Missionary's Perspective of Haiti

Melanie Eliacin is a fomer missionary teacher who spent over a year in Port-au-Prince Haiti where she met her husband, Ysmaille. They now reside in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania and Melanie was happy to give me some of her thoughts on the Haitian people and her experiences in regard to the aftermath of this tragic earthquake.

B.L. Boitson: What are your thoughts on Haitian culture and how they can and will handle this tragedy?

Melanie Eliacin: Haitians are used to difficulty. Haiti is the first black republic in the world so struggle is not new to them. They are a resilent people and have a strong faith. I asked Ysmaille what he thought about them handling this tragedy and he didn't know how they would be able to handle it because nothing of this magnitude has happened before.

Boitson: Do you think, in what you have experienced with the Haitian political spectrum, that the Haitian government can properly handle the funds being sent their way to do right by their citizens?

Eliacin: Unfortunately the Haitian government doesn't appear to be organized. With communication systems down I see it being a difficult road ahead for them to effectively get relief to their citizens. I think we will probably see a presence of the U.S. military in Haiti for months (and possibly years) to come.

Boitson: What are you hopes for the possibilities that will come out of this tragedy for change in Haiti?

Eliacin: In the same way foundations have been shaken in the natural all over the country, I see it as a metaphor for what is happening with the political and religious system in the nation. My hope is that this is a new start for the nation

Boitson: How have you witnessed Haitian citizens reactions to tragedies previously to the earthquake?

Eliacin: As Ysmaille stated previously we've never seen anything like this before. Haitians have a history of a long struggle with dictators, natural disasters, immense poverty, etc. and somehow they always rise above. I predict that they'll come out on the other side of this disaster even stronger, but it is going to take time.

Eliacin states that she "loved (her) time in Haiti." She applauds the Haitians ability to be welcoming in any way possible even with their meager funds. Their acceptance of her as an American was superb, and they give and love in all ways possible. Melanie continues to await word from all of her friends and family, and is blessed to have heard of survival amongst some of her friends.