Memories and thoughts of Haiti.

I was am feeling especially nostalgic and emotional today as it marks the one year anniversary of the horrific earthquake that struck Haiti taking over 200,000 lives and the homes of millions. As I was listening to the stories covering the anniversary on NPR this morning and this evening, it was good that we were able to stop our day-to-day lives and remember those people and that country that has had it so hard. Some of the words shared were hopeful and helping to inspire the Haitian people by helping to take their lives into their own hands, and not to put their faith in the very corrupt government- But it was also frustrating that so many are still homeless and living in tents. Most of the buildings and houses still lay in rubble- just like they were 6 months ago when I was there, and 1 year ago when the earthquake struck. Certainly mourning needs to happen because of the tragedy and everyone in the country was some how affected. However, people from the outside have come to help and bring resources- and I do think that it has helped a good number of people and have seen the fruit of that. But my hope is that the Haitian people would be empowered in this process to change this country for the better to improve education, medical care, and life. I hope that they would become a country not driven by greed- but improved quality of life for everyone.
I am so inspired by Haiti Medical Missions of Memphis and other organizations that have been in Haiti before the earthquake and are there afterwards. In my month in Haiti, I experienced extreme emotions of being overwhelmed, frustrated, and tired. But I was also overcome with such joy and gratitude from my experience and the people I met and got to work with. I could not imagine what it would be like to be there for the long haul- living life there forever.. And there are people and organizations devoted to doing that. So I am especially grateful for that. My hope is that I continue to keep Haiti in my daily thoughts and prayers. That my life here would never get to hectic and busy that I forget the month I spent there, and that people continue to live life there. I pray that the people of Haiti can see the light and shine it on the nation. That the Haitian people can be empowered to take their lives and their country into their own hands to make it better for their children. I know it's going to take time, effort, energy, etc. But they can't give up- not now- not ever. I will end with this poem by Langston Hughes, that was very special to me from my time in Haiti:

The night is beautiful

So are the faces of my people.

The stars are beautiful,

So are the eyes of my people,

Beautiful also is the sun.

Beautiful, also are the souls of my people.

I saw such beauty in the people and the nation of Haiti when I was there, but it was masked by rubble, hopelessness, trauma, and mourning. May your beauty shine through, Haiti.