Annaika was born to Denise just weeks before the January 12, 2020 earthquake in Haiti. During that horrid 30 seconds that shook each of us to our core, they were both buried under the rubble of that which was once their home. Pinned under a bed frame, they were both severely injured and unable to move for days. A search and rescue team of foreigners that came to Haiti to help found them and dug them out.
They were thankful to be alive, but in need of medical attention. Amid the chaos and trauma of those days and weeks following the EQ, they were moved to multiple locations where Annaika’s arm was amputated due to infection and Denise’s foot and ankle were left weak and disabled. Needing a place to recover and restart life, they found themselves with us in Cazale after being referred by another organization.
They lived in a tent in the Moise’s yard (along with 43 others that passed through for treatment and additional needs) for about 5 months, receiving medical care, food, physical therapy, encouragement, rest, and peace. Despite the difficulties, they healed together and bonded well.
Generous donors supplied funds to build 2 rooms of a home that was built on a piece of land that her aunt owned and allowed her to have. She and her daughter had been through so much and it was a blessing to them to be able to have a stable home to live in. RHFH was also able to provide all the furnishings for the home as well. They were able to start off their new life together in a much better position and were extremely thankful. We could give them some tools to start off right, but it was up to Mama Denise to make them a family and to raise her daughter well.
Annaika and her mom would visit RHFH about once a year to check in and see how we were all doing. Annaika’s mom was worried about starting her in school with just one arm. In the past, many students with a disability had not been accepted into schools; but, with the large number of injuries during the earthquake, society had to adapt to include everyone. We encouraged her to search for a school for her. She found one that would start her off with the required 3 years of kindergarten. RHFH was able to help her with her schooling fees and supplies. She has a sponsor now that pays for her school. This takes a huge burden off her mom and she can then concentrate funds on her small business to provide food and other supplies for them.
The last photo was taken in October 2020. Isn’t Annaika growing into a lovely lady?! She is 11 years old now and she is happy that schools have started back up again here in Haiti after being closed due to the COVID-19. She is starting 6th grade this year, which is a big year here in Haiti because she will have her first big national test. Her favorite colors are pink and white. She helps her mom at the house by folding clothes and sweeping. Her favorite food is rice and chicken. She enjoys Math and French in school.
Though the EQ caused much pain and heartache, many Haitians remained resilient in the face of what would cause some to collapse in fear and dread. Life isn’t fair and we wish that terrible day had never happened. Even though bad times come, we won’t allow them to destroy our spirits. Our hope is in God.
And so we remember…..
…those loved ones we lost
…the sadness of our “normal” changed forever
…the millions of lives affected in a moment
…the fear of uncertainty and desperation
…the loss of homes, businesses, and property
…those from over the whole world that sacrificed to help
…the love and prayers that were sent to Haiti
…the generosity of a neighbor
…the hope of a child’s future when supported by caring people
…the way God moved in hearts and lives of so many people in the midst of confusion and chaos
…that God will always take care of us and provide
…that the promises in the Bible are true
…that God is faithful and worthy of praise.
What do you remember from the earthquake 11 years ago? How have you allowed God to shape your heart, turning ashes into beauty? Tell us your story in a comment or email us at info at realhopeforhaiti dot org.