people care, social resilience

One of the little girls was over at our apartment and was hungry; in that moment, I struggled with the fact that I have food, usually three times a day.

I remember a friend's story about two little boys. One of them said to the other “We are all One” and the other said “Yes, but why are we wearing different shoes?” Being with that little girl, I struggled with how different our circumstances were. We have very different shoes. I struggled with my own belief that we are all One.

What stands out for me in these last two weeks in Haiti is the people. I'm reminded that, in any life circumstance, we have choice in how we live and how we meet the world. Dr. Viktor Frankl, a psychiatrist who survived the Holocaust, wrote about how people found freedom, choice and meaning even in the concentration camps. He wrote about men in the camps who walked around comforting others and gave away their last pieces of bread. I've met people like this here; to me they are everyday heros.

I had expected that the language difference (me speaking French and not Creole) would be a challenge for me in giving trainings and facilitating groups here. I accepted that this would be a learning edge for me, which would push me to find new and creative ways to facilitate people's learning process.

It's 5:50am and I've been awake since 4am, resting and relaxing on my mattress under the mosquito net and listening to the sounds of the morning – first the roosters and dogs, then the people and motorised vehicles. At 5:18am it was getting light outside and my skin was already feeling a bit sticky. I feel happy and grounded.

I have deep gratitude in my heart to all of you for supporting me with my initiative in Haiti and for helping to make this possible through your donations, helping to spread the word, and sending positive energy. As I prepare for this trip, I have a sense of being in touch with the oneness of our humanity.

After a few years of dreaming and several months of intentional observation, we've finally started a bit of garden here at our new home!  This weekend, we sheet mulched a new garden bed, planted a small guild of edible plants and put up a mini hoop house!

My first trip to Haiti last May was a journey of stark contrasts; the best I could do was breathe deeply, and bring my heart and mind fully to the work at hand. I am noticing the contrasts again today. We've raised over $8300 for my volunteer projects in Haiti (as of January 28).  I am in awe that we're $3000 over my original fundraising goal and that support has continued to flow. And, as I read about Haiti tonight, I realise the enormity and scale of transformation that is needed. In the same breath, I am present with my gratitude and my sorrow.

We've raised over $4000 - getting close to the goal of $5300!  I'm so grateful for all the support :)  (A number of donations came by cheque and Interac, and unfortunately, they don't show up in the red box.)

DONATIONS & TAX RECEIPTS
If you would like to make a donation, any amount is appreciated.

WHAT I PLAN TO DO IN HAITI
I plan on going back to Haiti for 5 weeks in January and volunteering with two organisations, AMURT in Port-au-Prince and Noramise in the North; I am fundraising to make this work possible.  At the heart of this, is my desire to support the rebuilding of Haiti, based on a vision of sustainable development that takes care of people and the land.