a compendium of quotes on the election

praying?
getting ready to cast a ballot?
eating chocolate?
all of the above?

 first, a few from the news:

"It would certainly be less chaotic if all Americans voted pursuant to a uniform set of federally imposed procedures — if forms, machines, drop-box specifications, mail-in ballot receipt deadlines and early voting schedules were exactly the same, from county to county and state to state — but inefficiency is not, of itself, unconstitutional." - Steve Vladeck

https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/2020/11/02/harris-county-drive-through-federal-court/

99-year-old Mississippi man born on a plantation votes in election

"I remember when I couldn't vote," Dr. Robert H. Smith Sr. said.

https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/99-year-mississippi-man-born-plantation-votes-election/story?id=73958509

"We have one of America’s most unusual presidents ever. The coronavirus has made it one of the most unusual campaigns ever. And it’s the most tense polling day I’ve ever covered here. I have never had to walk past rows of boarded up shops to get to work on Election Day because store holders are afraid there may be violence on the streets after the vote... And the world is watching, as it always does. But because this is the Trump presidency, and everything is oversized, the amount of global attention is through the roof too." - Katty Kay

https://www.bbc.com/news/live/election-us-2020-54786937

from high school students:

“Our generation in particular is not going to be quiet,” she said. “We are immune to dysfunction and disaster. From the beginning, when we were little children, we were practicing active-shooter drills. Now we’re not even in class because of covid. We’re going to make change.” - Lauren

“I can’t believe we are dealing with this uncertainty of safety due to an election. Nevertheless, we cannot stay in shock, but have to get to work no matter who wins.” - Jocelyn

“After growing up, experiencing what the world really has to say about women, being able to understand what that means for me, seeing Kamala Harris, a woman of color, standing up there, would be the glass ceiling exploding.” - Mirette

https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/these-girls-were-crushed-when-hillary-lost-in-2016-four-years-later-theyve-created-their-own-strong-female-future/2020/11/02/ee53d8d0-1d1e-11eb-90dd-abd0f7086a91_story.html

from the Washington National Cathedral's interfaith service: “Holding onto Hope: A National Service for Healing and Wholeness,” 

“Dear Heavenly Father, we especially pray for our country as we go into this season of election. We ask you to help us to remember that we are, despite all of our troubles, a privileged people to be able to make our voices known, to choose those who would govern us. … Please be with each and every one of us, even as we are a divided people, to treat each other with respect, to treat each other with kindness, especially when we disagree, so that we might again make common purpose and common cause to be a people worthy of your grace.” - former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice

“Our ideals, values, principles and dreams of beloved community matter. They matter because they drive us beyond service of self alone to commitment to the greater good of us all. They matter because they give us an actual picture of God’s reign of love, and a reason to struggle and make it real. They matter to our lives as people of faith. They matter to our life in civil society. They matter to our life as a nation and as a world. Our values matter!” 

“Whatever your politics, however you have or will cast your vote, however this election unfolds, wherever the course of racial reckoning and pandemic take us, whether we are in the valley or the mountaintop, hold onto the hope of America. Hold onto hope grounded in our shared values and ideals. Hold onto God’s dream. Hold on and struggle and walk and pray for our nation,”  - Presiding Bishop Michael Curry

https://www.episcopalnewsservice.org/2020/11/01/national-cathedrals-interfaith-prayer-service-takes-america-on-journey-from-grief-to-hope/

and today, election day, they are still praying there all day long, as people go in and out...

"When the clock struck each new hour, the priests paused with an Election Day prayer.

“As the people of this nation decide the future of our life together, we pray for all seeking elected office and their families, for the safety of all voters and poll workers, and for the protection of all ballots cast,” one said. “Help us now and always to find new ways to work together, to mend our divisions, that we may create your kingdom on earth.”

https://www.nytimes.com/live/2020/11/03/us/election-day?action=click&module=Spotlight&pgtype=Homepage#at-washington-national-cathedral-a-time-to-pray-for-the-country

A handful of my own thoughts:

On second thought, I'll just leave you to caption that yourselves.

 As we wait:

obviously I also need an edit button for Twitter

and maybe some nutella
or a  Stop'n'Shop chocolate bomb cake

and world peace

https://twitter.com/sarahrandallssm/status/1323072181644001286

and finally, from the Book of Common Prayer (1979), pp.821-822

22. For Sound Government

The responses in italics may be omitted.

O Lord our Governor, bless the leaders of our land, that we
may be a people at peace among ourselves and a blessing to
other nations of the earth.
Lord, keep this nation under your care.

To the President and members of the Cabinet, to Governors
of States, Mayors of Cities, and to all in administrative
authority, grant wisdom and grace in the exercise of their
duties.
Give grace to your servants, O Lord.

To Senators and Representatives, and those who make our
laws in States, Cities, and Towns, give courage, wisdom, and
foresight to provide for the needs of all our people, and to
fulfill our obligations in the community of nations.
Give grace to your servants, O Lord.

To the Judges and officers of our Courts give understanding
and integrity, that human rights may be safeguarded and
justice served.
Give grace to your servants, O Lord.

And finally, teach our people to rely on your strength and to
accept their responsibilities to their fellow citizens, that they
may elect trustworthy leaders and make wise decisions for
the well-being of our society; that we may serve you
faithfully in our generation and honor your holy Name.
For yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as
head above all. Amen.

23. For Local Government

Almighty God our heavenly Father, send down upon those
who hold office in this State (Commonwealth, City, County,
Town, ____________) the spirit of wisdom, charity, and justice;
that with steadfast purpose they may faithfully serve in their
offices to promote the well-being of all people; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.

24. For an Election

Almighty God, to whom we must account for all our powers
and privileges: Guide the people of the United States (or of
this community) in the election of officials and representatives;
that, by faithful administration and wise laws, the rights of
all may be protected and our nation be enabled to fulfill your
purposes; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

https://www.bcponline.org/

I voted with William Temple

Today in the Episcopal Church we remember William Temple, an Archbishop of Canterbury in the early 20th century.

It seems to me that both his example and some of the material offered for use for the feast are appropriate to consider especially today, election day.

From his bio:

Though he never experienced poverty of any kind, he developed a passion for social justice which shaped his words and his actions. He owed this passion to a profound belief in the Incarnation. He wrote that in Jesus Christ God took flesh and dwelt among us, and as a consequence “the personality of every man and woman is sacred.” (Lesser Feasts and Fasts 2006 p. 442)

We, too, need to take this to heart. The church is not a social service agency - and at the same time, what we believe has definite consequences in our lives.

[So this is a little bit different from the heretical billboard near St. Louis that has fortunately been taken down... Which I am putting in here extra small because I don't want to look at it or make it the focus. Yet it is most unfortunately relevant. You will see that I am carefully not stumping for any particular candidate here. This, however, is beyond the pale.

(https://www.patheos.com/blogs/irreverin/2018/11/trump-as-messiah-the-billboard-is-gone-but-the-sentiment-remains/)]

Exodus 22:21–27
You shall not wrong or oppress a resident alien, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt. You shall not abuse any widow or orphan. If you do abuse them, when they cry out to me, I will surely heed their cry; my wrath will burn, and I will kill you with the sword, and your wives shall become widows and your children orphans.

If you lend money to my people, to the poor among you, you shall not deal with them as a creditor; you shall not exact interest from them. If you take your neighbour’s cloak in pawn, you shall restore it before the sun goes down; for it may be your neighbour’s only clothing to use as cover; in what else shall that person sleep? And if your neighbour cries out to me, I will listen, for I am compassionate.
http://www.lectionarypage.net/LesserFF/Nov/Temple.html

O God of light and love, you illumined your Church through the witness of your servant William Temple: Inspire us, we pray, by his teaching and example, that we may rejoice with courage, confidence, and faith in the Word made flesh, and may be led to establish that city which has justice for its foundation and love for its law; through Jesus Christ, the light of the world, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
(Lesser Feasts and Fasts 2006)

new favorite sport

I could easily imagine my youngest sister excelling in this sport along with her gymnastics had they had such a thing in the San Diego area (that we'd known about).  This is the World Cup.

Just... wow.

Rebekah, this one's for you.

And this is simply gorgeous. Tai Chi sword. 

of sermons and herding kittens: a very brief snapshot

I'm still writing my sermon for tomorrow. 
This is an accurate enactment of the process and current state of affairs:



It appears that my sermon process has given up something for Lent. When it sits still, I'll let you know what that is.

Meanwhile, onward, by the grace of God!

haiku against horror

https://www.washingtonpost.com/

More bad news today.
Kyrie eleison.
I have had enough.

Wind, flood, fire, fury;
Catastrophic potential.
Death rides a pale horse.

Storm-tossed, not sinking;
weather-beaten, we still trust.
You are our anchor.

#IrmaHaiti

I'm waiting for word from Haiti, which will take a while, given that Irma is there right now.  I have just found articles, however, as well as a few Twitter threads. Thought I'd share with those of you who may also be waiting for news.

Hurricane Irma: Panic sets in as Haiti braces for storm | Miami Herald

Haiti has already been devastated by natural disasters. Now it’s bracing for Irma. - The Washington Post

Meanwhile, I'm praying for my friends there, especially my godson and his family who are up north. Praying, too, for all those who are reeling from the storm or in its path. Please pray with me.

-----
MORE:
Haïti confronté à l’ouragan Irma, moins d’un an après le drame de Matthew

Swahili 101

Jambo! Habari! Hujambo! Hamjambo! Shikamoo!
Hello, hello, hello, hello, hello!
Or so I gather.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/378583912405639636/

And Mambo = What's up?

Guess who's going to Tanzania???!!!!! To the Diocese of Tanga, to be precise.
Ahem. Not at all excited. Of course not. See me being blasée.

At least until I do a jig and ruin the effect.

So amid considering Deet and Permethrin sprays, doing an expedited passport renewal, getting my inoculations and antimalarial drugs, I am attempting to learn a few phrases in Swahili. Clearly it's the polite thing to do, but who wouldn't want to pick up another language, however small an amount of it?

Truly, if I hope to participate in the renewal of a diocesan partnership, language learning is more than a gesture.

I have, therefore, renewed my friendship with my Duolingo app, which seems to have forgiven me for letting my Spanish slide (temporarily). A free app to teach you Swahili is not a small thing, even when you have turned off the audio so as not to break the Great Silence inadvertantly or disturb the sister in the next room. God bless the creators of this app.

Tonight I have added YouTube (with sound, safely in my office), so I thought I'd share.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQv6QJHLmDA

More later...

Kwa heri, usiku mwema, na lala salama (Goodbye, goodnight, and sleep peacefully*).

*http://tanzaniasafariadvisor.com/hello-in-swahili-greetings/

sermonating with bug eyes

Another sermon, more intense prayer required. The news and the texts alongside each other are just wild. Is the news a distraction? A must-deal-with item? Do I laugh or cry? How do I preach without getting political? Where do I even start among so much?

Here are some excerpts from the texts for this coming Sunday:

Do not deceive yourselves. If you think that you are wise in this age, you should become fools so that you may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written,
“He catches the wise in their craftiness,”
and again,
“The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise,
that they are futile.”
So let no one boast about human leaders.  (1 Cor 3) 

(Yes, this is church leadership, but still...)

Do not resist an evildoer.
and
Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.  (Matt 5)

The Leviticus passage, too, offers a wealth of possibilities.

Now this Russia business - a year's worth of contact, a Russian sub hanging out off our shores, and more.

Seriously...

As I was celebrating the Eucharist this morning, I suddenly heard the words of Eucharistic Prayer B anew and had a sudden wash of peace even in the midst of the turbulence echoing in the back of my mind from the waves of bad news coming out of DC.

We give thanks to you, O God, for the goodness and love which you have made known to us in creation; in the calling of Israel to be your people; in your Word spoken through the prophets; and above all in the Word made flesh, Jesus, your Son. For in these last days you sent him to be incarnate from the Virgin Mary, to be the Savior and Redeemer of the world. In him, you have delivered us from evil, and made us worthy to stand before you. In him, you have brought us out of error into truth, out of sin into righteousness, out of death into life.  (BCP p. 368) 

Anamnesis... None of this is new to God. We didn't make ourselves worthy first in order for him to come to us. The Incarnation didn't happen in the midst of all being well. Corruption? Treason? God knows about it. God can work despite it, and has, and will. And so we can have real hope. Not cheery optimism. Hope.  As it says in Hebrews, "For we have this hope, a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul."

https://twitter.com/SistersOfStMarg/status/831859361572073472

And so, in peace, let us pray to the Lord, saying, "Lord, have mercy."

link to a scene that made me cry

but a good one

screen shot from video beginning

video of detained Dulles passengers finally allowed to reunite with family

countering the insanity + contact info links for politicians

This has been an incredible week. The post I started earlier in the week to express my outrage has gotten left in the dust as one event succeeds the next.

This ban preventing people - permanent residents of the US, refugees, and everyone in between - from entering the US - even people in transit - is one of the most appalling things I've heard of. And the stories... Holding a woman and children for 20 hours at Dulles, cuffed and without food, is the least of the stories I've seen. I can't watch a video; it's too much. Yes, we have a right to protect our borders. This, however, is insanity on a number of levels.

Here's a good summary from yesterday - good information in it, even if it's a bit behind the news now.

Washington Post on Twitter: "Annotated: The Trump administration’s executive order on refugees and immigrants https://t.co/tncUtUy7Yp" or https://mobile.twitter.com/washingtonpost/status/825353247011569665

I just read an update saying that green card holders would no longer be affected by this, but the backtracking isn't more than a start. I almost wonder if they did an overkill declaration at first in order to make us more willing to accept the lesser version thereof.

backpedaling a bit? but most still in place...

It is time to act in whatever way we can.
Call. Write. Email. 
It makes a difference.

Here is contact information for the US Senate and House of Representatives.

https://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

https://www.senate.gov/general/resources/pdf/senators_phone_list.pdf

http://www.house.gov/representatives/

Here is what those from the Northeast have had to say so far:
Here’s what all 33 N.E. members of Congress think about Trump’s immigration order (Boston Globe)


To write or sign petitions addressed directly to the White House:
https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/

By (top)Cezary p(bottom)UpstateNYer - here and here, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=37794073 

And pray. 

I haven't been much for praying for our government till this year. I never imagined it would become a focus of intercession in this way. But I find myself asking just how much more we can take of this - and it's been just over a week.

Fr James Martin, SJ, has a good reflection on praying with this anger.

Prayer and other forms of action will be essential in the days to come, one flowing from the other and back again.

Ora et labora.

I'm off to an interfaith rally in Boston on Tuesday. It's through a group with which I'm not familiar - MCAN - but I learned of it from an Episcopal priest of this diocese, as it's being held at the Episcopal cathedral.
"MCAN (Massachusetts Communities Action Network) is a a federation of community improvement organizations across Massachusetts working for social and economic justice by putting our religious faith values and our democratic values into action."

Description: People of all faiths and shared values are welcome to join a press conference this Tuesday condemning the hate filled Presidential Orders of the past week. The faith community of Massachusetts is standing together calling for the state to be a place of sanctuary and solidarity. We applaud our Mayors who have come out in support of all of our neighbors and will be calling on the Governor to stand with us as well.

It's a small thing, but small things add up.

yes, indeed
Boston Common Women's March 1-21-17

why I marched: baptism, compassion, and justice

Women's March, Boston Common 1-21-17

From our baptismal service:

Celebrant	Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?
People	I will, with God's help.
Celebrant	Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?
People	I will, with God's help.

-- Book of Common Prayer p. 305 (or http://www.bcponline.org/)

This looks different over time - indeed, day by day. This year brings me a new way of living it out.

I made a few hats, too. (None of these, though.)

When was I last in a march, I wonder?

I recall a candlelight vigil with the sisters in 2003 in hopes of staving off another invasion of Iraq.

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
John 1

I recall a demonstration against apartheid when I was in college. I skipped psych class (and I wasn't a class skipper) to stand with others near the shanty town built next to the Beinecke Library. We were so excited when Archbishop Desmond Tutu sent us a word! I found some old pictures online, as a matter of fact, and am grateful to the alum who shared them:

https://yalealumnimagazine.com/blog_posts/1649

I recall a Take Back the Night march in Ann Arbor, MI a year or two earlier. Looked online and found that the organization still exists (http://tbtnannarbor.org/). As a signboard I read this weekend phrased it, "I can't believe I'm still protesting this ----." OK, I can believe it. I just wish I couldn't.

Mostly, however, I've written and called my representatives, signed petitions, and learned - too slowly - to speak up instead of smoothing things over that really needed not to be smoothed over at all.

Sometimes you need to make noise.
Boston Public Garden 1-21-17

I wonder if that is changing.

Yes. Yes, it is.
Let's make it better.
Boston Common 1-21-17

What will this year bring?

more of this? more than this, certainly

Yes, we can. Together. All of us.

Snowflakes, unite!

If I am going to live the promises I made in my baptism alongside my community's historical concern for women and children, it seems to me that more may be required in the days ahead.

I might note that there were quite a few concerns expressed Saturday, climate change among them. I am beginning to learn more about that, too.

Talk about something that will affect us all, or at least anyone who is going to live a while longer. I plan to.

Marching. Praying. Writing. Calling. Networking. Listening. More listening. Reading. More praying. Work I can't yet envision. Prayer that is listening and listening that is prayer moving into action.

Jesus may be calling me out of my sycamore tree.
(A sycamore tree would have been very handy on the Common on Saturday. Some of us are too short to see over 175,000 people. However, all the good trees were taken, as you can see.)

I will, with God's help.

Join me?

Dear President-Elect Trump: a letter from the Episcopal bishops in MA about the environment

Dec. 12, 2016

Donald J. Trump

President-Elect of the United States of America

Trump Tower

735 5th Avenue

New York, NY 10022

Dear President-Elect Trump,

We, the bishops of the Episcopal Church in Massachusetts, are glad to let you know that all of our 235 churches pray for you regularly in our liturgies with these or similar words: “For those in positions of public trust, especially Barack our President and Donald our President-Elect, that they may serve justice, and promote the dignity and freedom of every person.”

We also pray: “Give us reverence for the earth as your own creation, that we may use its resources rightly in the service of others and to your honor and glory.”

The Episcopal Church stands strongly for the protection of the environment. We respect the facts of science.  We support laws and policies that address the reality of climate change. We are in the process of divesting our financial interest in fossil fuels. Most recently our Presiding Bishop, the Most Rev. Michael Curry, joined Native Americans at Standing Rock in their effort to protect their water and their sacred land. Numerous other Episcopal Church leaders have likewise traveled to Standing Rock.

Our respect for our government leaders and our reverence for the earth as God’s creation impel us to write you to express our dismay about your selection of Scott Pruitt to head the Environmental Protection Agency. We wonder why a person who has consistently and adamantly opposed all laws and policies that provide even minimal “protection” to the environment should be entrusted with leading such an agency.

President-elect Trump, you have promised economic development. Like you, we value a stable and prosperous economy.  However, a thriving economy depends on a healthy environment. The more we weaken and dismantle the E.P.A.’s vital protections of our natural world, the more we threaten the common good.

You have also promised to strengthen our national defense. Like you, we value national security.  However, our country’s top military intelligence have concluded that climate change is a “threat multiplier” that is already creating instability around the world and will likely create significant security challenges in the years ahead.  If someone who casts doubt on the reality of climate change becomes the head of the E.P.A., our national security will be compromised.

As citizens of this beloved country, we intend to write our members of Congress, urging them to block the nomination of Scott Pruitt to lead the E.P.A. We will pray for a better choice.

And we will continue to pray for you as you assume this office of tremendous responsibility for the good of all.

Respectfully,

The Rt. Rev. Douglas J. Fisher, Bishop Diocesan of Western Massachusetts

The Rt. Rev. Alan M. Gates, Bishop Diocesan of Massachusetts

The Rt. Rev. Gayle E. Harris, Bishop Suffragan of Massachusetts

The Rt. Rev. Barbara C. Harris, Bishop Suffragan of Massachusetts (retired)

The Rt. Rev. Roy F. Cederholm, Bishop Suffragan of Massachusetts (retired)

http://www.diomass.org/diocesan-news/ma-bishops-oppose-trump-pick-epa

Matthew

The hurricane, not the gospel.

I have no right to speak for the Eglise Episcopale d'Haiti, but I'm going to do it anyway. 

Matthew, the Episcopal Church does not welcome you.

Haiti's Hurricane History: A Long Relationship with Disaster

Please pray.

I gather Matthew hasn't hit yet, but it will be there soon enough. It's a pretty wide storm, so even if it does stay on course to shoot the gap between the islands, it's going to knock Haiti for a loop.  And Haiti does not need this.

All this with the presidential election coming up in a week or so, I believe.

With permission, I'm sharing a few personal reports from the Facebook page of a missionary in the Port-au-Prince area, a protestant pastor who is also associated with the English-language congregation at St Jacques, Petionville (Eglise Episcopale).

[beginning with the most recent]

around 7PM October 1:

Haiti is now under Hurricane Watch. The center is likely to approach Jamaica and Southwestern Haiti with bands reaching out ahead and beside it in both directions. Currently Matthew is a category 4 Hurricane and is drifting in a north-western pattern at about 3 miles per hour, in other words - it's taking it's sweet time moving along and so winds and heavy rains may be sustained over a longer period, thus causing serious flooding and damage, and possible loss of life.

In a storm of this size there's not a lot you can do beyond putting up provisions and sitting tight. Remain vigilant and ready to stave off damage to your property. Hopefully the roof holds and we don't get too badly drenched.

We are still without power for the second full day leading up to the storm so we're already sustaining loss of food. I've already started cleaning the fridge out. Hopefully the power will still come on so that we can recharge our invertor batteries

......

UPDATE: 4:15 pm

We are now officially under a hurricane watch. Apparently Matthew has been downgraded to a Category 4 (150 mph winds) and all of Haiti and Jamaica are under Hurricane Watch.

Cloud cover here is already pretty thick and the trees are very uneasy.

To complicate things, our neighborhood has been without power since Thursday night and even our battery backup system has to be used sparingly. Our refrigeration has been null for the past 48 hours so we're already having things spoil.

The National Operations Center for Emergencies has just announced that they have been evacuating residents of a series of small outlying islands in the south of Haiti near Ile a Vache. They are making announcements on the National Television Network to keep people informed. This is a new service provided by the governement and it is very much needed and appreciated.

........
around 8AM October 1

Please be praying for those of us in the Western Caribbean as the news says that Hurricane Matthew is now Category 5. It is headed for a direct hit on Jamaica and will hit the western tip of Haiti with hurricane force while the rest of Haiti is going to be hit with a very severe Tropical Storm. There is little more that we can do to prepare as the roof is already covered with tarps but these may be ripped off if winds get too bad.

Flooding is a real danger for many. Especially those who have homes along rivers and in low lying areas and ravines. Those still living in shelters, though mainly wood with tin roofing are also at risk as the storm is so severe.

We haven't been hit with a major hurricane since 2008 and I think many have forgotten just how terrifying they can be and the damage which they cause. Most of our people are rural and depend on their crops to survive and a storm like this can wipe them out.

Our stocks of emergency supplies are totally exhausted since the quake and there will be very little assistance that we can be if this becomes a major disaster so please pray that it stays out at sea and off the islands.

He also shared some official communiques from Haiti:

Sent at 8:25 pm
Security Message for U.S. Citizens
U.S. Embassy, Port-au-Prince, Haïti
October 1, 2016

Hurricane Matthew Updates

This message is to advise U.S. citizens residing and traveling in Haiti that Hurricane Matthew, category 4, is predicted to affect Haiti starting Sunday, October 2nd and continuing through Wednesday, October 5th. A Hurricane Watch has been declared for parts of Haiti. U.S. Embassy personnel in the southern peninsula have been instructed to return to Port-au-Prince. This storm is expected to bring significant rainfall that may result in flooding and mudslides, primarily in the southern peninsula but also in Port-au-Prince and the rest of the country, and Hispaniola-wide impacts are projected. Storm surge along the southern coast, as well as flooding, flash flooding and landslides, are expected.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) and the Haiti-Météo are monitoring the progress of the storm, and the Embassy will issue updated messages as needed.

U.S. citizens are advised to locate shelter, monitor media reports, and follow all official instructions. U.S. citizens should carry their travel documents at all time (i.e. U.S. Passport, Birth Certificate, picture identification, etc.) or secure them in safe, waterproof locations. We also suggest that U.S. citizens contact friends and family in the United States with updates about their whereabouts.

If you will not be able travel to a scheduled appointment on Monday-Wednesay, please do not hesitate to call the 509-2229-8000, 2229-8900 or sent us an email at the acspap@state.govto reschedule your appointment. For Immigrant or nonimmigrant visa cases, please contact the call center at 509-2819-2929 or by email at support-Haiti@ustraveldocs.com.

Additional information on hurricanes and storm preparedness may be found on our “Hurricane Season-Know Before You Go” webpage, and on the “Natural Disasters” page of the Bureau of Consular Affairs website. Updated information on travel in the Haiti may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 within the United States and Canada, or from overseas, 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 am to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

We strongly recommend that all U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Haiti enroll in the Department of State's secure online Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates and makes it easier for the nearest U.S. embassy to contact you in an emergency.

Travelers are advised to regularly monitor the travel information page of the State Department's website where you can find the current travel warnings for Haiti, travel alerts, and the Worldwide Caution. Read the Country Specific Information for Haiti. For additional information, refer to "Travelers Checklist" on the State Department's website.

Contact the U.S. Embassy or consulate for up-to-date information on travel restrictions. You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free from within the United States and Canada, or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Follow the Bureau of Consular Affairs on Twitter and Facebook.

For all emergencies involving U.S. citizens, contact the U.S. Citizen Services Unit of the U.S. Embassy’s Consular Section, located at Tabarre 41, Boulevard du 15 Octobre, Tabarre, Haiti; telephone 509-2229-8000; e-mail ; website.

Dear Canadian,

...Please share the following important information with other Canadian citizens in your area and encourage them to register.

Tropical Storm Matthew has been transformed Friday into Hurricane Category 4. Haiti is in phase pre-alert over the whole territory.
Threats of heavy rain and strong winds with risks of collapses, landslides and floods throughout the country in particular on the peninsula the South, the Artibonite, the Northwest and the West.
Stay informed by listening to the latest warnings and advisories on local radio, television or websites. Hurricane centres will issue and update these when necessary. Follow the advice of local authorities and emergency response personnel and maintain close contact with your family to keep them informed of your situation.

Please note that information about the weather can be obtained online via www.meteo-haiti.gouv.ht (french only) and you can follow the advice and warnings of Civil Protection office via twitter @pwoteksyonsivil (french and creole only)

Other resources
- Canadian Hurricane Centre (Environment Canada)
- Humanitarian Early Warning Service (HEWS) (English only)
- National Hurricane Center (U.S.) (anglais seulement)

We also encourage you to stay connected to the latest travel advice and advisories, the latest warning. Our emergency contact information is available at www.travel.gc.ca, and also via our mobile Travel smart application (www.travel.gc.ca/mobile) or by subscribing to RSS feeds (www.travel.gc.ca/rss). You can also follow us on Twitter @AmbCanHaiti or Facebook “Embassy of Canada in Haïti”

Global Affairs Canada

COMMUNIQUE DE PRESSE
Port-au-Prince, le samedi 01 octobre 2016.- Le Bureau de Communication de la Primature s’empresse d’informer la population que le Secrétariat permanent de gestion des risques et des désastres (SPGRD), de concert avec le Centre national de météorologie (CNM), a lancé, ce samedi 1er octobre, la phase d'alerte au niveau de vigilance rouge, face au risque d'impact de forte intensité, lié aux averses et coups de vent.
Le SPGRD a également procédé à l'activation du Plan National de Gestion des Risques et Désastres (PNGRD) par rapport aux menaces de fortes pluies et de forts vents avec risques d’éboulements, de forte houle, de glissements de terrain et d’inondations sur tout le pays, en particulier sur la péninsule Sud, l’Artibonite, le Nord-ouest et l’Ouest.
De même, en synergie avec le SPGRD et le CNM, le Service maritime de navigation d’Haïti (SEMANAH), interdit jusqu’à nouvel ordre, toute opération de cabotage sur les zones côtières du pays, en particulier les côtes sud et le golfe de la Gonâve.
Aussi, exhorte-t-il la population à la plus grande vigilance et à se préparer à affronter les vents violents et les trombes d'eau qui devraient se déverser sur le pays.
Tout le gouvernement est mobilisé, ainsi que les forces de l’ordre pour évaluer la situation et coordonner rapidement les actions de réponse. Les comités régionaux de la protection civile sont aussi mobilisés pour venir en aide aux populations à risque, dont la collaboration est vivement souhaitée quant à l’application des consignes de sécurité.
Bureau de Communication de la Primature

gratitude from miles away

I need to share my gratitude and relief. You may have heard that there were tornadoes yesterday afternoon and evening in Indiana. No one was killed. No life-threatening injuries. The tornadoes that made the news were mostly around Kokomo, where one took out a Starbucks. I gather everyone was OK because the manager got them all into the bathrooms, which stood when the rest of the building collapsed. Someone in a nearby restaurant who didn't quite realize the severity of the situation stayed out in the dining area and filmed it. Good thing it wasn't a hundred yards in his direction.

I heard about the tornadoes yesterday evening because much of my family lives in NE Fort Wayne, Indiana, and one of them was out driving back from the South Bend area during all this. Sirens galore.

I'm wondering what it will be rated.

There was a huge one just northeast of Fort Wayne in Woodburn, near New Haven, as well as another to the south. Rotating clouds all over the place. 

There was quite a bit of damage, but everyone was fine. Mostly it seems to have taken out corn and barns, though there were  a few homes damaged and destroyed as well.  It could have been so much worse. 

This morning I found this video.

In the midst of so much other news of death and disaster, natural and man-made, I am grateful there was no loss of life here. Very, very grateful. 

Do pray for those whose lives have been affected by this and by recent flooding, fire, earthquake, and hurricane, that their needs be met with swiftness and compassion.

Seriously.

just wait a moment, they said...

Yesterday I was kicking myself for not wearing my as-yet-unused snowshoes out on my walk. Today it is pouring down rain and there is no more snow.

Winds? Yes, we haz them. Pity the poor bird who just wanted to get home. Never mind the commuters... I'm pretty sure I'm living my own version of Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day. Just so long as the convent doesn't blow over like Owl's tree!

But putting that aside for a moment, let's discuss ch-ch-ch-changes (turn and face the strange changes indeed). 56 today, you may have noticed just now. Two days ago the wind chill was -34. Life-threatening, or so we were warned.

90 degrees. Two days.