Maculla Milien, like many of the Haitians that came through the 2010 earthquake, has known great loss. Her house, her husband, and her son, all were stolen from her in one cruel disaster. However, she didn't give up. She picked up the pieces and kept moving, supporting herself and her remaining children by buying goods that she could resell at the market. The tent pictured below provided meager shelter for the family as they continued to hope for a change.
Maculla, her younger children, and her eldest son stand in front of their previous shelter with our In-Country Director, Jimmy.
As we've discovered in story after story like Maculla's, Haiti's most profound legacy is not of loss, but rather the intense hope and resilience of the people. In a country with seemingly few opportunities, a land plagued by generations of colonial oppression, extreme poverty, and abuse of both the land and it's people, Haitians have kept going and have kept hoping.
While working in Haiti, we've found a strong sense of community. People help each other; they all want to pitch in to build. They know their neighbors, and families stay together. There's an old quote that says, "The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home," and by this measure, despite the many trials it's faced, Haiti is strong.
Maculla and her family with our In-Country Director, Jimmy, standing in front of their new home.
Today, Maculla's hopes have turned into realities. She and her family live in a sturdy, dry, earthquake-resistant home complete with the bright colors and inviting front porch that are characteristic of Haitian culture. Not every loss can be restored, but this miracle, as Maculla calls it, can bring one family closer to healing and happiness. Their thanks and prayers are given to all who made this new home a reality.
If you'd like to donate directly to our efforts in Haiti, and help bring a miracle to other families like Maculla's, simply note "For Haiti" in the memo or additional requests section of your check or online donation.
