Witnessing the impact of the devastation in Haiti

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Courtney and I flew to Haiti today. It is truly remarkable that less than eight months ago a 7.0 earthquake devastated this country. We have remained in close contact with our friends and partners in Haiti, but it is hard to imagine what we will encounter when we arrive. We are anxious to see old friends and visit the students at the school with whom we've been working for over five years. We look forward to stopping by the relief centers that have been distributing our soy-enhanced soup mixes generously provided by the Illinois Soybean Association through Illinois checkoff dollars.

We land in Port-au-Prince and we are in awe. There is so much still in ruins. Haiti is a testament to mankind's resilience. Tent cities are everywhere right next to the mounds of rubble. So much challenge remains, but the spirit of the Haitian people is omnipotent.

We start our time here with a meeting with Dr. Marhonne from the State University of Haiti. Dr. Marhonne is also a leader in the Ministry of Health for the government of Haiti. We discuss the progress since the quake as well as current activity on campus. Dr. Marhonne was interested in knowing about the work of NSRL and WISHH over the past five years. We discuss future opportunities where we can work together.

As the night grew late, a thunderstorm rolled through and cooled the night air. We contemplate how the menacing storm must sound to the people living in the tents.

The rain continues, but has slowed as our thoughts drift towards tomorrow as we contemplate the challenges and opportunities to incorporate soy into the diets of Haitians.

Regards,

Bridget