You know how there are events in our lives that we will always remember the details? We will remember where we were, how we felt, how the world seemed to stop and get quiet…. January 12th 2010, was one of those dates in time when things changed, when life would never be the same, and when one day and one time would be remembered forever.

It’s hard to believe it’s been a year since the 7.0 Earthquake hit Haiti on January 12, 2010 at 4:53PM. In many ways, I feel like it wasn’t long ago when I was sending updates out late at night on what the most recent news was coming from the field. On the other hand, it seems impossible that everything that has happened this year took place in only 12 months – it must have been longer.

As a known dedicated planner, life taught me this year how quickly our “plans” can change. One year ago today, I was working in NYC and apartment searching in preparation for when Mikey would join me in the Big City from Haiti. Today, Mikey and I are married, we have moved to Naples, FL, and we are back working together to improve the quality of life for the Haitian people. We couldn’t have planned this, but we are grateful to be where we are today, doing what we so strongly believe in and love– plans or no plans.

This year has been challenging and emotional. It has been filled with great sadness as well as immense joy, tremendous loss as well as heroic survival. In reflecting over this year, we know we would have never been able to get through it without all of your support, thoughts, and prayers. You reached out to your contacts, you connected us with needed relief supplies, you provided the resources, you volunteered, you encouraged us, and most importantly you saved lives. Amidst earthquake recovery, hurricanes, an ongoing cholera crises and political unrest, you helped to make progress happen. You’ve given people hope in seeing action being done.

We’ve learned a lot this year, but mostly, we’ve learned what’s possible when people come together who are passionate and dedicated to helping others during a time of immediate need. Thank you for being a part of our lives this year and for supporting Hope for Haiti’s work. I want to share a quick one-year update with you that is attached, but please check out our website today if you’d like more information about our continued earthquake recovery efforts in addition to our on-going programs in education, nutrition and healthcare. Although there is still so much to be done, we are grateful and celebrate the accomplishments of this year – all of which you are a part.

Please join us today in a moment of silence at 4:53PM as we remember the lives lost and affected on January 12, 2010. We remember and we will never forget.

Saying Thank You will never adequately be able to explain our appreciation and gratitude.

With love,

Tiffany

Tiffany R. Kuehner
Vice President