Haiti: Limited contact

We were finally able to make contact with a family member in the northern part of Haiti to confirm that our son Jean Ronel (aka Chi Chi) is safe and that Cap Haitian survived the earthquake with only minor damage. We feel a sense of gratitude and relief that our family in the northern part of Haiti are alive and out of immediate harm. Our relief is shallow as we understand the reality of dependence on the limited infrastructure of PAP.

We were also able to make contact with a cousin who is making her way from PAP to Cap Haitian. She described a horrific scene in PAP of stepping over the dead bodies that lined the street and the smell of death.

We have had limited email contact with a physician that we are familiar with in Port au Prince. He describes PAP as demolished and destructed. He says the needs are so great that it is overwhelming.

We are connected with our other Haitian family members and friends throughout the USA. Our hearts are comforted when we hear that contact has been made with family and friends in Haiti. We feel extreme sadness when we hear stories of loss and death.

The scenes on our television are disturbing. We continue to shed tears for our Haitian brother and sisters. Our feelings of helplessness appear to be echoed by those on the ground in Haiti awaiting assistance from the apparently collapsed government and the wealth of international support trickling in. The historical frustration of the lack of Haitian governmental leadership is painted very clearly with the paralyzed expressions of President Preval as he describes the situation in Haiti.

My faith in a higher power is challenged while I question what benevolent God or Goddess would put any souls on this earth through the struggles that I have observed in Haiti before January 12, 2010. My faith is challenged more now during the horrific aftermath of a natural disaster.

I hear the frustration in Robert’s voice as he communicates with Haitian family and friends. I see the tears in his eyes when there are stories about the orphaned children of Haiti on the television. The television flashes “Breaking News” and Robert says, “Breaking Hearts”. And yet, I sense his strength as he talks about hope for the future of Haiti. That strength is echoed as I watch reports of Haitians gathered in the streets at night singing hymns and praying in the darkness of misery. Haitians tirelessly pick up pieces of rubble by hand because they hear a voice screaming for help. Often they risk their own life to try to help their family or neighbor because the screams are becoming weaker and time is running out.

Haiti is a country with a history of struggle and resilience. Our prayers continue for water, medical care, sustenance and shelter for our Haitian brothers and sisters. Thank you for your continued thoughts, prayers and support for the people of Haiti. The world is trying to surround Haiti with hope. May Haitians walking this earth feel the strength of that energy. May the souls of those that have moved on from the hell on earth in Haiti right now have a sense of peace and comfort.