Two students of Foster High School in Tukwila, Yvener Cadeus, 17 and his sister Esther Cadeus, 19, came to Tukwila in 2008 from their home in Haiti.

"We lived in Petion-Ville," Yvener said.

He said this is where the 7.0 magnitude earthquake was located.

Yvener and Esther lost their cousin in the quake. The house they had lived in just a year and a half ago collapsed and killed her.

"We could have been in that house," said Yvener.

Neither Esther nor Yvener spoke English upon moving to the United States.

"We spoke Haitian Creole and French," Yvener said.

Upon hearing about the quake in their country, both students said their hearts sank.

"I was so scared," said Esther.

"We thought about our family," Yvener said. "It happened in our city."

Their family has been trying to get their aunt sent here, but their request has been denied by the government.

Both agree, however, that they have received a lot of support from their Foster High School classmates and teachers.

"It makes me feel better because they care about us," said Yvener. "They ask us how we are and if we're doing okay."

Esther said she was surprised by the kindness of her classmates and teachers. "I feel better about it," she said.

"This school has the biggest coeur," Yvener said. "Coeur" is the French word for "heart."

Tragedy and poverty aside, both students said their country had its good points, too.

They gushed about the celebrations that were held annually.

"Carnival," said Yvener.

Carnival is a celebration held every year and is highly anticipated. It celebrates via music, dancing, food, great parades and more.

They also have grand celebrations for Christmas and their Independence Day.

"On May 18th, we celebrate the flag," Yvener noted.