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Remembering the 2010 Earthquake in Haiti

bryan@bmeyers.net (Bryan Meyers) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 03:39:19 +0000

This blog is dedicated to remembering the earthquake which occurred in Haiti on January 12, 2010. My name is Bryan Meyers. I was present in Port-au-Prince at the time of the quake, and escaped certain death only by the grace of God and a two minute delay in heavy traffic.

The blog has no commercial purpose. Many people have asked me about my experience, and this is my way of telling the story.

I would encourage you to donate money to some of the reputable aid funds that can help Haiti. I can personally recommend Haitian Island Ministries, a long-time "boots on the ground" mission providing medical help, feeding programs, and schools in Haiti since 1994. I can personally vouch for the effectiveness and efficiency of this organization getting direct help to the people who need it most, with little or no overhead. (Full disclosure: I maintain their website on a volunteer basis.)

Thanks for visiting. And pray for Haiti.

Bryan's Haiti Earthquake Journal

bryan@bmeyers.net (Bryan Meyers) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 03:54:07 +0000

SAFE!! I'm on my way home after the earthquake in Haiti. I kept a journal while the whole event was happening, and I'd like to share it with you. I know many of you have been concerned and praying for my safety. I felt your prayers and appreciate especially your prayers and help that you gave to Sandy. Anyway, here's the journal:

A Prayer for Haiti

bryan@bmeyers.net (Bryan Meyers) — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 15:42:59 +0000

Lord, I just want to say THANK YOU, because this morning I woke up and knew where my children were. Because this morning my home was still standing, because this morning I am not crying because my husband, my child, my brother or sister needs to be buried out from underneath a pile of concrete, because this morning I was able to drink a glass of water, because this morning I was able to turn on the light, because this morning I was able to take a shower, because this morning I was not planning a funeral.

One Year Later

bryan@bmeyers.net (Bryan Meyers) — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 14:45:34 +0000

A year ago today (4:53 PM Eastern time), the earthquake shook Haiti, killing 300,000 people and leaving a million homeless. In a year, not much has changed for the people of Haiti. A million people are still living in tents, cholera is rampant, and babies are still dying of starvation.

But for me, today is a day of thanks. On an intellectual level many of us know, through faith, that we have been saved by the grace of God. But how many of us can say that on a physical level? A year ago, that's exactly what happened to me.

Last week, I read a new book, "Unshaken" by Dan Woolley. Dan was literally two minutes ahead of me, inside the Hotel Montana's lobby when the earthquake struck. Had it not been for slow traffic, he and I would probably have been in the lobby together at the time. His tale of survival for 65 hours in the rubble of the hotel struck very close to home. If you're interested in more details, you may click on the book cover at the right.

Last night, while I was lying awake in bed, I was reminded of an old hymn that echoes my feelings today:

Thank you, Lord, for saving my soul.
Thank you, Lord, for making me whole.
Thank you, Lord, for giving to me
Thy great salvation so rich and free.

Pray for the people of Haiti.

A Word About Haitian Island Ministries

bryan@bmeyers.net (Bryan Meyers) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 22:06:08 +0000

When I was in the US Embassy in Port-au-Prince, I met Steve Smith (the physician's assistant I mention in my journal). Steve first came to Haiti in 1994, and was so moved by the experience that he and his family started Haitian Island Ministries. Steve has been coming to Haiti regularly ever since and his organization has helped organize six churches and five schools in the villages of Haiti.

Thank you, Bag of Crap!

bryan@bmeyers.net (Bryan Meyers) — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 21:00:38 +0000

Matt Rutledge, founder and CEO of Woot.com, a deal-a-day site famous for their "Bag of Crap" grab bag offers, has pledged a $10,000 donation to Food for the Poor (along with donations to the Clinton-Bush Haiti Fund and various employee directed efforts) . I'm sure they'll be thrilled.

I had mentioned Woot in my journal, and sent them a note about it. Mr. Rutledge's response was overwhelming. To all the people at Woot, you just made my day! Thank you very much for donating to a great cause.