When I heard about the earthquake that hit Haiti, I thought about a writer friend of mine. She's the author of a poignant book titled "Akin To No One." Her name is Nicole Titus. Nicole is from Haiti and now lives in New York. I thought about the story she shared in Akin To No One as I heard more about the country in the face of the earthquake. Like Edwidge Danticat (another Haitian writer), Nicole captured the struggles of the country so well that I was at once deeply struck and moved.
The government's infrastructure is not strong due to an imbalance of power. My heart goes out to "everyday" folks in Haiti, people who live by decisions made by others, be they harmful to the person's own welfare or not. And now an earthquake. It is like tossing a mountain atop an already struggling situation.
Imagine being hit with an earthquake that substantial or another equally powerful natural event in a country with a strong infrastucture. I think of Hurricane Katrina and the impact it had on the U.S. Now imagine that happening in a country with a weak infrastructure.
My prayer is that Haiti will not only be helped and recover from the earthquake but that the powers that be examine current "everyday" practices and create a balance of power that allows for a strong governmental infrastructure.
Back to my friend, Nicole. I reached out to her and extended assistance. She was waiting to hear from family and friends back in Haiti. As with events akin to this, she said the news images had a strong emotional impact on her. Understandably. It's a reason I watch next to any news. I made a donation and will take something to church for a drive the church I attend is having.
At some point, nearly everyone of us experiences an event in our journey where we stretch out our hand and ask for, "Help." It's a reason I have a strong preference for helping when I can.
God bless Haiti and in more ways than just recovering from the earthquake. May Haiti value all of her people and allow for a balance of power throughout the land. God bless Haiti.
Denise Turney
Author - Long Walk Up
Off The Shelf Radio
Book Lovers Haven Network
http://www.chistell.com
Posted By: Denise Turney
Friday, January 15th 2010 at 6:06PM
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