This experience has reinforced my faith in the basic goodness of humanity. People step up and do the right thing when they’re given the chance. I’m just a ordinary kid who had one big bite of bad luck, and an even bigger bite of very very good luck. The bad luck was completely impersonal. Getting caught in a house was just timing. However, the good luck that I had was the result of deliberate human choices to be kind and compassionate. People stepped in at the right time, chose to help me out, and made things happen in order to get me safe. I was lucky, but the behavior I saw in the immediate aftermath of this terrible disaster wasn’t the violence and selfishness that people fear. My experience in that terribly time was one of compassion, helpfulness, and a shared sense of humanity. We all felt that the only way to get through this period of fear and chaos was by coming together and each person helping in the way that he could.
While I was laying on the ground at the military base, the Sri Lankan doctors were trying to remove a piece of concrete embedded in my left leg. It was quite painful, and I sat up looking for something to hold on to. A little boy noticed me, came over, and held my hand until the doctors had finished.
So thank you for continuing to reinforce this belief. I have been humbled and pleased by the outpouring of support towards Haiti, myself, and my family that has come from all corners of the world.
Christa on the mend!
Hi Christa – your story has inspired me and all the angels in my own “chain” of Providence. Thank you for being so honest and willing to put a face on this tragedy which seems closer and more personal than ever. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you, your family, and the lovely and brave people still in Haiti. In the Light, Angela
Hi, Christa – i would love to correspond with you. You are an amazing young lady! God bless you! I would like to donate money but I would like for it to go directly to the young man that saved your life. I want him to go to college!!!
God bless! Lillian
Christa- Your positive energy, optimism, compassion, and strength are truly remarkable, and you’re such an inspiration to us all. Hope the donations start coming in, and this was a really great idea. And thanks for representing Alaska so well too! : ))
This is a beautiful story and I’m so glad you’re communicating about it so we can all derive lessons and inspiration. Thanks!
Dear Christa: I was so pleased to read the follow up article in the May 3, 2010 People magazine. I had e-mailed People but was unable to get them to have you contact me. The picture of you with your mother really hit home for me as you look exactly like my daughter, Tracy, who was murdered in Florida in 2006. I would love to send you her picture – you won’t believe the resemblence either. How you came so far in such a short time is amazing! And your attutude – unbelievable but Tracy was that way, too. I will certainly donate to your charity but if there is any way I could communicate with you I would be so grateful. God Bless You.
Your story has restored my faith in humanity. God bless you and your angels. Keep up the wonderful work you are doing for Haiti. They need you are much as you needed them.
Pay it forward.
CE
Dear Christa,
My name is Sanae from Japan. In the recent earthquake in New Zealand, one of the language students from Japan was saved but had to have his right leg amputated.
Reading his interview, he seems to be in good spirits. He is brave, just like you are.
He is only 19 but says he would like to use his English skills in the future.
I will try and write to him letting him know about you and your activities.
Here is his article:
http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201102240239.html
Yours sincerely,
Sanae
Hi,
My name is Samantha. I’m trying to find scholarship opportunities for Darline Bertil, a young Haitian woman who lost both her arms in the earthquake and is now trying to attend college in the United States. She has already been accepted to Northwestern College, a Christian College in Minnesota. I’ve searched the web for hours and found a few things, but I was wondering if you might have any other resources.
Thanks so much for your help and inspiration!
Hi Christa,
I am from a small town in NSW Australia. I just watched your story on “I Survive” on pay t.v. I was living in Jasper canada at the time of the earthquake and remember how much our community banded together to raise money towards helping those in need after the earthquake. You showed amazing courage and dignity in retelling your story and I wish you all the best in your endeavours in raising money helping those in need in Haiti.