Our love in Haiti goes back to 2010, when relief volunteers swiftly responded to a devastating earthquake that destroyed approximately 280,000 buildings, and caused tremendous heartache. We sprung to action when Hurricane Matthew battered the southern coast of Haiti in 2016, and have been extending our hands in aid ever since. As part of our long-term mission in Haiti, we have sought to provide effective and compassionate care to these individuals who are still bridging the varied obstacles on their path to recovery, and commenced distributions once more during the month of June.
June 11, 2017
June 12, 2017
June 13, 2017
June 14, 2017
June 15, 2017
June 19, 2017
When I am hungry, I write, and then I do not feel so hungry.
This was the first time in many years, she said, that she had participated in a distribution, and gladly accepted the opportunity to help others by filling out their vouchers.
June 20, 2017
I’m gonna eat this rice like it was my last meal. Thank you, thank you.
June 21, 2017
Saint-Jean-du-Sud, another commune in the Port-Salut Arrondissement of Haiti, was the next place to visit on our journey. Volunteers took time before the distribution to organize 200 pairs of shoes for the distribution, specifically with the children of the community in mind. The young students of Saint-Jean-du-Sud were ecstatic to receive brand new sneakers.
During the relief event, we also had the pleasure of meeting 12 year old Marceline, who shares her shoes with her sibling. They take turns wearing them to school. In the mornings, Marceline’s younger brother wears them to his classes, and she wears them in the evenings. Each having a pair of their own now, they shouted ecstatically “I don’t think we will need to share anymore!”
I had one pair of shoes. The sole and heel were replaced several times. Each time, I sewed them by hand. These shoes fit me well, and I like this color. It's my favorite.”
June 22, 2017
Fond-des-Blancs marked one of our final distribution locations along the southern coast of Haiti for the month of June, where relief volunteers distributed 500 bags of rice. This communal section is the home of many Polish Haitians, who partially descend from those who served during the time of the Napoleonic Wars. An additional 900 bags of rice throughout the town of Aquin.
While in Aquin, we met Faustin, who proudly displayed his voucher:
I took my time to write on it carefully, and also added the photo. We do not have that sort of thing very often here, so this is a great opportunity for me. I have to appreciate it.
It was a meaningful effort, and one that deeply touched our volunteers.
Relief volunteers also spoke with Denise, a care recipient who traveled three hours to get to the distribution. To see the earnest reactions of those who receive our rice always warms our hearts, and inspires us to go further in every task we undertake.
It has been a long time since I’ve eaten a good dish of rice. Thank you.
Each and every one of our volunteers carries a profound love for those we aid, and it is our heartfelt ambition to relieve suffering across the globe. Through our long term relief mission in Haiti, we hope to guide residents out from the shroud of uncertainty and hunger, and make a positive difference for all.
