As Haiti drifts away from the front page, replaced by Olympic glory and tragedy in Chile, it is worth remembering that Haiti's problems may only just be starting, as hard as that might be to believe. With a million people living in makeshift shelter, and the rainy season about to begin, things could get awful. Hurricane season starts in June...
We heard before leaving Haiti that the military may be starting to withdraw - if that happens the food distribution network may disintegrate in Port au Prince, with ripple down effects throughout Haiti.
Can we do anything to help this evolving disaster? It sure seems a daunting and almost impossible task - just as it felt for me at the start of our medical mission. But as we found during our time in Haiti, we can make a difference one surgery, one smile, one life at a time. Maybe that's how we need to look at what is coming for Haiti - one box of supplies, one donation, or one conversation with our friends or neighbors may be all that we can do now, but that may the difference for one Haitian family.
Well put Colm! Thoughts, prayers and putting hands & feet to our prayers WILL make a difference!
ReplyDeleteWell said--I have reflected so much this weekend as well-I no longer take things for granted, enjoy every minute with my family and firends. I left part of my heart in Haiti and pray everyday for the people. I can not wait to start planning our next mission. My out look on life has certainly changed--much for the better
ReplyDeleteCathy
Haiti has my heart. It is so hard to come back and have to deal with the petty things in life that at the end of the day mean nothing. School is harder than ever, not academically, but I feel as though I just want to spread my wings and fly. I may have helped changed a small part of Haiti but Haiti has changed a huge part of my. Every time I look at pictures my eyes well up with tears and my soul longs to be back in Haiti where if only for a week for that time I was part of something bigger than myself. I am so grateful to have been part of such an awesome team that supported my in this life changing adventure and encouraged my growth and learning.
ReplyDeleteThere is not a moment of my day that I do not think of our Haitian family.I have had moments the last few days of tears and heart ache , wishing to be back. It has been a time of reflection for me..What do we really need in life? What is truly important? We as a team made a difference in Haiti but we certainly came home much richer in so many ways for having been there and for some of us new found goals in life. We must continue to help Haiti in anyway we can. Lets be their voice. God Bless each and everyone of you, my friends for life!!!
ReplyDeleteAlice