Missionary's Perspective of Haiti : Part Two

When Laura Metzler told me of her future journey to St. Marc Haiti in 2008 to teach English at Liberty Academy, a YWAM school, I was apprehensive. My first cousin had just returned from teaching a mission school Port-au-Prince, and I was unsure how Laura would handle the experience. Looking back now I can see how enriched she has become by the experience and she says that she has been "blessed by their friendship." Laura happily accepted to answer a few questions about Haiti and what she believes may happen to the Haitian people following this horrific earthquake.

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

Laura Metzler: The Haitian people are very strong - mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Due to the many hardships they face in their daily living, whether it be a lack of opportunity, lack of food, lack of general hygiene ... these people are true survivors. They do not need 'things' to make them happy. They can push through almost any difficulty and find the silver lining behind every cloud. Because of the great poverty (of physical resources) in this nation, the people are used to living day to day, and not very experienced in planning for the future. This leads to a reactionary way of life, which could make it very challenging in the weeks and months to come, as the rebuilding process will take much time. But I also believe that the strength and indomitable spirit of these people is equal to the task.

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?

Metzler: This is my greatest concern in these weeks after the earthquake in Port-au-Prince. I was living in Haiti during the time of the hurricane season in 2008. Hurricane Hanna, in particular, wreaked havoc in the city of Saint Marc, and our neighbors to the north in Gonaives. But we saw very little aid coming from the government. And I know that many relief agencies and church organizations were sending it in. The Haitian government will need a great deal of accountability in this process of dispersing funds to meet the needs of the people. I also believe it is vitally important to engage local mission and relief organizations in this process,as they have been ministering to the real needs of the Haitian people for decades.

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

Metzler: I have so much hope for the future of Haiti - hope for a new identity for the Haitian people; hope for a government that is free of corruption and that will fight for the good of ALL its people; hope that Haiti will no longer be ignored by the world; and hope that God can rebuild this nation on a new Solid foundation. I have been so encouraged to hear stories of hope from the Haitian people themselves, even in the wake of this tragedy. Stories of women that were buried alive for over a week, and after being pulled out of the rubble, are singing praises to God. Stories of families in Jacmel that spend night after night camped out in the airport, worshiping God and praying together, just thankful to be alive. I have many friends in Haiti who are in their early and mid-twenties, and they are so eager to see what kind of change this earthquake will bring to their nation. They have been praying for a new Haiti for several years now, and finally, they see the an opportunity for this to happen. Their hope is contagious!

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

Metzler: The Haitian people have faced one tragedy after another, from dysfunctional relationships and poverty,to floods and famine. But I have never seen them respond with such determination and hope. The usual response has been one of helplessness and apathy. It was just another strike against them in the unfair game of life. But this tragedy has been like no other - both in the scope of the tragedy and the potential for change.

Thanks to Laura Metzler of Lancaster, Pa for giving me a bit of insight into the people of Haiti and the challenges they face ahead.