On Tuesday, January 12, 2010 a 7.0 earthquake devastated Haiti. Living as far away as Colombia, everyone at the embassy was instantly drawn into the trauma as each one of us knew someone living in Haiti... all of a sudden a natural disaster became personal. It was not in our own backyard and yet it touched our hearts. The world response seemed the same... everyone made efforts to offer help. A week later the situation become even more personal for our family as Joshua was called away on a three-week mission to coordinate the response efforts in Leogane. This would be the longest that he would be away from the girls, and he would be missing Anaïs turning one... the longest he and I would be apart since the Indian Ocean Tsunami in December 2004. It seemed a difficult decision, and yet it was no decision at all... Joshua had to go. We all wanted him to go. In a moment of utter helplessness, he was able to do something... he was able to help.
And as the time passes the media coverage slows down, the conversations turn to new topics and life moves on... as it moves on in Haiti as well. But the earthquake reconstruction was just the first step... now it is about rebuilding lives... it is about starting over... with a new hope, with a new light, with courage and patience.
The song, Wavin' Flag by K'Naan, inspires me and brings tears to my eyes each time i hear it... it opens my heart and reminds me what it means to be present in all the world has to offer. To me it is about hope... it is about strength... it is about about our ability to keep our hearts open and allow ourselves to feel... even when it is easier to turn away. It is about life... and the power each one of us has in our intentions, in our words and in our actions.
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A space for Witty and Inspiring Words from you!! Thanks for taking the time to share your insights!!!