I went to Haiti by accident. It was November 2003 and the Christian publication I was working for wanted to send someone to volunteer with a Lake Worth, FL-based missions agency for a week to get some photos back for the newspaper. I was young and never been to a third world country, so I volunteered myself. Three days later, I had my $200 expedited passport, a suitcase packed with light summer clothes and sunscreen and was on an American Airlines flight headed 700 miles from Miami.
Once I got to the tiny island and arrived at the bustling Port au Prince airport, I was instantly struck by the many juxtapositions. Mountains overlooked white sandy beaches. Total chaos existed comfortably next to goodwill toward outsiders. The natural pristine beauty of the island was somewhat overshadowed by the startling poverty all around the streets and neighborhoods.
But I loved it.
For a week I attempted to learn Creole with the help of my 12-year-old translator and five dollar English/Creole dictionary. I ate the most wonderful cuisine, including fresh fish and delicious beans and rice, soup and curry meals. Most importantly, I got to work and play with the children at a local orphange, playing basketball and soccer with them, teaching them about Game Boy and rap music and sorting through medicine, a hot commodity in many rural villages. It was definitely a great experience, one I still take with me today.
Many people may not be so familiar with the culture and history of Haiti outside of what is presented on the nightly news. Yes, there have been years of intense fighting and warfare and voo doo is a part of the country's culture and yes, it is the poorest country in the western hemisphere. But there is so much more. Haiti was founded over 200 years ago as a free nation of former slaves who overthrew their masters. The people share a very proud and rich history that extends far beyond the island and into the streets of Miami, Pompano Beach, FL, New Jersey and Toronto. The people are hard-working individuals who value getting a good education, family and being proud of their community.
That is why the news of the 7.0 earthquake in Haiti struck me hard. Many crumbled structures, houses and lives were lost. Thousands upon thousands of lives once again altered by a natural disaster. I do not have blood-related relatives there, yet I feel as if any one of my family members were affected. I pray today for that nation and the people and that it may be restored quickly and I invite you to do the same. I am thinking of starting a care drive to send to Haiti, if anyone in suburban D.C. is interested. I know of a family friend who would more than appreciate sending items to her town there. Please let me know.
Here are just a few organizations actively aiding Haiti and seeking support:
Mercy Corps
http://www.MercyCorps.org
Red Cross
http://www.redcross.org
Food For The Poor
http://www.FoodForThePoor.org
World Vision
http://www.worldvision.org
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