Missionary from Haiti visits Satsuma

SATSUMA, Ala. (WALA) - A missionary who's lived most of her life in Haiti is now on the Gulf Coast. She's here to spread the word and gather supplies for orphans in the earthquake ravaged nation.

Satsuma is a long way from Yvonne Trimble's home in Port au Prince. Trimble said she and her husband have been ministering to orphans in Haiti for 32 years. She said the earthquake that hit in January was a terrifying ordeal.

"I went outside and the driveway was moving like a ribbon, and the car was bouncing up and down. It lasted 55 seconds. I sat down and I was trembling. My husband Joel said people died in that," Trimble said.

The missionaries are use to tremors and earthquakes, but they weren't prepared for the devastation the 7.0 quake left behind.

"It was worst than we could have imagined," Trimble added.

Robin Stewart organized the Satsuma to Haiti relief effort. She said the city contacted the Trimbles to help get supplies and money to the children who need it most.

"We know that so many children in Haiti have had to go to orphanages because their parents have been killed. We know that adults can care for themselves, but children are at the mercy of others," Stewart said.

There are other areas that are helping, too, including support from folks in Theodore. Trimble said it's all appreciated.

"We're touched, what a magnificent outreach for the people of Satsuma to Haiti. We are moved by the compassion toward the people of Haiti," Trimble said.

Tuesday night's special city council meeting was dedicated to the Haiti relief effort. Trimble received checks totaling nearly $80,000 and supplies collected throughout the city.