Just like the song says,

"Dont give up on me I wont give up on you..." I am drawn to that phrase because I think that it is easy to watch people struggle from a distance and even block it out of our minds like its just not happening therefore its not our problem. However, as long as the people of Haiti  keep trying the world will not give up and everyone will keep on giving aid, support and compassion back and that is exactly what being human is all about.

The thing about catastrophes or large scale disasters is that it always without a doubt gets people to think deeply about their existence, their loved ones and life in general. I try not to dwell on the horror and pain of tragedy because I tend to reason that we already know what happens in the aftermath of a catastrophe and it is usually quite ugly. Therefore, Id rather look at what good may come out of the fear and pain that people experience from the tragedy. What makes Haiti's story more compelling to the world is based on how much they have had to endured since their independence back in 1804. 

It has just been one misfortune after another and I was compelled to look into their history just to understand why they just cannot catch a break no matter how hard they try. The more I read into their history the more and more appalled I became. I really had a hard time comprehending the atrocities that the Haitians have experienced in the last century alone. Its amazing how we can presume to know about people or a place based on preconceived notions and whatever else we are taught to believe as the absolute truth. If you follow what the media reported about Haiti (earthquake), you will more than likely think you know what is really going on in Haiti based on the following assumptions:

1. Haiti made a pact with the devil (both supernatural and human) hence the string of bad luck and misfortune.

2. The reasons why the disaster relief and aid could not get to those who needed it was because Haitians were "out of control" and that the "looters" were dangerous. It took the first responders 8 whole days to get to those who desperately needed help.

3. On January 12th, the death toll was estimated at 200, 000 and somehow that death toll has steadily come down to 150,000 really? Or maybe its just my math abilities here. You would have to be in Haiti to approximate the death toll (smh).

4. That the earthquake that hit Port-au-Prince was some random natural disaster.

5. The voodoo practice in Haiti had something to do with the catastrophe. I dont even think that people understand the real meaning and practice of voodoo/vodou. Its really not what hollywood depicts, most people should know that by now (sigh).

Among several other fabricated news stories that would take me the whole day to write down. All I have to say is read people, read and No! Wikipedia is not a trusted source of information, every Tom Dick and Harry can add whatever they please to all that you see or read as information on wikipedia.

READ: Haitian Revolution and Foraging of America 

Anyhow just like I said, I wanted to delve into research and find out more about Haiti, all I can say at the moment is that I wish more people took a moment to read more and find out why Haiti is currently on the ground on their knees desperate for survival and compassion from the world. I remember back in 2004 when I took a world history class simply because I needed a couple more credit hours to add on to my cumulative credit in college.

Well anyway, my instructor was an African from Cameroon (I think), I never really paid attention because the class bored me death. So its in this class that I first learnt that Haiti was the first black nation that gained its independence through a slave revolt that lasted 12 years. My history instructor seemed particularly affected when he was teaching us about Haiti but I paid him no mind, I just thought he was a little cranky because he had not eaten lunch or something. Well, after doing my own research about the history of Haiti, I now understand his odd reaction. You know, its statistically impossible for a country to constantly be knocked down by one thing after another in a span of 206 years, c'mon now. How can one nation go through so much and never have a break no matter how hard they try?

You name it, they have experienced it:

1. Slavery, torture, abuse etc

2. Political strife and coups.

3. Economic downfall.

4. Unbelievable corruption.

5. Natural (and man- made) disasters/catastrophes. etc

I was also shocked to find out that the economic status is so bad that they have resorted to eating soil ... yes soil, they call it 'dirt cookies'. I know that there is extreme poverty in different nations all over the globe, but Ive never known it to be so desperately bad that people get down to eating and feeding their children cooked dirt/soil.

After learning about the dirt cookies, I try really hard not to feel guilty each time that I eat some food just thinking about the idea that there are people (including children) who eat dirt because they are driven by starvation, that is a terrible thing to think about. The more I read about Haiti the more I shook my head in disbelief because I thought I knew and understood but apparently I did not have even the slightest idea.

Id like to think that the earthquake has now brought the much needed attention to the plight of Haiti (and yes there are several nations in the world who are just as crippled by poverty and economic struggle), but I think that given the circumstance and timing of the catastrophe in Haiti, they might just get back up and re- build their nation and this time around it may be a turning point for all Haitians. Hopefully they can finally have a chance at life, happiness, growth and progress for all.

In the mean time, send healing to HAITI and whenever possible give (donate) in whatever way you can.  Spend about 60 seconds (1 minute) everyday and just focus your intention on healing Haiti. Positive thoughts will make a difference in ways you cannot imagine.

QUESTION: How come the African continent never attempts to offer any form of humanitarian assistance/disaster relief/ aid? The only country that sent a search and rescue crew from the African continent was South Africa (and if I there was another African nation helping in Haiti then I have mad respect for them).  This was just a thought that crossed my mind, how we almost always expect some kind of help whenever we face challenges but never offer our assistance to others in need. 

Peace & Blessings,
Lo Nyambok

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