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<\/a>Happy Haitian Children<\/p><\/div>\n
His involvement has been with the group Haiti Sak Plen. \u00a0You can read about their goals and accomplishments on their website www.haitisakplen.com<\/a>. \u00a0Many donors were generous enough to pay for the tools and materials needed to work on homes that have fallen.<\/p>\n Although many families will be left without spouses, children, or other family members, it has been the pleasure of Haiti Sak Plen to serve them. \u00a0They’ve worked on over 10 different projects and given local Haitians an opportunity that many from the US will not understand. \u00a0Although Presidents and hopeful presidents complain about our unemployment numbers, our problems are miniscule compared to the unemployment problems of the Haitians.<\/p>\n Luckily I was fortunate enough to participate in a trip to Haiti where we offered relief to families that had suffered as a result of the earthquake. \u00a0My trip was in April of 2010, which was a few months after the earthquake which occurred in January. \u00a0Unfortunately there are lasting effects of the earthquake that might never get better. \u00a0Even after two years the country is still in bad shape and much of the reconstruction has yet to begin. \u00a0Our goal was to give the Haitian people hope in the future and a bright outlook on what is to come.<\/p>\n Stanley and Puchon<\/p><\/div>\n I recall a conversation that I had with Puchon almost two years ago. \u00a0He is a local \u00a028 year old Haitian who was helping us with the construction work on these homes. \u00a0Our conversation went something like this…<\/p>\n Me: So are you married or do you have a girlfriend?<\/p>\n Puchon: No man, I don’t have a wife or a girlfriend.<\/p>\n Me: Why not man? \u00a0You are a good looking guy, and I’m sure that you have had opportunities.<\/p>\n Puchon: \u00a0Yeah, I’ve had opportuniites, the only problem is that I’m 28 and I live with my parents. \u00a0I have no job and no prospects of getting a job. \u00a0I’m very lucky that I can put food in my stomach each day. \u00a0How on Earth do you think that I would be able to provide for a wife, or especially for children.<\/p>\n Chalkboard Reflecting the Date of the Earthquake<\/p><\/div>\n This was one of the more humbling conversations that I’ve ever had in my life. \u00a0I take for granted the opportunity that we have in America, and I know that the Haitians don’t even stand a chance compared to our blessings.<\/p>\n I better understand why orphanages are overflowing with children in countries like Haiti. \u00a0People have children, and they know that they won’t be able to care for them. \u00a0As a result they end up dropping them off at orphanages hoping that their children might have a brighter future.<\/p>\n Sometimes we live in small bubbles and don’t understand how fortunate we are. \u00a0I’ve traveled to many poor countries and lived in very poor circumstances. \u00a0I spent almost two years amongst the people of Paraguay in South America. \u00a0I’m here to tell you that Paraguay is an amazing place to live compared to Haiti. \u00a0This might come as \u00a0a shocker to you, but it is true. \u00a0This just goes to show how bad life can be for these people.<\/p>\n True Happiness<\/strong><\/p>\n Happy Haitian Children<\/p><\/div>\n The interesting thing about the children is that they are happy. \u00a0I never saw one throw a fit about not being able to play his x-box, and nobody fought over the Wii. \u00a0I know that it would be really difficult to take my children to Haiti someday, but it would be great to give them an experience where they can learn to appreciate what they have. \u00a0I know some parents tell their children…”You better eat that food or someone in Africa will starve.” \u00a0Obviously parents are trying to teach their children the principle of gratitude, but showing it can mean so much more.<\/p>\n I recall one visit to Mexico when we rented a van in Ensendada and drove to see the Bufadora. \u00a0I remember getting lost in one neighborhood looking for the highway. \u00a0My mother-in-law asked her youngest son what he thought about the houses and the neighborhood. \u00a0His only response was, “I wish that I could go and give them some money.” \u00a0It was a priceless moment of teaching children to be grateful for what they have. \u00a0Not is it always that giving money is the best option, but knowing that he was willing to care for them and wished that their situations could improve.<\/p>\n Running a Business In Haiti<\/strong><\/p>\n This experience also taught me about the importance of not having a corrupt government.<\/p>\n Downtown Building<\/p><\/div>\n On one occasion I was speaking with a gentleman who runs and orphanage. \u00a0He explained to me that having a business in Haiti is rather difficult.<\/p>\n He gave me this example: \u00a0Let’s say you’re going in to purchase a drivers license. \u00a0Of course they aren’t going to require you to take any tests or anything. \u00a0The sign on the wall at the DMV says “Drivers License: $2 USD.” \u00a0Sounds simple enough. \u00a0When you arrive to pay the $2 they simply say “For you it is going to cost $200.” \u00a0Nobody stops them from requesting the bribe, and you won’t get a drivers license unless you heed their bribe. \u00a0Essentially if they know that you have the money, then they are going to ask for it. This type of corruption chokes businesses because it makes slim margins even slimmer.<\/p>\n Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n From the crumbling buildings there are lessons to be learned. \u00a0I’ll be forever grateful for my experience in Haiti. \u00a0I encourage you to either contribute financially, or to work with some type of group to experience something like I did. \u00a0Even if you don’t have anything to contribute to the cause financially, give your heart. \u00a0Pray for the people who are less fortunate.<\/p>\n If you would like to contribute you can donate on the haitisakplen website<\/a>. \u00a0If you have interest in helping on a more intimate level, please contact Brad at Bradleyjai@hotmail.com.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" My brother Brad, the co-author of this blog, has been in Haiti for the last week working with a few different families to rebuild their lives after they lost their husbands in the earthquake that shattered the Caribbean nation on … Continue reading <\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a>