Two Significant Milestone

Haiti recently passed two significant milestones, one of celebration and one of solemn remembrance.

January 1 was both New Year's Day and Haitian Independence Day. In 1804, Haiti won independence from France and became the first black republic to achieve this feat. Haitians fought long and hard for their freedom and celebrated by eating soup joumou (pumpkin soup). This was a dish that the French would never allow the Haitians to have. Haitians all over Haiti and the world still eat soup joumou each year to celebrate their freedom as a country. These days, many areas of the country no longer feel free and liberated; we are praying that 2025 will bring peace to all of Haiti and that the spirit of soup joumou can live again.

January 12 "marks 15 years since the devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti at 4:53 PM, claiming over 250,000 lives and leaving 1.5 million homeless. On this solemn day, we remember those we lost and stand with the survivors whose lives were forever changed. Your strength and resilience in the face of unimaginable tragedy continue to inspire us all.

This day powerfully reminds us of our nation's immense pain and enduring hope and spirit. Haiti’s strength lies in its people, who continue to rise despite all odds.

However, even as we honor this resilience, we must acknowledge our country's ongoing challenges. We wish the situation were different and that Haiti’s road to recovery had been smoother. The current instability and struggles within the country are heartbreaking, and our hearts go out to those still suffering. We stand together, hoping for a brighter future where the pain of the past no longer weighs on our people and where Haiti’s promise is fully realized.

We honor your courage, remember the lives lost, and pledge that Haiti's spirit will never be forgotten."

[Shared from www.lunionsuite.com]