One thing that gives me a great deal of hope is the way the Dominican Republic is responding to this crisis. They were certainly the first country to respond with direct aid, and have greatly assisted with the flow of goods into Haiti, as well as continuing to supply materials and food aid. One of my colleagues in the DR was telling me how Dominican women were wet-nursing Haitian babies who were arriving in the DR after the quake.

Our experience working across the border has shown us that the relationship between the DR and Haiti is close but delicate, and can be both hostile and violent at times. Is this event possibly a catalyst for bringing the two countries closer together? The aftermath of the quake presents so many opportunities for change. It is an historic moment for sure, and perhaps will in hindsight be best described by the words of Charles Dickens: "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times."

See below a Dominican transport truck carrying food aid: