Already One Year.

I wanted to write something deep and meaningful on this one-year anniversary.  But the images of despair I see in the media drown my words. I’m still heartbroken with a sense of powerlessness.

I’m in dismay at the millions of dollars that have been sent by generous citizens of the world and that have yet to be spent on development and rebuilding.

I’m in disbelief that my government is backing up from financial pledges it made, days after the Earthquake.  I’m talking to you, Prime Minister Harper.

I’m also in disbelief there’s cholera in Haiti and that the culprits who brought the disease to the island have yet to be judged and locked up.

I’m in deep admiration of my friends in Haiti who are survivors, who have armored souls without being soldiers and who are still standing.  They are all still mourning and many still jump at the sound of a car door slammed too hard. But yet, here they are … living strong.

I’m in wonderment of small NGOs made of individuals who at first, may seem ordinary but who have proved through their various initiatives in Haiti that they’re nothing short of extraordinary.

I haven’t been to Haiti in 18 months.  But as my plans to go back are weeks away, I know the country and its citizens will teach me everything I need to know about courage, strength and yes, resilience.  I’m looking forward to that.