a massive earthquake ripped through Haiti, leaving a trail of inconceivable loss with hundreds of thousands of people dead and a million more displaced and homeless. A friend here told me, “The earthquake was not our wake up call, it was one of the most visceral experiences we survived.” Today in Cormier, the community is preparing to celebrate their survival. We are getting ready for a commemoration to honor those that passed in the earthquake, offering ceremony to those who Spirits whose final rites of passage was interrupted by the chaos of massive devastation. And to celebrate the resiliency of those who made it through– still breathing, still living, still laughing, still loving. The past 3 days have been filled with healing through a holistic wellness clinic, arts and culture activities, and skill shares for sustainable and self-reliant rebuilding. Today participants will have the chance to share what has come out of our time together- drumming, dancing, performing poetry, creating songs. We look forward to this demonstration of creativity arising from the aftermath of widespread destruction. Please join with us in a moment of silence at 4:53 p.m. in homage to those lives lost and changed forever. And affirm the at indomitable truth: Ayiti is rising!