The most amazing thing happened this morning, though. Two of our sailors, Pte Janine Anderson and AB Robyn Rossignol organized a clothing and toy drive amongst the ship's company. Another sailor, MS Arnold, made arrangements with an Haitian charity, and a local Walmart donated over $7000 clothes. With that and with what the crew themselves brought in, we have  bags and bags full of clothes and toys. So much, in fact, that it’s stuffed the room we’ve put it in!

The Commodore came on board to tell us about the mission and how important it is, and what it means to the people of Haiti, and to remind us that the Forces is looking out for our loved ones while we’re gone. Knowing that we’re doing real, measurable good in the world gives the mission a sense of purpose, and helps us deal with leaving our families.

Soon after, the Minister of National Defense came on board with words of encouragement. He told us that the government and the country is behind us as we deploy and he noted the flexiblity of naval forces. We are so pleased that the country is so interested in what we’re doing. Sometimes it is hard for civilians to understand what we do at sea, but everyone can see what we’re doing this time, and their support means a lot to us.

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