7.0

January 12, 2015 marked five years since Haiti was ravaged by a 7.0 earthquake. On January 10, 2010 I had just walked into work at about 5pm. Instead of the hugs and high fives I was accustomed to, I was greeted by the sobs of my co-worker Marie. With her face tear stained and eyes blood shot red, the only words she could muster in response to my queries were Ayiti krazay. A quick visit to my Facebook newsfeed coupled with texts from family members caught me up on what was happening around me. Ayiti, in fact had krazay-ed (a little Crenglish for you). 



An earthquake? Why Haiti? Didn't we have it hard enough? Where were you God? What did they do to deserve this? Some of the first questions that came to mind, but were quickly replaced with more frantic ones. What about Cherly? Gran Pere and Gran Mere? Ton Henry? Where were they? Are they ok? Did they survive? Hundreds of thousands of Haiti's homes destroyed and even more of her children dead, injured, stranded and orphaned.

Yet, amidst all of the chaos, the turmoil, Haitians accomplished something they had not been able to in nearly two centuries. They put aside their differences and petty squabbles and came to each others' rescue. Contrary to popular belief or what the media may say, Haitians were the first to provide aid. The people banded together to clear rubble, rescue the trapped,treat the injured, and share what little resources they had on hand.

Five years later, lives lost, homes destroyed, and tears shed, the Haitian people press on. Young and old, men and women alike have taken to their feet stood to their ground and refused to succumb to life's trials. Progress may be slow and arduous but it is visible. The Haitian diaspora do their part as well by sending funds, supplies, and manpower. Today we do not remember the tragedy, but we pay our respects to those who have fallen and pledge to push forward with those who have the strength to stand tall.

Na we pita/A plus tard