January 12: 2 Years After the Quake

I remember when the earthquake hit Haiti two years ago. It was winter break 2010. I have a distinct memory of watching CNN news coverage of relief efforts while doing cardio exercise at the gym. You couldn't avoid the news from Haiti. I was in awe at the devastation and destruction. It drew to my attention the grave vulnerability of Haiti and the Haitian people. Never could I have predicted that two years later I would be in Haiti commemorating the anniversary of the quake.  

On Thursday morning we dressed in our church clothes and went to services at the same church where we had been meeting for our service activities. When we arrived, the pastor welcomed us to the service noting that our presence symbolized an act of solidarity. The entire church community was significantly impacted by the earthquake. The church building fell in the quake and was  reconstructed as a temporary tent with pews and a stage/podium. It is located directly next to one of the tent camps set up after the quake for people who lost their homes and belongings. The pastor lost his wife in the quake. At one point the pastor invited people to share their losses. Men, woman and children stood announcing with trembling voices how they lost a brother, grandparent, niece, friend, etc. I held back tears feeling the emotion welling up in my throat but not knowing whether it was appropriate to cry. As I watched everyone around me  praying fervently, I felt a burning voice inside me calling that the loss experienced in Haiti was just unfair! Despite the sadness of the day, I sensed the people's resilience and gratitude trusting that God will provide.


In the afternoon we visited HELP--Haiti Education Leadership Program. HELP provides scholarships for exceptional students from all over Haiti to come to Port Au Prince for university. Higher education in Haiti is a privilege and often not even a possibility for rural students. HELP provides the students with housing in PAP and additional academic and student support services to excel. While students study in the university, HELP provides courses in English, computers and leadership. I was struck by the service component that HELP adds for the students because it reminds me so much of the Alternative Break service learning program that we are currently doing in Haiti. We all were extremely impressed with the mission, purpose and effectiveness of the organization. It was a great visit.