For two years the people of St. James Episcopal Church in Minneapolis have been learning about Haiti: in adult forums, children’s classes, sermons, and all-parish events. Along the way three St. Jamesians have spent several weeks traveling in Haiti, visiting schools and churches and staying with families in the villages of Matènwa and Bigonet. (All of the proceeds St. James makes on the sale of these 3 resources will go to these two villages.)

The more familiar they’ve become with Haiti, the more they’ve been puzzled by the contradictions between what they’re told and what they experience. For sure they see poverty, hunger, and illiteracy in Haiti, but they experience also ingenuity, generosity, resourcefulness, joy and hospitality. “Why,” they’ve come to wonder, “do so many organizations and individuals who talk about Haiti wallow in its weaknesses and ignore its vigor?”

Out of this puzzlement has grown a commitment to present a more balanced picture of this small nation. Images of Haiti, available both here and in a book, is one small step in that direction.

Images of Haiti was nearly ready for press when the earthquake of January 12 struck. After some hesitation, the St. James committee knew that they must move forward. For within the strength of people like those whose stories you are about to see, lies the future of Haiti. (Thankfully, all ten of the people in these Images of Haiti survived the earthquake.)

SCW will donate a portion of the proceeds from the sale of these two poster sets and book to Partners in Health, founded by Paul Farmer, which since 1987 has been providing health care and other assistance to the people of Haiti.