Following Our Hearts to Haiti

IMG_6876 By Paul Sofka, PWW Board Member

Following the devastating 2010 earthquake, my son, Paul Sofka Jr., was invited to go to Haiti to provide meals for American workers who were supporting relief efforts for Haitians. Paul is a professional chef. He asked me to join him for 18 days, and I accepted his invitation. During our time there, we bonded in a unique way, not only helping the Haitian people together, but also supporting one another’s cooking efforts!

After experiencing the harsh living conditions endured by so many Haitian families, my heart spoke to me to do more. I joined forces with Pure Water for the World and began assisting them in bringing safe water and hygiene education to families in all parts of Haiti.

Over the past two years, I have invested my time, talent and treasure in bringing safe water solutions to indigent families living in Cité Soleil, the most impoverished slum in the Western Hemisphere.

In February of this year, Paul accepted my invitation to go back to Haiti with me and visit Cité Soleil. Together, we witnessed and listened to the stories of many families who had recently received clean water filters in their humble homes. We also heard difficult stories from many other mothers and fathers, pleading for safe water solutions for their families. We heard their call for us (Pure Water for the World) to bring them comfort (safe water) and the hope for dignity and better health for their families.

Paul Sofka in HaitiBecause of our profound experiences, we have both accepted the challenge to continue working in Haiti. My son is helping to set up a cooking school in Haiti for young men and women, and I continue forward in my work with Pure Water for the World.

Down the road, when Paul Jr. enters the latter stage in his life (where I am today), my hope is that his heart will be filled with an abundance of love, as mine is, and he will share the passion to help others with his two sons.