Seven years after the earthquake in Haiti, Renee Splichal Larson recalls those days

Renee Splichal Larson has a remarkable story to tell. It's a deeply personal story of unimaginable loss, but it's also a story of hope, perseverance, and faith.

On January 12, 2010, Renee's life was changed forever when she, her husband Ben (a 2006 Luther graduate), and their good friend Jon (also Ben's cousin) were buried under two stories of concrete in the massive earthquake that shook Port-au-Prince, Haiti and claimed the life of 316,00 people. Sadly, Renee's husband Ben was one of those victims.

Initially after the collapse, Renee and Jon could hear Ben singing "Lamb of God" from under the piles of rubble. They worked desperately to try to get to him, but when the singing stopped, they knew they would never see Ben alive again.

In the chaotic days that followed, Renee and Jon did everything they could to try to recover Ben's body, but the devastation was too great. Renee says, "It was during this time that Jon said to me, 'Renee, we're going to write about this someday,' and I knew he was right."

Renee, Ben, and Jon were all in their last year of seminary together at Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, IA when they traveled to Haiti in 2010. They had planned to spend the month of January there for their j-term course, but the earthquake changed their plans, and their lives, forever.

In February of 2010, Renee and Jon both returned to Wartburg Theological Seminary for the second semester to complete their studies. In the months that followed, Renee began to journal about her experience and her loss, but initially it was "too raw and too soon." Three years later, Renee knew it was time, and she began to write.

"I remembered Ben and all of his joy and humor, and that brought me joy. After that, it all came poruing out and I couldn't stop. It felt really good and it was a relief, but it was the most difficult thing I've ever done."

It took Renee three full years to complete her book, "A Witness," which discusses love, grief, faith, survival, and new life in the aftermath of tragedy. Renee says it was difficult for her to complete the book, but she knew she had to keep pushing to get it out in order to help others who may be suffering.

"A Witness" is about suffering and loss, but more importantly, Renee wants people to know about the incredible witness of Ben and the Haitian people. "Ben touched so many lives, and it's important for others to know that. He was an incredible witness. He was singing 'The Lamb of God' right up until the end. Also, the people of Haiti have endured so much and still continue to have incredible preseverance and faith. They give so much to others. The Haitian people really cared for us."

Renee Splichal Larson is now serving as a pastor at Heart River Lutheran Church in North Dakota. She will share readings and reflections from her book at 7:00 p.m. Thursday in the Center for Faith and Life Recital Hall on the Luther College campus. As part of the event, she will answer questions from the audience and be available for conversation and book signing at a reception to follow.

The reception will be held in Qualley Lounge, adjacent to the Recital Hall in the Center for Faith and Life. "A Witness" is available for purchase in Luther's Book Shop and will be available at the reception.

The reading and reception are open to the public with no charge for admission.