Earthquake in Haiti

The devastation that is seen in videos and pictures coming from Haiti after the earthquake is enough to make everyone lose sleep. The pictures of collapsed buildings, injured people and even bodies of people lining the streets are horrifying. After seeing one picture of a man carrying his daughter- a baby about Ava's age- who had died in the earthquake makes me want to hold her tight and never let go. After seeing that particular picture I had to stop- I couldn't do it anymore. I can't watch the news, I can't read any reports- I just look away. My heart is aching for these people. There is so much that needs to be done and so much help that needs to be provided, but I feel useless since I can't hop on a plane and fly down there.

I have realized through many tragedies closer to home (although none as widespread as this, but tragedies all the same) that I am a fixer- I see a problem and I want to fix it. I have also realized that there are times you can't fix things and even more importantly I am not the one in control. Yes, I question God and Why he allowed something like this to happen. I question him and I am not even the one who lost a child/mother/father/sibling/relative/friend...yet I saw a glimmer of hope as I read some of the reports (before I blocked them all out) of singing in the streets and people continuing to praise God- amidst all the dust, debris, and death- they were still praising God. I would like to say that I would do the same- It would be hard to praise the God who allowed the devastation to happen. I think if we were all honest we would all agree. Praising God when we are on a mountain top is one thing- praising him as we walk through a storm is another.

Since I can't fix the situation or fly down to help. I did donate. And more importantly I am praying. I am praying for the people of Haiti, I am praying for the United Nations and the wisdom to make the right choices in their recovery efforts, I am praying for the rescue teams who were able to fly down for their strength, energy, and wisdom in their decisions. I am also praying for myself- that I would be able to praise him through whatever storm I walk through in my lifetime. At the same time I am thanking him for allowing my family to be safe and healthy.

To Donate: you can text HAITI (American Red Cross) or DISASTER (Compassion) to 90999 to donate $10 billed on your next wireless bill or visit their websites to donate a larger amount