphans; estimated at 380,000 children living in orphanages or group homes. Now, the number is so huge, officials for the United Nations Fund cannot even give an accurate number, only to say that tens of thousand more children have been left without any family at all.

I recently read a story where a child was outside playing soccer in Port-au-Prince when his home pancaked in the devastating earthquake and killed his parents and five sisters.  He now sleeps with thousands in a Port-au-Prince park and is forced to search for food in rubble, and find anything he may be able to sell so that he can survive. 

There is horrific story after story about these suffering children.  But I have also witnessed the outpouring of aid that people from all over the world have given to the people and country of Haiti.  It is no wonder my heart strings have been tugged at frequently since the disaster struck Haiti.

 I was recently sent a link to a story of a Nashville businessman and aviator (who also happens to be Corporate Flight Management’s Attorney, and friend), Philip North who, along with friend Don Bruce, flew to Haiti to pick up a group of Haitian orphans, to bring them back to their new home in America.  They have all been adopted by American families. 

It was a mission that was unexpected, as Philip and Don had partnered up with Agape Flight to fly doctors and supplies into Port-au-Prince.  But what they ended up doing was flying five unaccompanied, and scared children to south Florida. 

The below link is a video from Channel 5 news which tells the story of these generous aviators giving without asking anything in return.  Helping those in need, because they can.  Just try and not get goose bumps when you hear about Philip singing “Amazing Grace” to the five scared children in the back of that plane!

http://www.newschannel5.com/Global/category.asp?C=125220&clipId=4494058&topVideoCatNo=85299&autoStart=true

Bravo to all of the amazing and giving people, working hard to bring relief to the devastation.  God knows these beautiful and helpless children need our help.

To donate to the children of Haiti, visit:  http://hopeforhaitischildren.org/

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