In light of Mark’s tragic and unexpected death, it is difficult for me to focus on anything else, but I really need to get my crap together in the next 12 hours.
It seems our work in Haiti is not complete. I got a phone call from Craig Arnold last week inviting Mathieu and I to return for a special mission. Craig was the logistics officer for the Salvation Army who helped us (tremendously) last time and was a primary factor in finding ways to get us food to give to the orphanages.
I will be heading to Port-Au-Prince from Maui tomorrow afternoon, arriving in Haiti on Saturday and meeting up with Matthieu later that afternoon. Toby Roybal is also back on board as our “operator” and there may be some opportunities for others to help in similar ways as last time. If this interests you, please leave a note in the comment box below.
It is very difficult for me not to say what is going down, but as we complete our objectives, I will be able to talk about it more, and hopefully post the day’s events and images. A few things I can say, is that this is “unofficial” – I do not think any NGO in their right mind would sponsor us officially for what we are about to do, but ironically, that very thing will allow us to get it done faster and more efficiently.
In some ways it will be more dangerous than last time, and in others, it will be safer. We struggled and learned so much the first time around and we do not have to go through that initial learning curve again. For the most part, we have somewhat of a good idea of what we are getting in to.
I spoke with Mathieu today and he is concerned that the “elections” can complicate things, but we both agreed that we will exercise more caution in what we do. It is an incredible opportunity to do good and everyone involved feels it is worth rolling the dice. I was honored by Craig inviting us and hope that our experience and knowledge gained last time will be of good use.
I will also be testing some very real, very revolutionary technology I have been developing on the side.
I feel it is going to be huge, and this will be the first real test. Toby, as well as a few close friends will be able to see this technology in action, in real time. This is a secondary and very legit reason to return.
Mark’s death still has me a emotionally rattled, but I think by tomorrow I will be “squared away and good to go” as he would say. I am deeply saddened that there is a very good chance I will not be able to attend his funeral but knowing him, and what we are trying to accomplish, he would tell me to go to Haiti. This will make sense later. My plan is to get to Bama after we are finished and spend some time with him and his family. I should return to Maui in about 2 weeks.
I also want to say that I feel more committed and inspired by Mark for this trip and others to come in the future. It seems life is more precious when we are willing to sacrifice and take big risks and Mark showed us this. Mark and his family will continue to be on my mind and in my prayers during this trip. I will make posts or ask Toby or my father to as needed, but the posts may be sporadic. I have ever intention to tweet as much as possible, so if you have my Maven App, or are following me on Twitter, I will keep you updated.
If you have images, videos, stories, links or anything Mark Forester please send them my way, I am collecting them for his family and for the tribute post. I may not be able to respond or post immediately, but I will do what I can when I can.
More to come.
Good luck Michael. God bless and be safe. This world could use more guys like you…..
Be safe Michael. If there is anything I can do to help, let me know. I am still in touch with many of the people who helped us out the first time.
Praying for your safety and a successful trip. Here’s the article from the Tuscaloosa News on Mark.
http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20101001/NEWS/100939927/1007?Title=UA-graduate-killed-in-Afghanistan
Praying for God’s hedge of protection around you, Mathieu and Craig on your mission! Any way I can be of help just let me know.
Good luck Mike. We all are so saddened. I wish Mark was not on the front page of today’s Tuscaloosa News. I wish he would be at the Iron Bowl. I feel a bit of my has died yet a bit of Mark will live on in me.
I do have some pictures that you took really so you may have them. It was at Matt and Robyn’s wedding reception. I will send them if you want.
Garrett reminded me that I probably have some of Mark when he went to the beach with us. I will need to look for those.
You take care and know of our love.
I have never met Mark. I happened to read the Tuscaloosa News this morning and the headline grabbed me. I wanted to let his family and friends know that I am saddened to see such a vibrant young man taken from this world. I am an Alabama graduate and the wife of an Army veteran, and was deeply touched by the news article as well as what I saw on this blog.
As odd as this sounds, I will be forever changed by reading this…I will treasure all of the little things in life – the BAMA games I will watch, reading the stories of our troops overseas…talking with my children about the simple things in life that we take for granted…
God bless Mark and all of the brave men and women of our armed forces. God bless the families and friends of our troops. And God Bless you, Michael Andrew, for reminding us to live on and to remember…
Michael, let’s go shake up Haiti again. This time for Mark. See u in PAP tomorrow.
Be safe Michael! Your intentions are good, just don’t let your emotions cloud your conscience thoughts. Stay sharp and we all pray for your safe return.
My prayers are with Mark’s family. Safe journey, you need to be really focused over there!!!!! Saw this on MSNBC, "Nearly nine months after the earthquake, more than a million Haitians still live on the streets between piles of rubble. One reason: Not a cent of the $1.15 billion the U.S. promised for rebuilding has arrived."
Be safe Michael, you’re the man…!!!
I will keep you and Mathieu in my prayers. Stay safe. I worry for the two of you, but I also think it is wonderful that there are people brave enough to go and help others in time of need even if it means risking their own safety.
Be careful Mike, we’ll keep you in our prayers.
Please be careful, Mike! I was really hoping to see you at Mark’s funeral services, but I’m glad that you are out there making a difference!! Good luck!
Hey M – You, and Mathieu will continually be in my thoughts and prayers this time around just as you were last time. And Toby you are truly the third hero in all of this!!
Also, I am so sorry for your lose. And I want you to know that I am so inspired by you and Marks friendship. As well as yours and his example to take risks and put yourself in dangerous situations for the sake of others freedoms, and well being. Truly amazing. You know I am here if you need anything!
Mr. Ray This is Greg Engle at Southern Colonel Homes in Hattiesburg. Im sorry to hear about your son and will keep your family in my prayers. May GOD bless you and keep you in his arms. Yours Brother in Christ Greg Engle