First Glances of Haiti

When the pilot of our plane to Port Au Prince told us we were in our final descent, my eyes flew to the window. Out of the small window I saw a city much like my own. That small window was not telling me an accurate story. After the quick rush through customs and a lucky rush through baggage claim, we were in a van on the streets of Haiti. I closed my eyes for a few moments to listen to all of it. There was a certain hustle and bustle like you might hear in downtown Baltimore. When you open your eyes you see something completely different. There is a truth to what you may have read about. There are demolished homes, and tent cities. However, we saw a park where there used to be tents. We saw small businesses working, even if they were working right in the hot sun. Much of my anxiety has disappeared, and has been replaced with excitement for what we will see tomorrow and in the days that follow. - - - Ryan

As our plane began its decent I looked out the window to see a microscopic view of what was to come particularly georgeous mountains and foliage. This beauty is the back drop for a what we have all have heard about ... certain chaos and devastion. We had the opportunity to hear from the Catholic Relief Services staff members who have been present in Haiti and have seen and effected a difference. Its hard to imagine it was in fact far worse just a while ago . In the midst of all this disparity are colorful buildings which give us a sense of hope. The folks at CRS shared a quote from Victor Hugo which has had me thinking all day--" Open a school,close a jail." We learned a bit about schools here. 10% of schools are public while a majority of schools are Catholic or private. Some kids never make it to school. Can't wait to visit neighborhoods tomorrow. ... Missy

Haiti is a land of contrasts--beautiful mountains and the rubble of concrete buildings that have collapsed.  Bustling people walking along streets where others are selling their wares at the streets edge.  New steel structures that will soon be buildings and areas that used to be parks where tents still provide "housing."  We met a man named David today whose heart encompasses the world.   He worked for many years in Africa and has been in Haiti since the quake.  He said that his work can be summed up in a few words--"It is about insuring the dignity of the human person."  I think that sums up alot about our faith too.  Haiti is a place that is, on one hand, crushed by the huge problems that exist...from electric to transporation to water.  On the other hand, it is a place where the world has come together to try to insure that people have not only dignity but homes and jobs and, most importantly, hope.  Tomorrow we will travel to see some of the onging development work of Catholic Relief Services.  We will leave our comfort zone behind once more.  I wonder where the day will take us?...Kathy