They cling to people and possibilities
Every time we walked in public dozens of people would grab your hand and hold on to it for as long as you would let them. This hand-holding was a mixture of affection and petition. They wanted friendship and they wanted help. It was during these moments of walking together you would hear requests for candy or food, or perhaps just a silent walk together sensing humanity's link.

They have lives that are powerful stories
You couldn't go a day without hearing a powerful life story from somebody. From miraculous physical healings to abandoned orphans who are now orphanage directors, there were so many people with amazing stories of redemption.

They use happiness to masquerade their hopelessness
In the midst of their laughs and smiles, you get a keen sense that their external happiness is a actually a real cry from their deep-rooted hopelessness. I don't think they are intentionally being fake or phony, but it's as if they know all too well that their circumstances are dim but their lives are bright.

They share what little they have with their family
When they get money or food, it doesn't just go to the person who got it, it goes to the family and friends of that person too. This means when a meal is cooked, it is usually shared by more than just the family in the home, it could be shared with extended relatives or nearby homes as well.

They need leadership development
I am very concerned for the existing leaders that are in Haiti, particularly the ones who lead the schools, orphanages, medical clinics and churches. Their influence is huge and the people depend on them greatly. I fear that these leaders may lack leadership in their own life and if unchecked, they could easily fall prey to the pitfalls that any leader can face (greed, power, misallocation of resources, etc.).