Rebecca Hofer's first visit to Haiti in the summer of 2010 left an indelible mark on her. The experience was so profound that she decided to return to the island nation in May. This article delves into her journey, the challenges faced by Haitians, and her unique way of contributing to their welfare through her art.
Rebecca Hofer arrived in Port-au-Prince nearly six months after the devastating earthquake of January 2010. The city was still reeling from the disaster, and the living conditions were dire. Despite international aid, the situation had not improved significantly.
Upon arrival, Hofer was met with scenes of destruction. Piles of rubble lined the streets, and makeshift tents served as homes for hundreds of thousands of Haitians. The sanitation system was virtually non-existent, with open ditches serving as sewers. In these tent cities, it was common for over 1,000 people to share a single portable toilet.
Hofer and her father, Stuart Pederson from Nebraska, volunteered at an orphanage catering to children aged 2 to 18. The orphanage, at full capacity with 50 children, had to turn away many orphans due to lack of space. This harrowing environment inspired Pederson to make regular trips back to the orphanage over the past two years.
While some progress has been made, the living conditions in Haiti remain challenging. Many people still live in tents, some out of fear that concrete structures might collapse again. Access to clean water is limited, and even visitors like Hofer need to use purified water for basic activities like brushing their teeth.
Despite the hardships, there were moments of joy. The children at the orphanage warmly welcomed Hofer, often asking for piggy-back rides and hugs. The English-speaking host family went out of their way to make their American guests feel at home, even cooking spaghetti on one occasion.
The deep need of Haitians and their affable nature inspired Hofer to spend nearly 500 hours painting. She has created 41 paintings, which she plans to sell and auction on April 21 at the Historic Church on the Tabor College campus. Some of these paintings depict the smiling faces of the children from the orphanage.
Hofer expects to sell the larger pieces for several thousand dollars, while smaller pieces may go for as little as $20. The funds raised will support her trip and the orphanage in Haiti. "Twenty dollars goes a long way in Haiti," Hofer said. "It can provide food or clean drinking water."
Even if no paintings are sold, the Hofers will be in Port-au-Prince three days after the end of the Marion Elementary School year. This will be Roman's first trip, and he plans to help build apartments for older children who have outgrown the orphanage. Hofer will teach a cake decorating class to adult women, providing them with a marketable skill. She also hopes to teach a painting class to the children at the orphanage.
"We just hope we can help and share the love of God when we’re over there," Hofer said.
Rebecca Hofer's journey to Haiti is a testament to the power of compassion and creativity. Through her art, she aims to make a tangible difference in the lives of Haitians, proving that even small contributions can have a significant impact.
This article highlights the ongoing challenges in Haiti and the efforts of individuals like Rebecca Hofer to make a difference. For more information on how you can help, visit UNICEF or World Bank.
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