Now the tears are starting to flow in Haiti.
Photo: Lynsey Addario for The New York Times
When I was there originally the entire country appeared to be numb. They had to be; they were in survival mode. Now, according to a fantastic article by the New York Times entitled "Haiti Emerges From Its Shock, and Tears Roll", the emotions are finally starting to surface. I would encourage you to read the article and ponder it. It is good for us to stop and think about these thing and what we value. I know that I certainly look at things differently after returning from Haiti. I'm no longer having such intense dreams but I'm thinking a lot about what's important.
If you have time to read the article, please return here and share your thoughts:
- After stopping to consider these things, I know realize that what is really important to me is...
- What brings me happiness? What brings me joy? Is there a difference?
- Now that the Haitians are no longer numb, are you?
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Hi Dan,
Your "Why I Went" post said it so clearly, re: the impact we as individuals can have, and the power of God in one-on-one relationships. Otherwise, it's all too overwhelming (well, it's overwhelming either way, but at least focusing on one seems more do-able, and gets us moving, so God can do the steering).
Anne Kimmel-Anderson's simple books helped set direction for me (back in college days), with that focus.
1. As I think about the importance of my family and faith, Haiti emphasizes that we certainly share that in common. My heart aches for their losses of loved ones, as well as their loss of security (food, shelter, medical care...), in a situation that was already more-than-difficult before the quake. And I am very moved by the stories and videos I see of their faith, worship, and looking toward God. (Hands & Feet Project has some cool stories)
This is kind of in response to (#2) of your 'Why I Went' post also - my work at Harborview was life-changing and life-meaning to me. Working with the indigent, at a hospital located adjacent to the projects (my car was broken into twice, the young hookers were on the streets as I left work...), seeing my patients down on 1st Ave (and homeless, sometimes by choice), working with the man who lived under a bridge who's life story was from 'The Grapes of Wrath' and life's choices were from a broken heart, the Native American with a stellar IQ, beaten and left for dead in an alley... they weren't just "those people". They were broken people (just like me) with real life stories behind their situation, with need for the same God, the same respect, the same caring. And I learned I'd much rather treat people like that who truly need me any day, than those more well-off and less-motivated. Harborview always seemed to me the place where people learn the tough stuff they are made of (esp the patients).
2. Happiness, to me, seems to be more temporary and self-centered, if I really think about how I use the term. Joy seems bigger and deeper. Seeing my kids growing into motivated, independent adults brings me joy. Being able to give (of my time, money, and talents) and see it make another's life better, brings me joy. Happiness seems more fleeting and vaporous (am I happy; am I sad; me me me).
3. No. I know (with disappointment) that Haiti is going to fade from the main news media (esp w/ the Olympics right now). I hope Anderson Cooper keeps going back, and that for once, this country keeps it's focus on Haiti. At least the NGO's (including those that work w/ the GO's) that have been there consistently are pretty good about communicating on their sites. I hope somehow that successes in Haiti are somehow sensationalistic enough to garner air time for a long time to come. I am being called. I am praying daily; I am giving. I never want to be numb.
Amy
