Haiti's Earthquake

After hearing about last week’s major earthquake in and around the Port-au-Prince area, Siloam Mission called on our community to join us in extending a hand of hope to those in desperate need in Haiti.

Our inspiration came from the generosity of donations made by participants of our employment-training program, Building Futures, who were once homeless themselves. We also have a few staff members who are emotionally invested in the small country, and we felt the need to honour their connection to the people there.

To show our support of the global community and those who are now without homes, food, and basic necessities, Siloam Mission staff rallied to raise funds. As an organization that works with people in their toughest moments, we want to show compassion to our neighbours in Haiti who now face what seems like a hopeless situation.

On a personal note, I have travelled to the country many times and have therefore made connections with organizations, friends, and acquaintances in Haiti. Last week I heard of the death of a friend and his family. This friend will be greatly missed by many; he was a true advocate for his people.

I also received some good news about others who had survived the quake, but are now facing desperate situations looking for food, water, and medical attention while aid groups struggle to get necessities distributed.

Wednesday night I spoke with a friend on the phone who told me that he and his family were alive but “things in Haiti are not ok.” He explained that they are living outside at the compound of a guest house with about 50 other people and they have no food or water. And I felt helpless to assist them.

An email last week from another acquaintance simply stated; “Our home is ruined so we are living outdoors. Pray for us.”

While continuing on with our lives here in Canada is not a betrayal of our loved ones who suffer in the devastated area, we must remember our brothers and sisters in Haiti at this time.

Haiti’s needs have long been forgotten by the rest of the western world. Over the next few weeks when the media coverage decreases, as it inevitably will, we can not again forget about the country with a population nearing 10 million. We are not their “saviours”, but they have to know they are not alone.

There have been so many discouraging stories coming out of Haiti over the past 10 days; violence, death, destruction, looting. But we need to keep in mind that there are also amazingly touching things happening there: people letting others into their still-standing homes to share what meager means they have left; aid offered from all over the world including from neighbouring Dominican Republic; local hospitals pulling it together to assist far more people than they were built to sustain. The Haitian people are strong and resilient; they have proven this throughout their history.

This terrible situation will not be easily or quickly overcome. There will be physical, emotional, psychological, and structural damage for years. But… L’union fait la force! (Unity Makes Strength).

My heart is with you dear Ayiti.

Sarah Enns


Find out how to help the victims of the Haiti earthquake:
http://www.siloam.ca/news/mission-media-stories/haiti-disaster-new-release
http://www.internationalchildcare.org/
http://www.worldvision.ca/Pages/Home.aspx