Praying for Haiti

Barely past a week ago, a small country woke up.  The people began their daily routines.  Perhaps like you and I did this morning?  They went about their days.  Most were in poverty, but they tried to make ends meet.  Little did they know what the next few hours held for them: an earthquake, striking their entire country into ultimate devastation.

Who says that couldn't have happend to us?  We wake up every day expecting a normal day.  Unfortunately, disaster can, and does, strike.  These beautiful people could have been us.  They could have been you, me, our parents, friends, coworkers... 

Let these images from LIFE speak for themselves. Click to see the image bigger so you can see every bit of  desperation, charity, teamwork, hope, and defeat.  (Yes, there are graphic images, but challenge yourself to come out of your comfort zone and really see what these people are going through.)

I know how so many of us feel hopeless when we see the magnitude of such a disaster, so many miles away.  We're here, they're there.  We can't bring water, help build housing, or carry orphans to orphanages in the US.  We can't even hold them while they cry, wipe away their tears.

These global catastrophes really make my problems seem so small.  My heart reaches out to these people, and below I'll list some ways I'm helping.  I'd love it if you'd join me!  We call can give up that cup of coffee or extra cute shoes.  :)  The best part?  Everyone can help.  A simple prayer could make a difference or save a life.  If you want to donate money, it doesn't have to be a lot!  Read this piece by Suze Ornman - Even your spare change can inspire someone else to give, to help these poor devastated people.  A very good place to donate your money is Compassion International.  They're a Christian group that connects me with my "adopted" (sponsored) daughter in Nicaragua.  Millions of people, through Compassion, sponsor needy children in the most desolate areas.  I've been with them for nearly a year, and this group is high up on those lists that rank how much of your money actually goes to charity (as in, not the CEO's bank account).  Many of the sponsors had children in Haiti, so this is extra devastating to all of us.  Some sponsors are without the children they've helped raise through donations that provided learning, clean food/water, safety, etc.  Very sad.

Another site I'm really looking at is Hope for Haiti.  It's a site where one woman's great idea turned into earning thousands of dollars for Haiti.  Each post has something from a sponsor company (jewelry, gift certificate to their store, cosmetics, blog redesign, experiences, you name it) and each item has a raffle.  Buy as many "raffle tickets" as you'd like, and you might win the item you want!  All items are donated, and all profits go to Haiti. Who said one person couldn't change the world?

Please do something.  Do many things, or do one thing.  Say a prayer, or pray every day.  Everything counts for these precious people.  This could have happened to anyone...