As time passes, the affects of Haiti’s earthquake don’t disappear, but rather become more apparent in the lives of BYU–Idaho students.

  
Farah Jn-Baptiste, a sophomore from Haiti studying health science, experienced a shift in her world when she received a visit from the bishop, relief society president and elder’s quorum president of her student ward the Saturday after the earthquake.

Jn-Baptiste’s mother and brother were in Haiti when the earthquake hit. “I kept calling my mom, but she wouldn’t answer. I just thought she must be doing something,” Jn-baptiste said, reflecting on the day of the earthquake.

 
Unable to contact her family, Jn-Baptiste could do nothing but live her life, attending classes and studying for tests. Saturday morning came and grief quickly replaced worry as Jn-Baptiste’s bishop relayed the news of her mother’s death and brother’s safety. 

As pictures of her mother and brother flashed across the screen of her nearby laptop, Jn-Baptiste said, “The reason why I still go to class, or still smile, laugh or make jokes is because of the gospel. I do cry, because that’s what the human body does. But I’m not angry.  It’s because of the Atonement that I feel the way I do.”

The death of Jn-Baptiste’s mother did not only affect her but also awakened the reality of Haiti’s earthquake in her ward and friends.

“I immediately thought of Farah,” said Stella Gorée, a sophomore studying recreation management who is a close friend of Jn-Baptiste. “I wish I could be there to help in some way; it’s a helpless feeling.”

Haitians Gina Dorsan, a sophomore studying health science, and her roommate Fedeline Jean, a sophomore studying elementary education, continue to cope with news of the earthquake. 

They received the news of the earthquake through a phone call from Dorsan’s sister while on the way back from shopping in Idaho Falls.

 “I immediately wanted to help. It’s kind of hard in Rexburg, when people don’t even know where Haiti is or that there are Haitians here,” Dorsan said.

Both Dorsan and Jean expressed their love for Haiti while wearing the Haitian flag in their hair.

“To those who don’t know where Haiti is, try to find out. There’s a world out there. Haiti represents us,” Jean said. 

Some of Jean’s siblings still live in Haiti. She knows two of her sisters are safe, but she is still waiting for news about her two brothers.

 With desire to help relieve the pain of the Haitian people, Dorsan collaborated with the Church’s humanitarian board and put together a relief project.  
The project consisted of assembling hygiene kits in the Taylor Cultural Hall last Saturday.

Dorsan had the opportunity to shake Elder Russell M. Nelson’s hand after his devotional address.

“I was so happy when he talked about Haiti. I felt so relieved,” Dorsan said. “I was so happy to know that all nine church buildings are still up and are being used for shelter.”

 Jn-Baptiste, Dorsan, Jean and others who have been affected by the earthquake all gain strength and understanding in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

“This is the time, as Latter-day Saints, we have to get together,” Dorsan said.  “The Church teaches that charity never faileth. It teaches [us] to be Christ-like and to help one another during these troubling times.”