I can’t say I enjoyed my trip to Haiti, but no matter how I feel about it - it will remain an experience that will stick with me for the rest of my life.  I went on the trip with my father and three of his colleagues.  We were a very international group: German, French, Dominican and Haitian.

I was lucky enough to have a local guide to show us his country and see through his perspective, aspects which the newspapers don’t publish.  I learned about the history, the government, the economy and about hope.  Many Haitians try to see the earthquake as a gift, an opportunity for change and progress towards a more prosperous and united country.  A chance to rebuild, a chance for a fresh start.

It was amazing to see and photograph what is left, because it was not at all what I expected.  Yes, there was rubble, ruins and buildings shockingly dis-contorted.  But on top of all this chaos, the people are going about their daily lives trying to save what is left.  The people seem to have a gift to make something out of nothing, using the little scrap of rocks, cement and metal to start over.  Though 2 million people have lost their homes and live in squandering tent camps, they are always well spoken, polite, helpful and smiling.  Smiling!  Even laughing!  They live in some of the poorest conditions, yet they still find a reason to laugh.

I went into the tent camps, I went to SOS Kinderdorf, I took a tour of the Red Cross hospital, I met some of the doctors & rescue workers, and I listened to their heart wrenching stories.  I saw the chance for reconstruction.  My fathers company sells drills which could potentially prevent destruction caused by an earthquake of such magnitude such as we saw in January.  If the government steps up and enforces new building laws, with strength requirements and other restrictions, such a disaster can be prevented.  I have talked with some of the local construction businesses who are now looking for their chance to act and intervene.

The opportunity for a better Haiti is all there, but whether or not the people will take it is another question.  I wonder if they will change, or merely accept their current situation. They are a peaceful and docile people who don’t complain often. It will be interesting to see if the influence of the international community currently in Haiti will have any affect on the mindset of the people.

Jenna - GHA Volunteer

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