Hi Adopting Parents and friends…..

I just sent part of the following text to several inquiries about Is Haiti Safe to Travel. I thought better I post this so everyone can see and pass the word on.

Your question, Is it Safe to Come to Haiti?... is very difficult to answer in that one can never give you a precise answer as to whether Haiti is safe. An definitely can't give you the answer you want to hear! I would like to, as TV Bob Barker use to say "COME ON DOWN" (well maybe you aren't that old to remember that) because I feel your hearts and your anxiety to see your children and come and help the people of Haiti.

We all kmow that Haiti is a country that has lots of political problems and unfortunately disorders break out when you least expect them. These problems have been here for several years now and we only pray that things will change and stabilize. Yeah! I'm still hopeful.

Everyday, there are many people and teams that continue to come to Haiti (you would be surprised to see how full the planes are coming to Haiti) and they leave and never have problems. They are prudent when they come and they remain low key, forgetting tourism, flashing money, taking pictures of people and they don't rent fancy cars. These are the things that attract attention. The people that come have a purpose and they do their homework and get all the information they need from whomever (whoever) they are visiting. If you are visting an orphange, then the orphanage can tell you better if they think you should come. They will honestly tell you whether or not you should come. If they say NO...accept that and don't let self get in the way of what you want to do.

At this moment I see no reason why one would not come to Haiti but there is no guarantee what the country will be like tomorrow or next week or even next month. You must keep abreast of the news and if things are quiet as they are now…then come.

Some Answsers to frequently asked questions and or statements:

1. Yes things did calm down that fast (from last week). The president spoke to the people and what he said appeased them for now.

2. Yes, the roads to the airport are open and functioning as ususal.

3. Yes, you can go to stores, supermarkets…. I don’t recommend going downtown.

4. I don't recommend going outside of Port-au-Prince UNLESS your host has approved.

5. Dress DOWN....simple as possible and leave all the jewelry home.

6. If your spouse has strong feelings about you not coming....then don't come.

7. If you feel scared, then don't come. For me, fear breeds problems.

8. You can enjoy Haiti, have a good visit but you have to be prudent and expect the unexpected.

9. What if problems surface and their is disorder, what do you do? You remain calm. Stay inside wherever you are staying and wait for the disorders to disappear.

9A. You get back to your destination (where you are staying) well before it gets dark.

10. The worst that could most likely happen. If you do what you come to do (follow your plan) and take the suggestions above seriously, the worst is that you may be delayed in Haiti because your flight may be cancelled or rescheduled.

11. Before coming, always register with your Embassy. Send an E mail and let them know your travel dates, your purpose, and where you will be staying (include a telephone number). Most of all include who they should contact should there be a problem. This is just being precautious! Your Embassy will help you should there be problems.

I hope this helps.

Blessings,
Bin and Maggie