Desperation on every face. Anger in the eyes of many. As we slowly drove through Haiti with a food truck packed with rice, beans, peanut butter, and oil that will only make a dent in the needs of these people, my heart broke in a way it has never broken before.
When my brother-in-law, the president of Friends of IFOSuD, asked me to go to Haiti with him, I thought I would find a country building itself up after a disaster. It had been two whole weeks since Hurricane Matthew had hit, so I was sure progress had been made and I would see relief organizations wherever I turned. Like many Americans, I'm sure, I believed Haiti was receiving so much help that they didn't need me to do anything.
Outstretched hands. Muddy faces. Devastation. My expectations of the damage were so off base; I was completely unaware of the way Haitians live and the lack of resources they had even before the hurricane hit. Third world countries don't seem so bad when you are looking at pictures of them from the comfort of your heated American home.
We send money, we have good intentions, but we fail to take the time to truly understand the loss that Haitians are experiencing. We assume that one effort immediately after the disaster will bring healing to Haiti, but we couldn't be more wrong.
Aid came, yes, but people are still dying.
As we drove closer to Jeremie, an area affected severely by the hurricane, I remember the painfully accurate words of our driver: "This is like going through a war zone." Haiti is in a war. Fighting for life, fighting for hope.
Photo taken by Olivia Erickson
Kids would smile and wave at us as we drove past. I felt so guilty smiling and waving back. I am not a celebrity. I'm not worth celebrating. The Haitians, with their tenacity and strength, are the ones who deserve our praise, our respect, and our attention. They have endured the worst and after initial efforts, many are now being left alone to pick up the broken pieces.
People I met in Jeremie, the eyes that locked with mine as we drove past, are dying. They are starving, sick, and weary. It tears me up inside to think that some that I saw while I was in Haiti may be on their death bed today. It's not just a good cause, people. It's life and death.
My challenge to you is this:
Don't forget Haiti.
Don't forget that they are living in a disaster zone. Don't forget that people are still homeless, living under tarps or without any cover at all. We have a chance to truly help people who have critical needs; let's not turn the other way. Let's not give money one time out of guilt and then push the country from our minds. Let's pray for Haiti, let's continually support Haiti until they can get back on their feet, let's be a hand that brings healing to a very broken nation. We can actually make a change; let's not ignore their cries for help. Let's not ignore the desperation on their faces.
Some groups that are doing amazing things in Haiti are listed below. These people truly care about saving lives and empowering Haitians to rebuild their nation through sustainable efforts. They could really use your support!
IFOSud -This is the group I traveled to Haiti with. They have already helped 250 families in Haiti by teaching them about Jesus and equipping them to build a sustainable farming business that can support their families and communities.
Samaritan's Purse - A trusted group that is still on the ground in Haiti. It was really cool to see all of the tarps used by Haitians with the Samaritan's purse logo on them. These tarps are protecting people from the elements, and Samaritan's Purse doesn't just stop there. You can read more about their efforts in Haiti here.
Haiti Relief - This cause is special. I do not believe it is an organization, but is an effort led by an amazing woman named Kate Bartow. This site is her blog and you can donate through PayPal or by sending a check. Kate has Haitian blood and you can tell when you see her there. She is a woman in her element, exactly where God has created her to be. It is so refreshing, beautiful, and especially powerful. This money will go to her efforts with the Haitians (Her best friends are Haitians and they are saving lives together) and will provide direct aid to people who truly need it.
