The psychological impact of going through a bad earthquake and then dealing with all the death, grief, physical injuries, destruction, loss of all earthly goods, lack of basic necessities, can be easily forgotten when it’s no longer being reported in the news – unless of course you were personally affected by it.
Just over two years ago, millions of people were living a nightmare, myself included. The MISSIONARY that every goes to for help, was suddenly as helpless as everyone else. My husband was in another city and there was no mode for communicating with him – if he was still alive. There was the woman walking around with her granddaughter, head split open from side to side, after a block wall had fallen on her. The hospital couldn’t do anything for her, as they were overwhelmed with injured people lining the road. The group of visitors that were with us wanted to go out and help the people clean up, but the violent tremors continued and we couldn’t risk buildings falling on them.
Two years after the earthquake, the mountains remain scarred by landslides.
I remember that evening, when we finally settled down out in the street, part of Psalm 121 came to my mind, “I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:1-2 NIV) I looked up at the mountains and saw white streaks where there were none previously – land slides. These white streaks troubled me terribly. One of my favorite sights to see in Haiti are the mountains. They’ve always reminded me of the incredible grandeur of God – His might. I saw these streaks as scars on the mountains and I felt that God’s heart was hurt by what the people in Haiti were going through.
The verse that has come to mind almost daily over the past two years is Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” I realize that no matter how bad the situation may be in my life, there WILL be something good that comes out of it. This verse (and many others) give me hope. They motivate me to get up, brush myself off and start moving forward again.
I thought I’d recap a few of the really good things that have come out of this truly horrible situation. I hope that you will not only continue to pray for all of us here in Haiti, but that you would also be encouraged and realize that no matter what circumstances you may be facing in your life, God can bring about something wonderful from the ashes.
New relationships were made between individuals, as well as organizations, all of which benefit the people of Haiti.
Pressure treated wood and metal roofs produced housing for thousands. MOHI erected 700 such buildings which increased the bond between us and the communities we serve.
John Armour brought the incredible water filtration system he created to Haiti, providing 100% pure drinking water. Many other organizations also drilled wells and installed filtration for many communities that never had any drinkable water.
Churches throughout the country have grown. The MOHI church in St. Etienne went from about 50 people to over 300 attending on Sunday mornings and had to expand to accommodate the increse.
More people than ever are visiting Haiti and working to make a lasting difference.
The availability of good quality health care has expanded.
Much higher quality building materials are now available.
All kinds of nutritious foods came into the country to nourish an already malnourished population.
Choukoun destroyed during the earthquake and following sunami has been built back larger and stronger than before.
A new, earthquake resistant school, church and community center are being constructed at MOHI.