Haiti (MNN) — The only thing
moving forward in Haiti, it seems, is the weather–a mix of heat and drenching rains. The
relentless deterioration of conditions in the quake zone is well documented.
In more than one story, admiration of the resilience and
fortitude of the survivors comes through.
A disconcerting attitude shift reveals itself.
Eva DeHart with
For Haiti With Love says they're discovering a
perception of the Haitians as "survivors." By itself,
that's not a bad thing. But DeHart says the relief effort should be more than "surviving." She says it should be directed toward "thriving,"
instead.
However, that, too, presents the problems of time and
logistics. Even as the government tries
to figure out how to rebuild a better future for Haiti, for many it will be too late by
the time the plans are in place. DeHart says, "I agree
100% with Sean Penn who says, 'Those funds were given for the relief effort. If they keep having meetings instead of
doing things, the people that they were supposed to be saving are going to be
dead.'"
People are still desperately in need of food, but DeHart
says the government is telling them they need to grow it. In light of the devastation, it seems an
impractical response. "Most of the people down there don't have
land to grow it on. It takes a season for the crops to mature, and there have to
be jobs so that people can buy that food."
For Haiti staff melds their response with the hope of
Christ. DeHart explains, "They make
sure that everyone coming through their program understands that these are gifts
from God and that Jesus cares about their life today."
As FHWL continues
to respond, the needs also continue. They're getting food donations, and BluSource is helping with a donation
of hygiene kits, among other things. Partners also provided Sawyer water filters
along with a product to treat sheets and clothing to help fight malaria.
However, the
boost in aid just meets the needs of the refugees coming north to Cap Haitien
from Port-au-Prince. Even as they rise to meet the challenge,
another presents itself: funding to ship the resources.
Although DeHart
says Cross International has agreed to pick up the freight on the next two
containers, there is still much to do. You can help. Click here.
