devastation, perspective and prayer

with all that's been happening lately, it's no surprise that so many of us have been considering our life perspectives and making the necessary adjustments to our priorities.  i'm no exception.

terrible cannot even begin to describe what's happened -- and is still happening -- in haiti.  we see the incredible amount of devastation on the news and it's hard to even imagine.  the feeling of...impotence...can also be an unexpected surprise.  i felt the same way shortly after we got news of the tsunami that hit samoa last year; i wanted to find some way of helping, a way that was much more tangible than just sending money, and i couldn't think of one.

what makes that feeling all the more real this time around is that, during law school, i worked for a human rights ngo called the institute for justice and democracy in haiti, which focused primarily on the political, social and economic rights of haitians.  while i don't pretend that this work gives me a better idea of what it must be like for those living through this experience first-hand, it does help me to see this disaster through the eyes of someone who has even a little experience with the social and economic position haiti was in prior to last weeks events and, subsequently, can start to begin to understand how bad things must be now, and will be in the foreseeable future.  added to that, a very close friend of mine, B. over at isn't she pretty in pink, is half haitian, and many of her family members and family friends currently live in haiti.  to even think of the worry she must be feeling is just...staggering.

and then, just yesterday, i got an email from another close friend, L. over at goodminton.  her sister in law, J.,  is currently serving in the peace corps in kazakhstan, and they just received word that she was in a serious car accident and is now in a coma.  L., her husband, and his parents are flying to frankfurt, germany today to be with her when she arrives at the hospital there.

they say, "when it rains, it pours," and that sentiment applies now, more than ever.  there are people out there right now (like there always are) who are hurting, grieving, lost, desperate and are still going strong.   their homes are destroyed, their family members are missing, their daughters, sisters, friends, are halfway around the world and in need.  yet they're coping.  they're amazing.  and here, in my little world, life is good.  relatively perfect, even.  and i whine.  every single day of my life, i whine.

shouldn't i use the time i have, when my life is so full of opportunity and possibility and good fortune, to help others?  to make a difference somewhere, anywhere?  shouldn't we all?

these are questions i ask myself as i watch the news and wonder where my life is leading me, and what tomorrow will bring.  when i remind myself that in a week, a day, a minute, even i could be in a set of very different shoes.  nothing is guaranteed.  nothing.  wouldn't i want someone to help me?  and if so, how?

but until i figure out the answers to those, and many other questions (please, kahea, please don't take too long!), i'm praying.  i'm praying for help, safety, comfort and wisdom for every person in haiti, and all of their family members, both in country and out.  i'm praying for J.'s recovery, and a safe journey for L. and her family.  and whatever it is you do, whether it's pray, or visualize, or act, whatever, i ask that you do it for them too.

thanks.