Monday, January 12th marked the five year anniversary of the 7.0 earthquake that devastated Haiti in 2010. The epicenter of the earthquake was about 5 miles from Neply, where San Antonio Christian sends a team each summer. Aside from the obvious negative economic impact of the earthquake, the effects to the people were heartbreaking. Haiti has no formal adoption system. The Haitian government developed a child-slave system in hopes to feed and shelter many of the now parentless and hungry children. In exchange for food, shelter, and education, the kids are expected to work for their new "parents". In many situations, that is not the case. An estimated 200,000 lives were lost and left hundreds of thousands injured, homeless and struggling to find the necessities to survive.
Haiti is a land that has been prone to natural disasters in the past. It could be expected for Haiti to be perceived as a hopeless nation. Surprisingly, Haitians have extreme pride in their country. They spread hope among each other in many ways such as Haitian street art.
God's hand is still evident in Haiti, despite the widespread poverty. Haiti is home to some of the most clear blue waters in the world. His love is evident through the innocent smiles and tender hearts of the children who, although lack so much, have limitless love to give. Please remember the families who lost loved ones in your prayers today. Also, pray that God's mighty works would continue to be present there and continue to restore and rebuild hope in Haiti.
"'Though the mountains be shaken
and the hills be removed,
yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken
nor my covenant of peace be removed,'
says the Lord, who has compassion on you."
Isaiah 54:10
all photographs by Joanna
No comments:
Post a Comment