Yesterday Sus and I were invited to ‘Haiti Lives’, the unveiling of a photography exhibition organised by Oxfam in the foyer of the Waterfront Hall. Today marks the one-year anniversary of the earthquake in Haiti – it was humbling to realise how quickly it had slipped from memory in the space of one short year.

It’s a great exhibition and a clever title – ‘Haiti Lives’, as in images of the lives of those rebuilding Haiti; or ‘Haiti lives’ – as in lives on, despite the terrible tragedy of this day last year.  I was especially struck by this picture – something in the attitude and pose of this kid is so similar to the kids I’ve known in Holywood and Larne – a reminder of how much common humanity we share with those who are geographically, culturally and materially so distant.  One year on, there is still a colossal need for investment in the rebuilding of Haiti’s infrastructure – the exhibition was a well-timed reminder of the ongoing needs in places which have slipped away from the front page of the news.

The exhibition will be on display in the Waterfront for the next few weeks – well worth a visit.

While on the subject of the wide world outside the Dock, you might remember that during the summer we were joined on a Dock Walk by Bishop Moses from Sudan, who gave some fascinating insights into the issues facing the Titanic Quarter as well as opening our eyes to the situation in his own nation (read all about it here).  He also asked us to pray for the Referendum in Sudan (which is taking place this week).  Moses’ prayer was that the referendum would be peaceful and fair, with every individual given the chance to vote without fear of intimidation.  If you get a chance to pray for this situation during the week, you can find more information and prayer here – and join our Dock Walk prayer from last Sunday, as we remembered Bishop Moses and the challenges he and his nation face: