As the first anniversary of the devastating earthquake in Haiti approaches, I have been flooded with memories of my time there and the faces that have been etched into my soul. But more powerfully, I realize that as my life has returned to it's state of normalcy, the people in Haiti are still enduring the post-earthquake effects and have been forced to settle into a new 'normal'. Their world was literally rocked. And as I stated in my final blog post from my trip, I could never have imagined what it was truly like until I walked through the streets, taking breaths of the same stuffy, stunned air. Sometimes when I'm really struggling, I like to go back to read some of my posts from the trip to remind me that life is sweet despite whatever I may be facing. And what a perspective-check it is. Months later, I am still processing my experience there and what I have learned from the Haitians' resiliency and unconditional hope. I still have many stories I have not been able to share because I haven't been able to find the words for them. So I sift through my pictures because behind each picture, there is a story, a memory, an emotion and a reminder...my hope is that even though you don't see the picture in it's original context, you will be able to feel some of the emotions they represent and the stories that they tell.

Many thanks…
July 18th, 2010 by Alison Wobschall
I’m back safe and sound after an absolutely incredible experience. It’s taken me awhile to process how to even put it into words. First of all, I want to express my deep gratitude to you for helping me go to Haiti. I was overwhelmed with the support that I received and greatly appreciate all of the letters and notes, emails, prayers, and gifts of support. God has blessed me with amazing people in my life and I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to share that with the people in Haiti.

The situation there was worse than I ever could have imagined. I saw the pictures, watched the news, and heard the stories but until I saw it with my own eyes I didn’t understand what had happened. Haiti was one of the poorest countries in the world before January 12, 2010 but after the quake, the country was left in shambles. There are piles of rubble everywhere you turn, the smell of garbage and feces linger in the streets, kids are wandering around looking for food and family, and peoples’ temporary ‘tarp’ housing has shifted into permanent solutions. It is overwhelming. But amidst all of the devastation you can still feel a sense of hope. Hope that one day at a time Haiti will be rebuilt into a nation that would not only just survive-but would flourish. With a positive outlook and a can-do-attitude, we accomplished a tremendous amount of work while we were there.

I was stationed in the village of Croix-de-Bouquet, only a few miles from Port-au-Prince. There were several projects that our team was working on. We were made up of medical staff, construction workers, teachers, pastors, and those of us with psychology/social work backgrounds. We represented 16 cities from 7 different nations but we all shared the same mission. We had a variety of projects in local schools, orphanages, IDP (internally displaced persons) camps, farms, and different community organizations, including clinics and medical facilities. We offered free English lessons every day for local Haitians of all backgrounds-kids, families, nurses, and anyone who wanted to learn. We spent time regularly in 3 different orphanages and provided meals, affection and support to the kids and staff. We gathered enough money from our group to sponsor mattresses and one full outfit for all the kids at the orphanage. We helped lay the foundation (literally) for a medical dome that will eventually house and distribute all medical supplies shipped into Haiti. We staffed medical clinics offering services for Malaria, Typhoid, infections, broken bones, pregnancy, and various other issues. We made a difference. It is minor in the grand scheme of life in Haiti, but to many of the people we helped, it was life-changing. And they weren’t the only ones touched; my life has been significantly impacted by this journey.

I have an improved definition and threshold of stress, a realistic perspective of what we truly need, a deeper understanding of love, an enhanced excitement for adoption, and a new respect and admiration for Haiti. I learned that the human spirit is fragile yet incredibly resilient. I learned that people from all around this planet can come together and make a significant difference if they have the right attitude. I learned that if we allow ourselves to be pushed, we can grow in ways we never thought we were capable of. I was reassured that with God, all things are possible.

The people of Haiti will always have a special place in my heart. I know that I will be back there someday and I look forward to seeing the progress that is made. Thank you for giving me the chance to help Haiti. I will be forever grateful for the things that I have learned and the person that this experience has shaped me to be. You have given hope to Haiti. Thank you.

AW

Here are some of the images that capture the essence of my thoughts and memories. They each tell their own version of the story...much better than I could ever describe.