Growing Up After the Earthquake: An Update on Mikerlyn Charles
POSTED ON Nov 28, 2011
Fifteen-year-old Mikerlyn has grown up since the earthquake two years ago.
Mikerlyn was given continued care at COTN's clinic in Barahona, where her leg totally healed, and she received the skin graft she needed for her amputated arm.
Mikerlyn reads a letter from COTN partner Dr. Vicki Sakata, one of the American doctors who cared for Mikerlyn after the earthquake.
Mikerlyn prays with the author.
Thinking back to the days just after the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, 15-year-old Mikerlyn Charles says, “I thought I was going to die and look! I’m living!” Mikerlyn had reason to think she wouldn't make it. When her house starting shaking, she tried to get out, but her arm got caught in some curtains. As she struggled to break free, concrete blocks fell on her arm and leg. Mikerlyn's sister helped her get out from under the concrete, and immediately took her to a clinic near their home for treatment. But the clinic was so crowded that Mikerlyn waited for two days without being seen. It wasn't until a group of Americans noticed Mikerlyn and offered to drive her to the border that she began to regain hope of survival.
Mikerlyn was taken to a temporary clinic at the Dominican border town of Jimaní, where her left arm was amputated because of her injuries. At the border she met some incredible doctors: Children of the Nations (COTN) partners who were able to respond immediately to the earthquake and travel to the Dominican Republic to care for the victims of this disaster. They noticed that Mikerlyn was in need of continued care, and sent her to the COTN clinic in Barahona, Dominican Republic.
Mikerlyn fondly remembers her time in Barahona. She recounts, “They took care of me like I was their own.” She is grateful for the way that partners like you have taken care of her and her family, whether it was through donations, supplies, prayer, or through volunteering your time and skills so that she might recover.
Today, Mikerlyn is back in Haiti, where COTN partners continue to support her family, helping them secure permanent housing (many people in Haiti are still living in tents), and making it possible for Mikerlyn to attend school. When asked about how her life has changed this year, Mikerlyn smiles. “I have grown, but I am growing missing an arm,” she explains.
Mikerlyn takes her studies very seriously. She excels at physical science and math and dreams of becoming an economist. When she is not at school, Mikerlyn diligently does her homework to prepare for her classes. She is grateful that her sponsors make it possible for her to attend a wonderful school.
Spiritually, Mikerlyn is growing as well. "I am learning marvelous things about the Lord,” she says. Her favorite verse is Matthew 24:29 because it speaks about earthquakes, trials and tribulation, but also speaks of Christ’s return. She is also very interested in the book of Revelation, as it talks about Christ returning.
Mikerlyn reports that her family is doing very well, thanks to your support, but asks for prayer for her family to continue being able to support themselves. She is a young woman with big dreams. As a future leader of her country, Mikerlyn clearly articulates her hope for Haiti. “While I am growing," she says, "I hope Haiti will blossom, and change, and become better.”
COTN's programs in Haiti are just getting started. Now is the time to sponsor a Haitian child!
Give a child hope. Sponsor a child today.