Dear Jay Price,

I would like to COMMEND you for your articles on Haiti.
http://www.newsobserver.com/news/story/1235227.html
http://www.newsobserver.com/nation_world/story/1235088.html

As a full-time, state-side based mission co-worker for the
Presbyterian Church, USA whose region of appointment is Haiti, let me
say, your accurate and timely portrayals of life in Haiti are
appreciated. The articles on reforestation and the numbers of North
Carolinians working along side our Haitian brothers and sisters shine
a light on Haiti that is not the media-norm.
You have shown Haiti in a light of hope and reflecting a sense of
dignity rather than an otherwise overly sensationalized situation.
When natural disasters hit Haiti, usually only the starving, mud-
caked children or food riots showing razor-wire protected UN forces
seem to be highlighted. The cameras come and they go away. People are
left with the feeling that Haiti is a never changing and unchangeable
situation of need.
The situation in Haiti IS DIRE, to say the least. How Haiti came to
be in this condition has a great deal to do with actions of foreign
intervention and exploitation.
I encourage you not to stop your coverage of Haiti with these
articles. Please look more deeply into the history and the potential
of this underrated and under-respected country.
I would be pleased to help you to continue to educate your readers. A
few sites I would recommend are those of another co-worker living in
Haiti, Mark Hare. http://www.pcusa.org/missionconnections/profiles/
harem.htm
http://www.pcusa.org/missionconnections/letters/harem/harem_0809.htm
Additionally an article posted on the pcusa.org website:
https://www.pcusa.org/pda/response/latinamerica/haiti-
hurricanes091008.htm
Yet another article written by a North Carolinian: Gwen Whiteman is
Director of Young Children’s Ministry at White Memorial Presbyterian
Church in Raleigh, NC. She is a frequent traveler to Haiti. http://
www.pcusa.org/pcnews/2008/08684.htm

May I say that Presbyterians may not be in the front row, waving
their denominational flag. HOWEVER, we are there for hurting peoples
around the world and there for THE LONG HAUL of healing, recovery and
witness of the love of Jesus Christ.
http://www.pcusa.org/worldwide/get-involved/partnership.htm


Grace and peace to you,



Pix Mahler
pix@...
http://www.pcusa.org/missionconnections/profiles/mahlerp.htm
Regional Liaison for Haiti
PCUSA Haiti Partnership Facilitator
Lynchburg, VA
434-385-9486

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