It's been 6 months.
The world has moved on.
Healthcare Reform.
The World Cup.
The oil spill in the Gulf.
Greece's financial crisis.
Sure, there are other valid things to focus our attention on.
But there's still need in Haiti.
I had dinner with a friend last night who just got to the US from Haiti a few days ago. She told me that there are still entire villages in Haiti that haven't received any help at all. None.
"Exactly 6 months ago 220,000 people died and 300,000 people were injured... All the money in the world couldn't fix that."
--@akagstrom
Yet a lack of help is almost literally adding insult to injury.
Today, I spent time watching, reading, and listening to several updates on Haiti's earthquake's aftermath from several different news sources.
People still don't get it.
The thing that struck me most was that relief workers and organizations are imposing American standards on this Haitian calamity.
Organizations are funding the building of houses on empty land.
Great. That's awesome that they're doing what they can to help.
[And no, that's not sarcastic in the least. Honest.]
But what they haven't taken the time to learn is that Haitian communities are extremely close-knit. You know how when you endure hardship with a group of people (or even just one other person), you automatically have a bond with those people? Take that concept, and apply it to an entire community who's experienced generations of starvation, disease, and the struggles of everyday life. Do you really think they're going to leave that community just because a more sturdily constructed house is offered to them? Not a chance. Sure, that might seem illogical to Americans, but that's the way it is.
We aren't meeting the people where they are. We aren't catering to their needs. Instead, we're meeting the needs we think they have.
Is that really helping them?
I'm not convinced that it is.
photo credit: Troy Livesay
"I know the problems are endless and the needs are great. I know the mountains are large. People are suffering. Things seem not to improve. It feels almost insurmountable.
But I also know ...
As the love of Christ compels us, we must recognize that He gave us all hands, hearts, and gifts that are even more endless. We must believe that our ability to advocate for others is great. We cannot turn away from what hurts us to see. We cannot give up on things that frustrate us. He is bigger and more able than we know - if we all respond with His generous love - things will change. I believe it."
But I also know ...
As the love of Christ compels us, we must recognize that He gave us all hands, hearts, and gifts that are even more endless. We must believe that our ability to advocate for others is great. We cannot turn away from what hurts us to see. We cannot give up on things that frustrate us. He is bigger and more able than we know - if we all respond with His generous love - things will change. I believe it."
"6 months later, it is still difficult to understand, to describe, to convey...what's happened here. Pa bliye Ayiti. [English: 'Don't forget Haiti.'] Pray, hope give."
--@jen_halverson
