a home in haiti

sometimes it's easy to forget about the big things. we say we let time heal wounds... though really it's more like we let time become some kind of cheap bandage to cover the wound, without real healing taking place. the distractions of life take precedence again; we are only momentarily snapped from the busyness of our super important lives and aware of just how small and insignificant we are.

it was one month ago today that the earthquake happened in haiti. people talked about the event for weeks. they had positive things to say; they had negative. people wanted to help; people thought it appalling we'd encourage helping "them" when we don't help "us". some people were moved to action - through donations, time and prayer. some people did nothing.

the way i see it, the people in haiti were left with nothing. no homes, no food or clean water, and in too many cases, no family. they were stripped of the things that are basic needs to all of us as people. 

they are still in need today. it is still the time to help. 

the rainy season is beginning in haiti. this doesn't sound like a big deal until you look at the specifics. this graph was made by andy merrick (who is also the reason i am sharing this right now):

 

in short, by may, haiti will be hit with over 9 inches of rain. as a point of reference, the average rainfall for seattle, washington during its heaviest months is around 5 inches. and people in haiti are lacking shelter.

that's where a home in haiti comes in. through this site, you can purchase a tent. the tent will be used to provide shelter for the over 700,000 haitians who have nowhere to go as the rain begins.

i just purchased this tent:

 

and i don't reveal that to puff up my pride or make me feel good about helping. i tell you because there's a difference between talking about something and doing something about it. i tell you because there was sacrifice involved, and i'm claiming the promise that God will provide for my needs. i tell you because i want to encourage you to overcome all the reasons not to. there are many tents to choose from, varying in size and price. this is a very tangible way to help the people of haiti. my challenge to you is to do something. purchase a tent or make a donation.

james 1:27 instructs us to "look after orphans and widows in distress."

people all over the world are hurting. haiti is on my radar and in my heart. but so are the families of those who lost loved ones in flight 3407 one year ago today. i got home from work tonight to hear that an olympic athlete was killed earlier today and three people were shot and killed in alabama this afternoon. death is something i've faced firsthand this past year. just writing about these stories... these losses... has brought tears to my eyes. death brings pain and hurt unlike any i've ever known. it's profound to me that the bible tells us to take care of people who have lost people... orphans their parents and widows their spouses.

so... even if you decide not to help those in haiti, help someone who has experienced loss. share the mercy and grace of God. be love.