A local college student says she can't sleep.... because of the
on going trauma in her homeland.
Bethanie Saint Louis is from Haiti has been living in Wausau for the last six months, attending North Central Technical College.
The 24-year-old credits her faith for helping her cope in her darkest hour.
After days of worrying she finally heard from her family on Friday.
She says communication is better on Saturday compared to immediately after the earthquake.
Her 8 brothers and sisters are alive and well but some of her cousins didn't make it.
Finding out that most of her family survived did bring a sense of relieve but she says now they face a new set of challenges.
"Right now they are alive but in the next days, because of infection, pollution, injures, disease. I don't know what the situation is going to be for them. I'm thankful they are alive but I'm worried what will happen next."
Saint Louis is able to get updates on the situation by listening to a Haitian radio station on the Internet.
She says it's hard to look at pictures of her family friends and her homeland.
She says it's also difficult to concentrate on her studies knowing what her family is going through.
Saint Louis received a scholarship to study business management at NTC.
The 2 year program restricts her from going home until 2011.
She was hoping her education would help her improve the living conditions in Haiti.
Now...Completing her coursework is more important than ever.
Saint Louis is encouraging everyone to help the people of Haiti and donate anything you can.
