I never knew my perspective on life could change in just a few short hours but it has. Yesterday was our first day in Haiti and a lifestyle fillled with struggles I couldn't have imagined. I am shocked at how naive I have been to the difficulties that so many experience just trying to survive. After battling through the airport we loaded into a tap tap (an old pickup truck with benches lining the sides of the bed) and worked our way to the orphanage. The 30 minute drive is an experience that I will never forget and has been on my mind constantly since. The streets are lined with Garbage and the smell is hard to describe. Haiti does not have garbage pickup so they simply stack it in the streets. Water is a major concern and I was shocked to see men in the street selling bottles of water that had been filled from the gutters on the side of the road. It is important to realize that this water had worked its way through countless piles of trash, feces and who knows what else. The water in the bottles was filthy and certainly filled with all types of things you would not and should not digest. Even with that being the case people eagerly bought it and drank heartily without regards for the hazards. Its apparent that the infastructures of Haiti are seriously lacking and the death rate due to bad water is not surprising. We deleivered the items that were generously donated by the staff of Heritage Web Solutions and they were received with a lot of releif and gratitude. It will be really interesting to see what today brings I will update you later.
Welcome to the realm of third world countries. It is hard to imagine, given we live in a civilized world, that such things still exist. I have found that these problems mostly exist because of greedy, controlling governments. Our founding fathers were truly inspired when they designed a democratic form of government for us. We need to be grateful for that.
ReplyDeleteIn situations, like the ones you are currently experiencing, all you can do is help and love the people, and try in some form to aid and train them to learn to rise above their challenges. It is a process that takes years, and sometimes centuries.
Dave, keep up the great work you are engaged in. The Haiti people need you!
We'll continue to pray for you and Candice and your safety.
It's hard for those of us who have lived our entire lives in the comfort of the United States to imagine what these people go through just trying to survive each day.
ReplyDeleteYou're a great man, and this experience will undoubtedly make you an even better person.
You're in our prayers, as are the Haitian people.
Hi Candice, I think it's interesting that you chose the picture of sight that bothered me the most. My parents and I had a big discussion about it. Here in America that would be unheard of but there in Haiti it has just become apart of their lives. You are one of the great treasures that come out of this process, and are apart of an extended family that is made up of families who's children all come from the same orphanage, so we are bounded through the eternities. I am so happy that you are here! It was such a pleasure to get to know you guys and I look very forward to future get togethers. If you need anything or have a question or anything please let me know. Looking forward to reading your future posts. You guys are in our thoughts and prayers. Thanks again. Great big hug~ Mare
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