People. Not Statistics.
It’s been my habit for years to search out news on Haiti on a daily basis. These days, however, there’s no need to search, as Haiti is a leading story with most mainstream American media outlets.
These news stories give many statistics. Here are just a few I’ve read recently.
“Whoever has been able to grab power has been able to control what happens to Haiti’s 11.7 million people.”
”Violence has displaced more than 300,000 people.”
“Nearly 4,000 inmates fled Haiti's main prison.”
“About 1.4 million Haitians are on the verge of famine, and more than 4 million require food aid, sometimes eating only once a day or nothing at all.”
“The U.S. Agency for International Development said that around 5.5 million people in Haiti — nearly half the population — need humanitarian aid.”
“80 percent of Port-au-Prince is currently controlled by gangs, according to UN estimates.”
I am reminded of a quote from More or Less: Choosing a Lifestyle of Excessive Generosity by Jeff Shinabarger:
“Statistics are one thing, but friends are another. Numbers may challenge your mind, but faces will soften your heart. And names will stick with you over time.”
These are the hands of some of the young men at CERMICOL we know and love. They are not statistics.
This is my friend, Anora, who has lived more than 80 years. He has seen many things in his lifetime, and he is a gentle, wise soul.
He is not a statistic.
This is my friend, Soiris. He works in the street and has the best smile. He has taught me a great deal about human dignity and the way a community can transform someone’s life.
Soiris is not a statistic.
This is Hudson. There aren’t many photos of Hudson because he’s always taking photos of the rest of us. Hudson is a phenomenal photographer, and he’s been a faithful friends for many years.
Hudson is not a statistic.
Judely and Jerry are best friends and always full of joy. They are sponsored by two of my family members, so I always try to take a photo with them when I am in Haiti.
They are not statistics.
This is Yvenson. When I get a hug from Yvenson, I know I have been hugged. His hugs are the best.
Yvenson is not a statistic.
This is my friend, Billy J. It always makes me happy to see him at the airport.
Billy J is not a statistic.
This is Handy. He is the one who brought us all together after we met in July 2013.
Handy is not a statistic.
This is Esther Joy, and she is pure joy. Her mom is one of my favorite Haitians.
Esther Joy is not a statistic.
This is JV. He is an inmate at CERMICOL, and he is precious to me.
JV is not a statistic.
And our circle at Haiti Awake includes
many, many more.
People. Not statistics.
