Our Artisan Caught in Gunfire

We all know there are messages we never want to receive. This morning I woke up to the news that one of our artisans was shot in the neck by a "stray" bullet.

He was working in our artisan workshop run by Bien Amie, (pictured with me from my trip to Haiti last month) when gang crossfire caught him in the neck. Because Bien Amie is the owner of the workshop, he is responsible for the medical bills. We know the surgery required to remove the bullet will cost $1,200, plus the cost of hospital expenses. There will also be a period with lost wages that we would like to cover.

Haiti has had some really difficult years, after the assassination of our president, the gangs who were on the rise have completely taken over. The situation has gone up and down and currently, the gangs are on the move. Taking over communities and displacing thousands of people in their wake.

When I was in Haiti last month, many of the artisans had been displaced and had relocated to new homes. I could feel the helplessness of the artisans. The gangs have been relentless, creating chaos all over Haiti.

If you find yourself in a position to help, we are so appreciative. It's in situations like this that it is hard to ignore how fortunate we are. Life is so precious.