The Will to Live

Haiti has a special way of opening the eyes of those who visit.  This morning, we visited a home for sick and dying children.  It was an emotional experience, and we left with huge respect for the kids and staff that works with these kids.  There were many sick babies in cribs in multiple rooms, and it was heartwarming when something as simple as holding them would calm their tears.  Some of the babies needed to be changed which led me to the opportunity to change my first diaper!

Later this afternoon, we traveled to Titanyen to visit some of the elderly which Reiser Relief helps to support.  The people live in conditions which would be totally unthinkable in the U.S and their will to live is inspiring.  Their homes (tin shacks) are so hot it's almost unbearable just to stand in them.  Many of us had to step out frequently to catch a breath of slightly cooler air.  One old man even sleeps under his bed because the floor is more comfortable than the 90 degree air above his bed.  To me, living in such a place would be similar to living in a sauna 24 hours a day.  We brought food and water to many of these people, but it must be hidden to avoid be stolen by their family care givers.  We also visited a 21 year old boy who has severe brain damage from an epileptic seizure.  His mother has faithfully cared for him every day of his life, ever since the seizure happened at age 5.

We then visited Grace Village, a village with a school, the largest playground in Haiti, orphanage, sustainable farming, a feeding center, and a church.  Walking into Grace Village after seeing the elderly homes felt like I was entering heaven.  The buildings were in excellent conditions, many thanks to the donations through Reiser Relief which contributed to the village.  Seeing the village was a nice example of the beautiful, clean, comfortable side of Haiti.

To end the day, we stopped by the 2010 earthquake monument/burial ground which contains over 300,000 unidentified bodies.  Brunet, one of our interpreters, told us of his experiences during and after the earthquake.  The story was heartbreaking and  really brought the whole experience to life.  The earthquake had many effects which are even still prominent today, one obvious example of this being the tent cities throughout Haiti.  Even at the monument, there were hungry children begging us for food.

Quoting one of my favorite bloggers, "Oh, the things I learn in Haiti".

Alex Kopen