Thursday, February 18, 2010

Since arriving in Haiti on Tuesday, it has been a whirlwind of activity. I knew there were “tent cities” popping up everywhere, but actually seeing the masses of tents comprised of sheets, tarps, rope, sticks or anything else that people could find to provide a little privacy and shelter from the sun is altogether another thing. As we arrived into the outskirts of Haiti, I could see the poorly constructed tent cities, knowing full well that once the rains begin, the makeshift tents will do little to protect them from the elements. Fortunately, once in the heart of the city, proper tents are replacing the makeshift shelters.

As the heavy rain and wind storm woke me up last night, all I could think about were all the people in the outskirts of the city who, having lost everything, were now facing soaking rains. I could only imagine the condition of those “tents” this morning.

It is hard to see so much destruction and loss of life and limbs. While visiting the field hospital at the airport in PAP the first night, I saw a tiny little baby girl who couldn’t weigh more than 5 lbs, lying on a cot with both legs broken and in casts. I am told that when a mom is told that their injured child is ready for discharge that the mom panics as she doesn’t know where she is going to take her child. They have lost everything and have been living at the hospital since the earthquake.

There are many organizations here doing what they can to help the people of Haiti. It is just such a monumental task and unfortunately, many Haitians fall thru the cracks. I only pray that we don’t give up on Haiti. They need our help more than ever.

Today, I bought bread and raisons and passed them out to many of the kids hanging around the perimeter roads outside the orphanage where we volunteer. You’d think I’d just given them a meal fit for a king by the smiles on their faces.

Art and I are quickly acclimating to the rigors of the work here, but know that we must pace ourselves if we are going to be of any real service to others. Today is just another day of many to follow.

Cyndy in Haiti