Looking at the headlines, it would be easy to be discouraged and feel that nothing ever gets better in Haiti.
But when I look at 2010, the images that come to me are not full of discouragement, but full of HOPE. I think of all the people who rushed to donate to Earthquake relief in the early days after the terrible news. News of so much depair, of refugees flooding Ft. Liberte needing help. And then I think of the orderly distribution of truckloads of rice, beans, oil and soap organized several times over by the church leaders. I remember meeting with a group of 60 school children at the Eben-Ezer school in April, survivors of the earthquake, who were able to go to school in Ft. Liberte, thanks to the Earthquake relief fund. I can see their faces, nodding in understanding, as a visiting counselor shared how to express feelings of grief, fear and loss. I think of all the extra clinic groups and medicines and and health kits. Nothing that was donated through the Friends of Ft. Liberte was wasted or delayed in getting to Haiti- it was all hand carried and delivered by volunteers, even before the banks started functioning again. The aid was received gratefully and was carefully considered and prayed over by the church. Some was used to pay hospital bills of victims. Grandmothers who had taken in orphaned children were helped to buy food and pay for school and uniforms. University students who relocated to Limbe after their schools fell into the rubble in Port au Prince received tuition and food as they started over in a new location. Many, many people were helped, thanks to our long time relationship with Pastor Andre Jean and the members of the Jerusalem Baptist Church.
The Christmas group had just returned last year when the earthquake struck. They had labored hard to dig the footers for a new orphanage building. A difficult decision was made to completely redesign and start over in light of the destruction we had seen in Port au Prince. In June, a new - and enormous- foundation was begun for a much improved concept for the orphanage. The UN tore down the old unsafe building for us. Now the design is done and the task remains before us to raise the funds and build the dream. Much has been accomplished, but much remains to be done. I am grateful to God for all the faithful sponsors who send in support for children, month after month - for all the checks that come in to buy medicines for the clinic, food for school lunches and so many other things.
On January 12, 2010 the world’s heart was broken for Haiti. I pray that in 2011, we can be broken for the things that break the heart of God.
Mesi anpil,
Annette Crislip
