Packing, Praying and Procrastinating!

4 a.m. comes mighty early and for some reason that is why I decided at this very moment to write my thoughts and blog, instead of getting down to that very essential task of putting all those glorious items in a giant duffel bag...aka packing.

But first: my thoughts and prayers are with the people of Haiti right now and their immeasurable suffering from this devastating earthquake. What can I do? I have so much in my life, and the seemingly inescapable poverty and suffering in the country is so unfair. Seeing the humanitarian catastrophe unfold is heart-wrenching and horrific. And the nation has suffered for so long. I donated to the Red Cross, by texting HAITI to 90999, as did my colleagues and friends, and many many other people, millions of people. I pledge to do more.

My church is collecting money, Presbyterian Church USA www.pcusa.org/pda/response/latinamerica/haiti-index.htm is collecting funds, UNICEF, the United Nations, the Red Cross, and all aid organizations have all made this their highest priority, people have flown at a moment's notice to help in rescue and relief. The United States and countries around the world have deployed emergency teams and resources. My lovely and dear dear friend, Joan, is spearheading a fundraiser and (it is all her effort - I am just showing up since I will be on my trip) I am proudly listed as a co-host. Within minutes she received an overwhelming response, even a Senator's office wants to promote it. Wow. And that was just her talking among friends and getting the local community involved. Everyone wants to help. The human spirit, generosity and kindness are so powerful. People are called to action. But it still is unfair. People are still in dire poverty, susceptible to disease, violence and suffering through no fault of their own. People are still in need of basic necessities. I pledge to always be an advocate, always use my gifts to volunteer, help others and share what I have been blessed with. That is what I can do and continue to do. My life. My Mission. Tomorrow is Managua.