"It was a profound experience.”

“I have been exposed to poverty in previous world travels," says Mike Miller, regional director, resource development-US Midwest, who joined MEDA in November. “I have seen the level of poverty in Haiti elsewhere.

"But this trip was different: l was travelling with a purpose, my work with MEDA, and I experienced it at an intimate level - meeting real people in their homes.

"Clients of Fonkoze, MEDA's microfinance partner in Haiti, made a big impact on me. I especially enjoyed meeting small business clients like Noberta Sainta [see Allan Sauder's story above] and heard the stories of women whose lives have been changed by their relationship with Fonkoze."

What's changed? “Clients report everything is different: They have pride in their accomplishments, their children are able to attend school and they have new hope and optimism. One woman is enjoying freedom from loan sharks – the only source of credit in many remote communities.

"When I asked Fonkoze CEO Anne Hastings how in the face of devastation we still saw optimism and hope, she said progress in Haiti is tangible and easy to measure – the security of a modest house that provides protection from the elements, running water – so you can see incremental change regularly. It gives excitement and hope.

“This is the ‘why’ of everything we do – transform lives. It was a profound experience.”