I can't believe it was 3 years ago today that Haiti was forever changed by the shaking of such a large earthquake. A country where people were already in GREAT NEED. I can not imagine the thoughts that the people must still have. So much devastation in only a minute or two. The U.S. has had some recent times of rebuilding with Sandy hitting the east coast and of course Katrina. Even our rebuilding is still in progress and we are blessed to have knowledgeable people able to assist.
Last April, I was in Rwanda and I was reminded of how I have been so guilty of assuming everyone had certain things. It was evening and we were on the bus on our way back from touring a history museum of Rwanda. It was raining at a good steady pace and then, fairly close to our turn, we were stopped. No police, no flashing lights, no one directing traffic. Just stopped! We had no idea why. Some of the men tried to get out and see what was wrong or if they could assist. They returned to the bus soaked from the rain but found out that a large tree on the hill beside the road had fallen on to the road making it impossible for any traffic to pass on either side of the road. After waiting, and then trying to turn around and take another road (which was usually a dirt road but now nothing but mud) we were stuck there to wait. When the traffic was finally able to start moving again and we passed by this large tree lying on the road we all saw something that none of us ever see at home...men all with small hand held hatchets cutting away at the HUGE tree. It was so unbelievable quiet. No chainsaws, no trucks with large chains trying to pull the tree, just several men doing the best they could with what they had.
Haiti was not able to just have all the local construction companies join forces with all of their large equipment and just clean up the rubble and start rebuilding with new floor plans in hand. They had to do the best they could with what they had. The process is not even close to being finished. It has taken a lot of very generous people to help stand in the gap for the people of Haiti. I believe God has brought good out of this tragedy, I know people that have never been on a mission trip, decide to go to Haiti and help. Organizations that were already established in Haiti began to go into immediate action. People helping people is that not what we Christians are called to do.
In the days to come please continue to lift Haiti up in your prayers. They are a people that have lost so much, but have so much to gain. If you would like to offer financial help please find an organization and donate. Compassion International has been in Haiti for years, helping the local churches to develop children to be all that God has called them to be. Three years ago Compassion saw and felt a greater need and began offering relief aid and is helping rebuild. Teaching the adults building skills. Giving the people of Haiti HOPE. Hope in this life and in Eternity. Partner with Compassion and help make the world a better place...one child at a time.
