Haiti

[AppyLover2]

As willingly as we say prayers for our friends and their families and critters just thought I'd ask that we all take a moment to say a prayer for those people in Haiti who are going through such horror right now. If you haven't said a prayer for them please do so.....if you already have please do it again. I don't think anybody ever has too many prayers.

 

[Katiean]

They scanned the city with TV cameras where there was the most destruction on the news this morning. This is just horrible. Prayers are very defiantly needed for these people. I also think it is horrible that a prominent religious figure has said "they are being punished by God for what they believe". Nothing could be further from the truth. These people are going through enough with out being judged by others.

They are in my prayers.

 

[susanne]

Thank you, Appylover2, for posting this. I am so saddened by this unimaginable horror and my heart aches that it would hit a country so unable to deal with it.

For those looking for a trustworthy organization for a donation, Mercy Corps International has been helping victims of natural and manmade disasters for many years and does great work. I am in no way affiliated with them, just a believer in what they do.

I SO agree with Katiean about the vile comments made by that so-called "man of the cloth". All I can say is he will get what he deserves in time. I am appalled that anyone would allow such a subhuman to rise to such a position of prominence.

I'm glad to see that, once again, former presidents George Bush, Sr., and Bill Clinton have risen above their political differences for the sake of humanity. They set a great example.

 

[CharlesFamily]

Definitely praying! Our pastor is actually down there right now - has been for over a week. He is on the board of the OMS Seminary that was being dedicated this week and was staying on the compound for the dedication and to give some lectures. Luckily, the seminary is close to Cap Haitian and on the other side from Port-au-Prince. However, they did feel the quake and it moved cars down the street and made the walls and the ceilings ripple.

I feel so badly for the Haitian people. My husband has been down there on two mission trips. He says the poverty and living conditions are unbelievable. For people who have very little, and are now left with nothing, it's absolute devastation.

Barbara

 

[Danielle_E.]

Thank you for starting this thread and I am truly saddened that more people haven't responded to this topic

. With the level of poverty in that country at 80% and then to have this happen, is unbelievable to say the least. What blows my mind is the Haitian people themselves, they are so strong and quite remarkable.

I went into work today, as I work for the Candian Governmen, and said to my boss "I am thinking of taking some time and going down there to help, she said "if you want to do it, then go ahead, we can arrange it. I am not a doctor or nurse but my contribution could be as a translator since the majority of Haitians speak French or Creole. So, if I can find a group that needs me I will be heading out if I can be of service.

 

[Reble]

for those families in Haiti

Let us know and keep us posted Danielle if you do go.

 

[SilverDollar]

This is so horrific and truly a tragedy.

Haiti is such a poor country and so ill-prepared to deal with this. This Sunday marks the 16th anniversary of the Northridge earthquake. That one was 6.7 in magnitude and nearly twice the depth of the Haitian quake, so not as shallow nor as intense in magnitude but still quite terrifying to experience. At the time we lived about 20 miles from the epicenter but luckily did not suffer major damage. Many friends of ours lost their homes and/or had to rebuild. At least we have homes that are built to earthquake standards, probably unlike most of Haiti. I don't even want to think what a 7.0 quake would be like. Those poor Haitians.

I am so glad that governments and companies around the world are stepping up to the plate to offer aid and assistance. I'm proud that the company where I work donated $2 million dollars today and in addition they also match staff donations dollar for dollar.

Keeping them in my thoughts and prayers. It's going to be a long road for the Haitians.

 

[AppyLover2]

Danielle I'm keeping my fingers crossed that you're able to go. I know there's nothing I could do but lend moral support, and I know there's no way I could go, but that doesn't mean for a second that I don't wish that I could be there doing something. Please do let us know if you have the chance to go.

 

[Minimor]

Seeing the devastation on TV and in internet reports...

This is the first time a disaster has made me really want to go & do something to help. It's impossible for me to go--no passport for starters--and I'm not trained for anything, though I suppose I could dig and move debris as well as anyone. The provincial search & rescue was on stand by last night--they had scrambled to unpack their winter gear & replace it with hot weather gear and were set to go, but this morning they were told to stand down and now seems unlikely that they will be going after all. I'm not sure why not--something was said about their group being so small, but I would have thought that anyone and everyone, no matter how many or how few in the crew, would be good to have there. Even if one person was saved by a team, that would make it all worthwhile. I know that if I were on that team, all set to go and then were told it was off, I would be disappointed--I suspect some of these guys are too.

Our Governor General gave a very emotional speech yesterday--with Haiti being her home country, this is very close to her heart. I missed the comments made by that religious figure. Just as well--how inappropriate to say such a thing.

 

[luv2ridesaddleseat]

unreal, just unreal.....