These orphaned girls were brought to FHWL from Port-au-Prince by the Haitian government to be added to the count at the orphanage.
Haiti (MNN) ― The only thing moving forward in Haiti, it seems, is the weather--a mix of heat and drenching rains. The relentless deterioration of conditions in the quake zone is well documented.
In more than one story, admiration of the resilience and fortitude of the survivors comes through. A disconcerting attitude shift reveals itself.
Eva DeHart with For Haiti With Love says they're discovering a perception of the Haitians as "survivors." By itself, that's not a bad thing. But DeHart says the relief effort should be more than "surviving." She says it should be directed toward "thriving," instead.
However, that, too, presents the problems of time and logistics. Even as the government tries to figure out how to rebuild a better future for Haiti, for many it will be too late by the time the plans are in place. DeHart says, "I agree 100% with Sean Penn who says, 'Those funds were given for the relief effort. If they keep having meetings instead of doing things, the people that they were supposed to be saving are going to be dead.'"
People are still desperately in need of food, but DeHart says the government is telling them they need to grow it. In light of the devastation, it seems an impractical response. "Most of the people down there don't have land to grow it on. It takes a season for the crops to mature, and there have to be jobs so that people can buy that food."
For Haiti staff melds their response with the hope of Christ. DeHart explains, "They make sure that everyone coming through their program understands that these are gifts from God and that Jesus cares about their life today."
As FHWL continues to respond, the needs also continue. They're getting food donations, and BluSource is helping with a donation of hygiene kits, among other things. Partners also provided Sawyer water filters along with a product to treat sheets and clothing to help fight malaria.
However, the boost in aid just meets the needs of the refugees coming north to Cap Haitien from Port-au-Prince. Even as they rise to meet the challenge, another presents itself: funding to ship the resources.
Although DeHart says Cross International has agreed to pick up the freight on the next two containers, there is still much to do. You can help. Click here.
