The future for the survivors of the earthquake in Haiti

The Future For Survivors Of The Earthquake In Haiti

I, like the majority of the world have been watching the aftermath of the earthquake in Haiti and cannot even begin to comprehend what those in Haiti have gone and will continue to go through. My soul aches seeing mothers, fathers, children searching for loved ones, the injured suffering in unimaginable ways. Every face they show, every story they tell, the more helpless I feel because I cannot physically go there and do something to help. Watching one veteran reporter after another breakdown, its obvious the utter helplessness and over-whelming sadness they feel. I can see their anger and frustration, powerless to change anything that is happening and not being able to comprehend why.


When I first learned of the earthquake in Haiti, I began to question, more to myself then anyone, "Why? How will they be able to survive?" I discovered two of my neighbors families survived the January 26, 2001 earthquake in India, the second largest in India's history and the worst natural disaster in 50 years.
 Millions of people were effected. Thousands died. Hundreds of thousands were injured. Much of the infrastructure including utilities, transportation, phone, water and bridges were either damaged or destroyed. The photographs (*warning some images are extremely graphic*) say what words are unable to.

I listened to assure I understood through their strong accent, each word as they shared a fraction of an event in their lives they rarely reveal. She told me her aunts stories of one surviving and other not in the same house. He was in his home which was on the top of a four story building, was street level after the quake and the only building left standing. He lost family and friends. He told me about having no food, water or phone. The people buried in the rubble. The after-shocks and how his son wouldn't let go of his two daughters for two months, for fear of losing them after surviving by holding them while on the fifth floor of his building, while millions wouldn't return to their homes for months because of the fear.

He tells me these things in a soft, humble voice, keeping the tone light for what I know is my benefit. He then says simply, "they will wait...I waited.....we waited.....help will come....you just have to wait". His eyes had a light in them that I couldn't understand immediately, but I knew it was more then wisdom and will to survive.

The next time I saw them the energy around us is different, more comfortable, relaxed and calm. As I wondered whether I should say or ask anything, they both greeted me with such warm smiles and asked if I had been following the coverage of the quake. I said yes and asked nervously if they would mind if I asked a question and if it was to personal or inappropriate I'd understand. They both smiled again and said, "Sure. Sure. Go ahead."

I asked, "Do you feel the aid is taking to long to get to them?" He began to answer, "No...." At the same time she said, "No. No. No. People don't understand. Their government was damaged. Their policemen died. Their roads are destroyed. We had damage, bridges down, roads broken, no water. Buildings flattened. It was hard to communicate. The phones are broken. But not like them. They have less roads but more damage. It's a big area. And a lot of people. But it's not easy to get to them. They can't just get in a car and go you know. It takes time. But they will get to them. Don't worry."

"Yes, it takes time", he said using a slightly stronger voice then before yet with the same tone. "The world is helping, the whole world and they know that. It's going to take a long time to rebuild and everyone will help them." I replied, "I know everyone is helping them and we will help them rebuild but..." I don't know what made me stop and look up, but as I did, he caught my eyes and he said, "They will rebuild, they will do it. It will take a long time. But they will do it. They will work hard. They are already working hard and they will do it. Don't worry."

I have known these people for several years and we talk daily as we pass by each other. Sometimes we talk for a few minutes, sometimes longer, sometimes less. But until this happened I never knew any of this. That was when I understood what the light I now saw in both of their eyes, it was their life-lived character. They allowed me the opportunity to gain an understanding that otherwise I would never have been able have.

In the midst of the devastation which impacted the entire world, during a time I know brought up difficult memories for them, my neighbors gave me the most precious gift possible. They generously shared their personal story of survival with me and in doing so allowed me to hear the story of the survivors of this quake. Most importantly allowed me to look and see the future for the survivors of the earthquake in Haiti.

**Thank you for taking the time to read this.....Please stop back and read the next article in the series.**

Every person in the world who has witnessed this catastrophe will forever be changed because of it.


Peace, Light and Take Care,