Haiti: I Chose to Stay
Photos of the suffering in Haiti are inescapable. For Curt & Michelle Friesen of Okotoks, Alberta the images are personal. Their daughter Jessica, 18, flew to Haiti to volunteer at an orphanage the day before an earthquake rocked the impoverished nation.
First things first, Jessica is safe. Amazingly, she was able to phone her parents on January 12th about 40 minutes after the quake hit. They heard from her before they saw the news. Once the call was over they turned on CNN and were shocked by what they saw. Internet connections are still working at the orphanage and the Friesens have been able to talk to their daughter most days.
In an article for the Calgary Sun, Jessica described her experience of the quake saying:
“We were up [on] the balcony, and it felt like we were going to be flung off — it was really scary. I was in the middle of the floor and I couldn’t grab onto anything — I felt so unsteady and it felt like the house was going to collapse, because it was moving back and forth, back and forth.”
When the shaking stopped every dish in the kitchen was broken but the orphanage remained standing. Jessica could see the dust on the hills as houses collapsed all around them. The adults were silent, the children, terrified. The orphanage – God’s Littlest Angels – is walled and secure for the time being, but there is some concern over safety as desperation moves people out of the capital in search of food and water.
Jessica also wrote about her experience on her blog:
So much weighs on my heart right now. I have spent two days witnessing a grief that is not my own, yet a grief so horrific and heartbreaking that you cannot help but cry along. The stories I have heard and the pictures I have seen are just devastating. They say blood runs down the streets of Port Au Prince into the gutters.
For me, its just beyond heart-wrenching to think that this happened to an already impoverished nation. I remember my ride here, taking in the streets and how little people lived on, and in less than a minute that little became nothing. Everything they had lies flattened and crumbled, even dead beneath the rubble. I can’t wrap my head or my heart around it.
Who would choose to stay?
It was a big decision to go to Haiti, but the greater challenge now is Jessica’s decision to stay. Several times over the past few days she has been offered a way out and each time she has chosen to remain in Haiti.
When I spoke to Jessica’s mom, Michele, I asked he why her daughter decided to stay in Haiti when she had the chance to be evacuated. She told me that Jessica said simply “they need so much help right now” and that she never really considered walking away. One night they were told that there were seven seats available on a flight out. Six volunteers packed their bags.
In a post on her blog on Wednesday Jessica wrote, “I understand their choice to return home, I will not pretend I haven’t wished I was at home a million times throughout this week. But when they woke us up late last night and gave us the chance to leave on a plane in the morning, I had such peace about staying.”
It would be easy to sit here in my nice, warm house and chide those who decided to go, but that would be unbelievably unfair. Until I have walked the ruined streets, seen it and smelled it and wept for it, I cannot judge. Fear and exhaustion are perfectly normal responses to a crisis like this. I hope that each of these volunteers gets the help they will need to process their experiences.
What comes next for Haiti?
What comes next is a complicated question. For Jessica and thousands of others like her in Haiti right now the answer seems to be to fix what’s right in front of you, to hold on to what is within reach. Aid is reaching Haiti but because so much of the infrastructure has been destroyed the pace is slower than all those involved would like.
Where is God when bad things happen?
Several countries have established humanitarian parole, allowing children who’s adoptions have been completed to leave the country right away. Close to a hundred children from God’s Littlest Angels are on their way home to their forever families. The orphanage expects an influx of new children needing care in the day ahead.
Originally Jessica was supposed to help the kids with developmental care. These days, she spends most of her time just holding the children, hugging and comforting them as best she can. Water is scarce so bathing is limited. Jessica told her mom that even though she’s stinky and greasy she has children running into her arms at all times.
Just the other day 15 children swarmed her all at once, almost knocking her over with their love. Talking to her mom, Jessica wondered “what if I run out of love?” It seems there’s little danger of that happening.
You can use the comments below to send a message of hope to Jessica and all of the staff and volunteers at God’s Littlest Angels.
Tags: crisis, earthquake, Haiti, Jessica Friesen, orphanage, World
13 Responses to “Haiti: I Chose to Stay”
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Hi Jessica,
I am very much awed by the strength God has given u to stay on in such a situation. I really appreciate your commitment. May the love of God strengthen u much more to give your love to the needy. I very much wish i had that kind of opportunity. God bless u
Jessica,
What an incredible story, after reading this I’ll certainly be following your blog. You are in my prayers, may God give you much peace and perseverance and fill your precious heart with love. What a wonderful hope you are giving to those children
May God bless you always
Jessica,
what a brave girl you are!
we living in India can identify with your situation
there ..but so few of us would choose to work in that situation..your life will continue to bless many little ones ..you fill us with hope ..
Jessica,
My heart is awed by the power of your great compassion. May God bless everyone at God’s Littlest Angels so they may continue to bless others. You are hope.
Jessica,
Although I do not know you personally, I want you to know that I admire your strength and choice to stay. What a remarkable young woman you are. I was in Haiti years ago and I can’t imagine what you are seeing right now. Keep the faith and know that the world is sending help, prayer and aid.
Hi Jessica, I am your fathers aunt in Wildwood AB. You may remember being here with your aunt Yvonne a few years ago. Anyway we are proud of your decision to stay and help when help is most needed, may God richly bless you. Our love and prayers are with you
Jessica, God bless you and all those who have chosen to remain when given the opportunity to leave. God continue to strengthen you, and give you the wherewithall needed to help those in such desperate straights. May God return to you abundantly, 30, 60, 100 fold of the fruit of your labors, and use you mightily to bring Glory and Honor to His Name. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Jessica. Keep your blog on share please this way you can keep everyone aware of the needs in the area and for the children. If you have an address post it also as soon as the mail is delivered again. I’m checking for ideas of food you can find growing ect. in the area.
Jessica. For water get the largest cleanest containers you can find cover them tie a sheet, tight to the top of the container place a small quarter size rock in the middle. leave it out side check them each day will be collecting the dew in the mornings but this will help you and the children to have some drinking water. If it rains collect as much as you can. Boil if you need to. God will provide you the love you require. Tell the kids and staff the world is sending HELP! Praying for all
Jessica,
You are an example to the whole world of Christ-like unselfish love for others. God strengthen you and renew your mind daily.
Hi Jessica & all in Haiti:
We have been following your blog from St. George UT.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May our God continue to give you all the strength, & love that you need for each little one. We love you. Blessing beyond measure,
Ev & Bruce
Jessica, perhaps, like Esther, you have been called for such a time as this. He who has called you is with you and is faithful. You, and all of the staff and volunteers, are a beacon of hope, and you are making the difference those beautiful children need right now. May the God of all hope strengthen you and keep you safe, and help you to let his love flow through you, so you will not run out of love. Amen.
Watched a tv segment last night about God’s Littlest Angels. Our hearts are heavy for all who are working with these precious babies and children.