Bethany’s experience in Haiti
My thoughts on my Haiti trip were as varied as my emotions as I looked around and saw the devastation and poverty all around. I’m not really sure where to begin, but to say that the Haitian people outdid my every expectation of them.
All around Haiti we encountered people who smiled in the worst of circumstances and still had hope that things can get better. Most of these people are the young people, those who just need an opportunity to make something great for themselves and their families. So many of the young men and women that we talked to wanted to become something that would help Haiti, and I hope they have the chance to do those things, like become doctors, engineers, agronomists, or nurses for their nation. I hope the girls at the transition house feel that kind of pull- that they’ve been helped so much that they feel the urge, when they get the chance, to help others.
This trip to Haiti was beautiful. In a country still devastated and suffering from the effects of an earthquake and the government’s ineffectiveness I found hope in so many people. I found many things: kindhearted people, malnourished children, hard workers, angry drivers, beautiful Christians, a voodoo man, and smiles that lit up the world.
There are 300,000 children living in restavek in Haiti...but not for long. We want to end this form of child slavery in our lifetimes. Join us in Standing Up for Freedom.
