As we watch the news day after day of the horrible events that have recently occurred in Haiti, I feel a sense of helplessness and sadness for these people. During my trip to Jacmel this summer I got to learn about this country and its people. The Haitians have very little of anything (food, shelter, clothing), and they lack the skills and understanding to improve their own situation. The sites of Port Au Prince (prior to the Earthquake) were horrific - garbage everywhere, people on top of people, and little shack buildings for those lucky enough to have a home. But even in the midst of all this, there was a glimpse of goodness. Brighly dressed people with large smiles singing and dancing in the streets, a landscape more breathtaking than any other Carribean island, rain storms that brought fresh water and a break from the heat, beautiful white sand beaches, and open arms and warm smiles for us - strangers ready and willing to help and learn.
These things give me hope. Hope that Haiti can rebuild and some day become the country it has the potential to be. This earthquake was a huge set back to all, but it is also a chance to rebuild and renew the city of Port Au Prince and the surrounding communities. I would encourage you all to donate what you can, and if you don't know which cause to support, please consider the Hands and Feet Project (http://www.hafproject.blogspot.org/). The city of Jacmel was devestated when the quake struck. The Hands and Feet organization was one that was left standing, and the owners have made it their duty to coordinate all the relief efforts on the south side of the island. They had been somewhat forgotten, as most aid and supplies have been flowing into Port Au Prince. Jacmel has an airport, and several private planes have been flying in daily with food and supplies. They are surviving, but need more.
Hands and Feet
The Hands and Feet project is an orphanage in Jacmel, Haiti. It is south of Port Au Prince, through the mountains. This is where I had the opportunity to stay for a week this last summer. The project currently has 44 children, all of which have either lost their parents or don't have parents that can support their basic needs for food and shelter. After the events of last week, I'm sure they will be getting several more children.
Their Vision: To raise a generation of orphans who will grow into men and women who will have a relationship with Christ and be leaders in their community.
These things give me hope. Hope that Haiti can rebuild and some day become the country it has the potential to be. This earthquake was a huge set back to all, but it is also a chance to rebuild and renew the city of Port Au Prince and the surrounding communities. I would encourage you all to donate what you can, and if you don't know which cause to support, please consider the Hands and Feet Project (http://www.hafproject.blogspot.org/). The city of Jacmel was devestated when the quake struck. The Hands and Feet organization was one that was left standing, and the owners have made it their duty to coordinate all the relief efforts on the south side of the island. They had been somewhat forgotten, as most aid and supplies have been flowing into Port Au Prince. Jacmel has an airport, and several private planes have been flying in daily with food and supplies. They are surviving, but need more.
Hands and Feet
The Hands and Feet project is an orphanage in Jacmel, Haiti. It is south of Port Au Prince, through the mountains. This is where I had the opportunity to stay for a week this last summer. The project currently has 44 children, all of which have either lost their parents or don't have parents that can support their basic needs for food and shelter. After the events of last week, I'm sure they will be getting several more children.
Their Vision: To raise a generation of orphans who will grow into men and women who will have a relationship with Christ and be leaders in their community.
The Good Things....
