Hope

I braced myself to see difficult things as I went into Haiti, and I did. But I also saw something I didn’t expect: Beauty. And the grim context made these moments of human tenderness all the more moving.

Music is a vital part of Haitian culture and we saw it everywhere we went. Whether expressing sorrow or hope, we could always hear singing. A young man with a keyboard played us a sad song he wrote for his girlfriend who died in the earthquake. One night, we danced with a crowd of kids in a tent city while Caribbean beats played on a boom box. I did the electric slide with a group of kids in a church after a service. And a group of smiling pastor’s daughters sang to us in perfect harmony. One of them even wrote me a poem in French - with beautiful handwriting - about the importance of women in society. The Haitians are a beautiful people.

[Photo borrowed – I forgot my camera!]

The people spending themselves to help the Haitians are also beautiful. The immediate response of medical volunteers has made a life-or-death difference for many. I was amazed at how doctors and nurses would work in the clinics for days on end. And what is more amazing is how cheerful they sacrificially employ their skills for those who can't ever repay them. Beyond medical care, volunteers form friendships with their patients and provide emotional support as well. Heroes don’t wear capes – Some wear scrubs.

But the coolest thing I saw among the Haitians was their faith. Haitian Christians are truly emulating Christ in the way they have reached out to their neighbors at this time. Though they themselves are also victims of the earthquake, they provide for others' physical needs as much as they are able. And they take every opportunity to share their faith at a time when many are looking for answers.

Haitian Christians are also eagerly anticipating the chance to join in the efforts of their international Christian brothers and sisters who come to help their country.

Consider it.