Two Years Later

Today January 12, 2012 was the two year anniversary of the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that devastated Port-au-Prince.  I was not here when the earthquake hit, but I had a deep love for this country.  It was a somber day for many and it was eerie to imagine what it must have been like for so many people here two years ago.  Homes crumbled, families were destroyed, thousands were killed.  I moved here just nine months after the earthquake.  Since then, I have been witness to the effects of  the goudou goudou (earthquake).  It changed life in Haiti for everyone.

I've heard these statistics more times than I can count, but it still blows me away each time:

• 3.5 million people were affected by the earthquake
• 250,000 people died
• 300,000+ people were injured
• 1.5 million people became homeless
• 4,000 schools were damaged/destroyed  
• 60% of Government and administrative buildings and 80% of schools in Port-au-Prince were destroyed or damaged

Two years later, there has been improvement in many ways.  However, half a million people are still living in "tent cities" scattered all over Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas.  If you come to PAP, it is not hard to believe because they can be seen all over.  Despite everything, Haitians remain hopeful and strong.  They continue to make do with what they have an push forward.  Those of us who are here serving and living in PAP are hopeful for the future.  We hold fast to God's promises and His unending love for His people.

Ayiti Cherie, nou sonje.