Relieved

Who are the faces of Haiti? The faces of Haiti are you and I. The person at work, your neighbor, friend, a child, husband, wife and so on. These are the people who are feeling the after math of the earthquake that ravished Haiti on January 12. As the journalists and camera crew pack their equipments to leave the images of crying babies and amputees behind, Haiti will slowly disappear from the media. But those who have direct connections there won’t easily forget or the images won’t slip away from their mind. The people who were fortunate enough to be blessed with their lives are the ones who will be calling you and I. Whether it’s a friend, a family member or someone trying to relay a message to their friend or family member, they will call. When they call this is what some of the conversation may sound like:
“We thank God we’re alive. Today wasn’t so bad they came to pick up some of the dead bodies in front of the house”
“The kids are ok, but they haven’t eaten in three days. We can’t get to the food when it comes. I’m too old to be fighting with these young guys who are stronger and faster”
“They found… today. …She looks peaceful”
“The kids are home now, they’re not able to go to school just yet. ….From up the street have lessons for the children in the neighbor”
“I got the money you sent, thank you. We really appreciate it, but I wasn’t able to get it for three days. Every time I went to CAM the line was too long and there are people standing online waiting for you to pay them so they can let you get to the front”
“Thank you for the $50 you sent, but the people at the transfer place only gave $40”
“We didn’t want to tell you so soon, but …died too. They found the body the same time they found… we thought it was too much to tell you at once”
“We have the money, but we’re not able to buy anything. 98% of the street vendors are not working and the ones that are, their prices are sky high”
“The smell is unbearable…”
"I have nightmares every night, sometime I see people that aren't there"
These are some of the conversations I have had personally and some are from friends and other people. It is crucial for anyone who has endured these thoughts and images to digest them. Make it your business to see a professional therapist/counselor to help process these feelings. If someone can’t afford to see a counselor or doesn’t believe in the power of therapy, I recommend reaching out to friends and family members just to get together. Getting together will provide a sense of normalcy and a feeling of “I’m not alone”. The cheapest way to start letting out all of your anger and frustration is by writing. Get a pen and notebook and begin writing your feelings away.
Francelene