I Can Barely Remember Haiti

I wasn’t born when JFK was shot. I don’t remember the eruption of Mount St Helen. But there are a few events that I’ll never forget as long as I live.

• September 11, 2001 that has become known to us as 9/11

• Greatest tsunami in history in the Indian ocean in 2004

• Hurricaine Katrina in 2005

• The Oklahoma city shootings.

• Most recently the Tucson, Az shooting.

• And the deadliest earthquake of all time in Haiti 1 year ago in 2010

At 4:53 p.m. Haiti time on January 12, 2010, a 7.0 earthquake that lasted exactly 35 seconds devastated that country leaving more than 300,000 people dead and millions without a home.

I was one of those lucky enough to fly down to Haiti shortly after the earthquake to provide medical relief for this tragic event.

And while I sit comfortably in my warm office those very kids that I bandaged and fed are still parentless, homeless, hungry.

I’ve learned a few lessons from the disasters I’ve been allowed to witness in my life. Let me share them with you.

1. We are a sensationalist culture. Thanks to television and the internet, we can witness pretty much any disaster in real life and feel the drama of the moment. Unfortunately for the rest of the world, those moments of drama don’t end with a commercial segment but go on and on and on.

2. We have short memories. I like to call it disaster amnesia. After my trip to Haiti, I was affected for days but I thought I would be changed for life. One year later I sit at my desk trying to recall the smells and feel of the kids that I cared for but find myself straining and grasping for air.

3. We can give when we want to. Remember texting a number on your cell phone to give a dollar to help the hurting? Can I ask you honestly to review how many more times you gave to people in need outside of your church giving in the last year? The truth is that most of us have an extra dollar or five to spare. Don’t close your heart to the continuing global need. Here are some facts for you to consider:

a. Global hunger affects 925 million people.

b. Every day, almost 16,000 children die from hunger-related causes. That’s one child every five seconds.

c. It costs just 24 cents to produce a meal for a child which means you can feed a Child for a Year for $88.00.

And that’s just world hunger. The statistics on HIV and child prostitution and trafficking are staggering. You can make a difference with so little on your part, not just when disaster strike but by having a mindset of disaster relief.

4. We are for the most part self centered. It’s true. I’m not picking on you. As long as my needs are met and my bills are paid I have a semblance of safety and security. But we were made for more.

I want my life to impact others. As we remember Haiti on this one year mark of the earthquake, what are some ways you and I can contribute to the needs all around us?

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