Usually I blog about what’s luxurious in weddings but today I have to put that aside for a moment to write about the devastated earthquake in my home country of Haiti. If you know me on a personal level, you know that I am a VERY PROUD HAITIAN! For those of of you whom don’t know me on that level, I was born in Jeremie Haiti which is a very small Provence outside Port-Au-Prince in Haiti. I was just about 8 years old when I left Haiti and moved to Brooklyn New York and I now reside in Atlanta. On Tuesday, January 12th at 5:00pm, a neighbor of mine called me to ask if I was OK because he saw that Haiti was hit my a major earthquake. I rushed home and CNN was all over it. I broke down when I noticed all the buildings were crumbled on top of another and my people were in peril. For two days, we could not communicate with any of our family members in Haiti and that was the most difficult days of our lives not knowing if one of those dead bodies we saw on TV belonged to us.
Over the past few days, I’ve heard several disturbing comments being made about these amazing people. If you don’t know a Haitian on a personal level, I would strongly suggest that you take a moment to get to know one. If you know anyone that are friends with Haitians, ask them about these Haitians. You’ll learn that Haitians are not by any means lazy. To the contrary, Haitians are extremely hard working people. Haitians will easily work 3-4 jobs, 7 days a week and most of that paycheck will not sit in a nice bank account collecting interest and instead, they will send the money to their loved ones back home to take care of the ones they left behind.
Haitians are strong and are descended from an outstanding pedigree. Haitians are very proud people. We take pride in the way we look, in the way we present ourselves to the world. In the news, you will see that a lot of them live in the poorest conditions under tiny little shacks. I promise you, those tiny little shacks are cared for as though they were million dollar homes while inspiring to move up to a better situation. Haitians are loyal people and we love having people around us. We’ll bend over backwards to help a friend in need and will move heaven and earth for our loved ones. We are every religious people with good hearts. Just like any other country we have our bad sides as well but digging those bad things up in a time when they’re down on their knees, questioning why these things happen, when they’re surrounded by dead bodies is not warranted.
Yes, this is a third world country with some of the worst living conditions but Haiti is not by any means only what you see in TV. Yes, a lot of the people cannot read but we have Haitians that are Lawyers, Doctors, Engineers, Chefs, Teachers, Coaches, Mayors, Activists and more. Haitians go on vacations to other countries, we believe strongly in education and we begin teaching our children and putting in their minds that not going to college is not an option for them. On TV you only get to see the poorest of the poor but they are Haitians whom resides in million dollar homes. Homes that we, here in America would be proud to call home. Homes that when I have a chance to go back to visit I find it hard to leave behind.
I beg of you, I plead with you, if you’re able to donate more; please do so. If you have clothing, shoes, blankets, water, medicine, non-perishable food items please feel donate them and a very deserving, needy person in this amazing country will bless your name and so many more blessing will come from the highest of highest power of all; Our amazing heavenly father. Please visit these agencies to donate or feel free to call me on my cell phone if you’re local in Atlanta and I’ll pick up some of the items mentioned above and deliver them to Hosea Feed The Hungry. You can also Pray, have hope and send positive energy to them. You can also make a monetary donation, to a 501 c(3) such as Red Cross or Yele Haiti via your cell phone by to text. Red Cross: Text “HAITI” to 90999 to donate $10 to relief efforts in Haiti. Yele Haiti: Text “Yele” to 510 510 and donate $5 toward earthquake relief.
I am so eternally grateful to Anderson Cooper and to CNN whom arrived within 24 hours and have given 24 hours, over the clock coverage to this tiny, Third World Country. I’m so thankful to our President Obama for not listening to the politics behind the scene and taking action to help Haiti. I’m also so grateful for all the countries that are pouring in and sending money to this country as we, whom are trying to send money to our loved ones are unable to because they have no way of getting it. I’m so thankful for all the unthinkable supports I’ve received from my peers, and friends in Atlanta for standing behind me and for donating to the Red Cross Haiti Fund.
Below is a picture that had so much meaning in my life as my father was very deep in the government and my little brother and I often visited this magical place, celebrated Christmas and had dinner at this amazing place. This place the was The Palace, otherwise known as the White House. To see the before and after picture is remarkably difficult for me because my father passed in 2001 and whenever I use to see The Palace, it always brought me amazing memories of time spent with my father. Now, The Palace is gone and that truly, truly breaks my heart.
I thank you for allowing me to post my thoughts and know that I’m grateful for you and for taking the time to read this.
Many blessings,
Violaine Diogene
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3 Comments so far
Violaine, I’ve been reading your posts since August 2009 and this post truly touches my heart and soul! I am so very sorry to hear of all the things happening to your beloved country at the moment. I do know a few Haitians and you guys are the best and strongest people I know. One of my very closest friends is Haitian and all the things that she’s gone through in her life, I don’t know how she’s survived and remain so pleasant. You are an amazing person and thank you for teaching those whom judges without cause. I really appreciate this post you’ve written and I’m going to send you a private email with my information for us to meet so that I can donate some things to you.
I was going thru my business cards and came across your’s. We met at blogalicious in Atlanta. I am very sorry for the turmoil you are personally going through right now with your home country of Haiti. It is very sad what has happened, and I too am moved at the heart by the destruction the Haitians are experiencing. I hope your loved ones are safe.
V, it’s M.A. You did my wedding last year and Katie told me about this post and I wanted to tell you how incredibly sorry I am for all your people in Haiti are having to endure right now. I am so proud of you for writing this and for educating the people that are judging base on what they see in the media. You are one of the nicest and most genuine person I’ve ever met and I’ve met a lot of people. I know you’ll do amazing things for the people of Haiti as I see all your posts and tweets. Stay strong and stay encourage. I know we’ve donated some money to the red cross but we’ll make sure to send some more on your behalf. Know that you are loved.
M.A