"Good Friday", April 2nd, 2010, was the Friday before "Easter Sunday", a religious holiday. It was the first Haitian holiday celebrated since the earthquake hit Haiti on Jan 12th.
Hundreds of people gathered in front of the Port-au-Prince Cathedral, praying and singing on Good Friday, under a big and wide tarp.
Haitian Prayer
I know, Jesus, you will be always with me. I believe that you will make divine intervention in my life. Now I am leaving, go back home. I believe God, you will protect me, hold my hands and show me the way.
This Cathedral was the tallest building in Port-au-Prince. It was built between 1884 and 1914, a period of 40 years, and became a spiritual landmark for Haitians. However, it was destroyed within 35 seconds by the earthquake.
Haitian TzuChi volunteer, Nicolas Berry
I am really sad to see that church is not what it used to be anymore, so people now have to pray outside, to pray for the lord, I am really sad to see that.
Berry is a bodyguard and a Haitian TzuChi Volunteer. He came to the Cathedral with memories of his father and his childhood.
Haitian TzuChi volunteer, Nicolas Berry
My daddy was a Catholic man, very religious. He always came to church every morning. Every morning I would come to pray, like 30 min service and went back home. I felt happy because I went to church and pray. Because that was my daddy told me you have to thank God that everything God for you. Even the building was collapsed, I wouldn't forget those moment I've spent in the church, praying for god. I would never forgot. Because those are my memory, nobody can erase they, nobody can erase them.
Religion gives Haitian people the strength to face their hardships. After the earthquake, many have lost their loved ones and are in a state of shock. The road to recovering from their sorrows and overcoming the trauma is a long one.
Love arises from the bottom of our hearts. Regardless of religion, there is no difference.
On April 3, Tzu Chi held a large prayer event at the National Soccer Stadium with thousands of survivors. The love that spread throughout the stadium was overwhelming. Tzu Chi Volunteers, not only provided material supplies, but also accompanied the survivors through their rough times.
On January 21st TzuChi volunteers arrived in Port-au-Prince and began immediate relief operations in Haiti until April 3rd.
Within 3 months, the TzuChi relief team completed 59 aid distributions. A total of 29 cargo containers of relief goods have been distributed to 3,000 families and 175,000 people.
(NS)
Archbishop, Lafontant
The TV reporters went to the Camp. They said this is not the way we would like to live. That 's the situation we need to move forward. After quake people started to get organized in the tent city. Things are very difficult, but we need better life, as long as we live. We have health so we can work. If you take a look in the tent cities, you'll see lot of small businesses. People are organizing themselves. Life must goes on.
April 4th is Easter Sunday. A grand celebration was held in front of the Port-au-Prince Cathedral.
Haitian TzuChi volunteer, Nicolas Berry
And people always believe in God, in Haiti, always. After earthquake, you will see praying, praying Jesus. So they can have better life and better country. He (Archbishop) said we have to move forward, we have to go on, because we have life. If we have life we have to organize ourselves, to build the country better and stronger.
The Alexandre School is located right behind the Cathedral, where people were rebuilding classrooms for the children.
Haitian Worker
This quake hurt me sadly. I lost the one who was guiding me and taking care of me. That's the reason I am now working to take care of myself and my family.
Haitian Worker
I am really proud because I am participating in the rebuilding of my country. It's really a big joy in my heart.
On April 5th, some schools have reopened in Port-au-Prince but many still could not open because they lacked repairs and equipment.
Many children are still in shock. They will regain a sense of normalcy when they go back to school.
Alexandre School, Principal, Mathurin
There are lots of young Haitians like you. They would like to go to school as you all. So you are so lucky that you can go to school.
Thousands of Haitian people gathered at Palais National Park after the beautiful sunset.
Seeing the happy smiles on people's faces, one can't help but wish this precious moment could last forever and lead Haitians to a brighter future.
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