“I was warmed by the huge smiles and many thank yous"

Rachel Yordy, a former intern who recently joined MEDA staff as financial services project coordinator, reports things have changed tremendously" since 2003, when she last visited Haiti to volunteer at an orphanage.

"There are still many tent cities scattered around Port au Prince and other areas hard hit by the earthquake. Before arriving, I had a negative impression about the lack of progress as reported by media marking one year since the earthquake.

"But I saw lots of energy and activity; I was buoyed by Haitians' amazing resilience – their smiles and celebrations of life – and the real progress being made – in spite of the scale of destruction.”

Rachel visited the Fondwa and Cabaret areas about 1-2 hours from Port au Prince where MEDA is working with Mennonite Central Committee to repair and rebuild homes for Fonkoze clients. Local masons and carpenters are learning how to build earthquake and hurricane-resistant structures.

"It takes time to build momentum, but good teams are now trained and picking up speed. The home designs are based on local architectural styles using local resources. They are in keeping with what people had before, but safer and more durable.

"With the security of shelter, people get on with their lives. For families who have been living in tents, this is a great step forward. Since most families have at least five members living together, each home built has a big impact.

"I was warmed by the huge smiles and many ‘thank yous’ of the people I met. They are very grateful.”