All Eyes On Haiti

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“Sak pasé!”

“Nap Boule!”

(Sidenote: One of my close friends told me that the literal translation of “Nap Boule” is “I’m burning”. He added that that’s exactly what’s happening in Haiti right now and in the hearts of the Haitian people. Man. Intense.)

I don’t speak creole, but I know that much. I have to laugh because every time I meet a Haitian I always greet them that way. I’m not from Haiti, but being an Islander myself I guess I do feel a bit of a kindred connection to those in the Caribbean.

That means I know what it’s like for people to not pay attention to you unless it’s tourist season, or a storm is headed your way. I know what it’s like for people to reduce you to what kind of food your island specializes in, or the best place to get alcohol on the island, or if you can smoke weed in public. I know. Most people don’t know the history of this country, let alone the ones closest to us or that we visit.

I also know that Haiti is a country that has struggled for as long as I can remember yet the only time I ever see concern is amongst my friends or through my Church’s Missionary program. I’m not pointing fingers or saying that the current level of concern and outrage is not genuine, I’m just asking that we don’t forget. Don’t forget how many Haitians are living in poverty and suffer from inadequate educational opportunities. This did not happen overnight. We love the Caribbean, but we know very little about it. It’s tough I know.

Despite all the political strife, the natural disasters, and environmental issues that plague Haiti it is still a beautiful country. There is history there! The Haitian Slave revolution! The beautiful Palace that is now damaged in a pile of rubble. That would be like losing the White House, can you imagine how that would feel? There are many Haitian people living here in the U.S. doing amazing things and reaching incredible heights. They need our help! Don’t let the news feed you just the stories of the pain, but also don’t ignore it. Several of my friends are Haitian, and it pains me to even think about the fear and anguish they are going through right now not knowing if their families are safe.

And I know how that feels.

All I am asking is for all the people out there that are giving great lip service to the issue right now, to keep talking. But also start acting. Haiti has been here before the earthquake and it will be here after. However, we have to lend our support. We can’t rely on the government alone. There are issues in Haiti that require sharp minds and soft hearts. We need to rebuild Haiti and lift it to greatness. Just please, after the media circus is done with this, let us not forget. I have several Sorors who still continue relief efforts in New Orleans and I am so grateful for that. That’s what we need in Haiti. To those of you who feel like America need not get involved, to you I shake my head. You’ve probably taken trips to the Dominican Republic and pride yourself on not caring about the other side of the island. If not, you’ve probably done business with Haitians and benefited from their services. Haiti is but a hop, skip, and a jump away from Miami, they are our neighbors.

Lend your hand.

Do not forget.

Here is a list of organizations through which you can help. At the top of this post is a banner you can click for Yele Haiti that will take you to a page where you can donate. Also, you can text ‘Yele’ to 501501 to donate $5 that will be charged to your cell phone bill. Every little bit helps.

Tagged as: Disaster Relief, Haiti

Article by Jennifer Garrett

JG* is a small-town turned big-city blogger who once wrote the random yet ever-creative look into the life of a girl entering the Quarterlife. These days as she prepares for her MBA program at The Ohio State University she's turned into quite the "Susie The Riveter." Working with teens by day, cooking delicious meals at night. Check out her blog showcasing her delicious recipes at http://jgrunsthekitchen.wordpress.com. Follower her on Twitter @JGRunsTheCity

Jennifer has written 49 article(s) for us.