Looking Back At Haiti’s Earthquake
In 2010, Haiti’s landscape would be changed forever. The devastating earthquake that rocked the country to its core eventually killed more than 316,000 people, left 1.5 million homeless and another 1.5 million injured. This week is the 10-year anniversary of the event that changed the lives of the people of Haiti as well as impacted the lives of millions around the world.
I was in Ventura, California, in 2010, attending college, when I got an email from a friend asking me if I would like to go to Haiti again to help out. Even though the earthquake was so horrendous, I was deep in student mode and hadn’t made any plans to go help, yet. Why would I go, you ask? There are a few things I need to tell you about me and Haiti.
Why Am I Involved With Haiti?
In 1984, I lived in Haiti for two years as a Mormon missionary. Thirteen years after my mission, in 1999, I was living in South Carolina and made the decision to visit Haiti while I was on the East Coast. But I didn’t want to go as a tourist, even though there are many beautiful things to see and experience in Haiti. I also didn’t want to do another religious mission there. I wanted to do something to help Haiti and get nothing in return.
