STONECALL

Our team made it back from Haiti last night and though it was a short trip, its impact will be felt for a long time. I can’t fully describe the images I saw, what I experienced, and how it has affected me because it still feels like a dream. We saw literally thousands of people in tents made out of sheets and sticks, with many still waiting for some medical attention. Most of the tent cities are around areas where food is being distributed or where a medical clinic or temporary hospital has been setup. While the physical effects of the earthquake are clearly seen, the psychological and emotional effects are perhaps more significant. I will never forget hearing my mother say to me, “The Haiti that I knew is gone forever…”

Our team saw at least 200 patients in one day and most of them were post-traumatic injuries like headaches, dizziness, etc. The amount of people with fractures is easily in the thousands and with the instability of many buildings still standing, more injuries are going to happen. Haiti is now entering its next phase of tragedy with the spread of diseases especially when the rainy season starts and thousands more will die based on estimates. But through the heartache and pain I feel in my heart, there is a glimmer of hope. I think about the team over at Quisqueya School and I am encouraged because they love God, the people of Haiti, and are committed to do everything they can through God’s power to help all those in need. The entire campus was spared from the earthquake and has become a base of operation for continued aid and relief to the people of Haiti. God has not forgotten about Haiti and He is not through with His plan for Haiti – I really believe that. The faith of the Haitians we met was truly an honor to behold and it has motivated me to a great degree. As I listened to Commissioned “Will You Be Ready” this morning, I couldn’t fight back the tears as I thought of my countrymen and their tears. While Haiti faces a long night of rebuilding (on every level), joy will come in the morning and I look forward to seeing it happen.