21 May 2010
Kenscoff Distribution
One of our volunteers, Rhyan, shares about her experience today with the Kenscoff distribution…
Today we did a distribution in Kenscoff, an area about 35 minutes up the mountain from GLA. After stopping at Ft. Jacques to fill our vehicles with supplies, we were on our way. I stood, along with 3 of the members of the work team from Edmonton, in the back of the big truck. We were completely packed in by bags of items, so much so that we could hardly move!
This was my first trip to Kenscoff since the earthquake and I spent much of the time taking it all in. There were obvious changes. Rubble where there were once buildings and the bright blue of tarps dotting the hillsides. I also noticed new words added to the English vocabulary of the children we passed, instead of “give me one dollar” we heard “give me one bag, give me one bag”
When we reached the area of distribution, I was pleasantly surprised to see that we had a yard with a gate to park inside. Everyone who had received a ticket for a bag, box or tent lined up outside the gate and were let in 2 – 3 at a time to receive their items. Old men and women entered first, they were followed by children and then everyone else. Each person left with a bit of something to aid his or her day-to-day life. Each box or bag contained a mixture of blankets, clothing, hygiene items, and shoes, to name a few. Those who did not receive a box or bag left with a tent.
One of the people who received one of our boxes was a little girl around 8 years old. She was alone, and when I looked at her and then at the large tote 
she had been given, I wondered how she would possibly get it home. She, however had no problems. She picked up that great big box and placed it on her head and walked, straight and tall out the gate.
I was so encouraged and blessed to have gone on this distribution today. Nothing makes me happier than seeing aid reaching these communities that are so far from the areas where most of the relief has been focused. Reading the relief in their eyes at the sight of our trucks driving up their road, and hearing the brokenness in their voices as they softly thanked us and returned to their lives reminded me of every reason that I love this country and her people.
Rhyan Buettner
