Haiti (MNN) — Patience grows thin as recovery continues to
crawl in Haiti–now almost eight months since the earthquake. But the pace may
not be due to lack of funds, but rather broken promises.
It seems nothing has changed in Haiti for months. Landlords
continue to disassemble tent cities. And former Port-au-Prince residents
continue to flee north as a result, often winding up near Cap Haitien.
Temporary housing is gradually being erected, but most organizations still in the
country agree things are proceeding at a snail's pace.
Eva DeHart of For Haiti with Love has similar sentiments. She says Haitians are beginning to grow impatient as countries who promised funds
are failing to live up to their word: "They've heard all the stories about
the money coming in, but they're not seeing anything happening. We need to pray
that other countries will keep their commitments because they've promised to
help and now they're holding onto the funds, and they're not releasing them so
that Haiti can actually accomplish anything."
Of the organizations and countries which have not backed out
on what they promised, DeHart said many of them have been swept up in only
planning and holding meetings and are failing to put their talk into actions.
Disillusioned and homeless, some of these people make their way
up to Cap Haitien in search of a better life. There, For Haiti With Love is hard at work,
but DeHart said the situation is still devastating.
Even though the necessary paper work has been completed, customs
in Port-au-Prince still refuses to release four food
containers belonging to For Haiti, each containing 43,000 pounds of food. Now, two more containers are
on their way, but DeHart said they have not received food in Cap Haitien since
June 1. Because of this hold up, sadly, "You have to pace yourself. You can't
hand it all out, or you give everybody a meal today, and then everybody
starves," she said.
Additionally, because so many have fled to Cap Haitien, room
is scarce, and many live on the streets because there is not enough shelter for
them. In such poor conditions, diseases and injuries are constant threats, pushing
For Haiti's clinic to the max. But the team is persevering. DeHart said, "Haiti is always a test in faith and patience."
Don't forget about Haiti. Continue to pray diligently for the
country's recovery and for God to grant Haitians patience. Pray that Haitians will
also find comfort and strength in Christ in the midst of such turmoil and
uncertainty.
Donate to For Haiti to help with ongoing expenses in their medical clinic and to pay for transport the food containers when they are finally released.
