Hearts for Haiti

When catastrophes and calamities strike, a hopeless feeling can come over me. What can I do? If only I could...bring over an orphan, travel to Haiti, supply a million dollars worth of supplies, etc. After I realize that those options aren't possible, I am tempted to throw my hands up in the air, and resolutely decide that my 'job' is to pray. Oh to be a prayer warrior for Haitians--there is no other role more important than to join the front lines on the spiritual battlefield of despair.

But there is no need to stop there--maybe we can all ask ourselves, "What can I do--in my corner of the world to help those in need?"

I have a sweet, sweet friend who took up that charge--looked at what skills she had, and used them for the heartbroken. Laura has a heart as big as I have ever witnessed, and not only that, she is brave and unafraid to step out and DO SOMETHING! I get big ideas--but often times, they stop right there, as they suffer in the 'follow-through.'

Here is Laura. She decided to make Valentines Day cards, and sell them at the local Pick-n-Save on Saturday, with all funds going to those in need. I was so privileged to do a little paper cutting and gluing beside her. So you see, she is the brains, supplier, initiative, and inspiration behind this whole gig.



As we did our jobs, I couldn't help noticing how each and everyone contributed in their own special way. Mavis is always so encouraging and willing to do whatever task is asked of her. She is my big sister--I have looked up to her for a lot of years and plan on doing so for many more!


Sam was in charge of making envelopes. No nonsense--in a room full of women--he folded and glued, not once distracted by a possible new design. "Is this heart too big for this card?" I believe FOCUS is his middle name. And thanks, Sam, for taking time out of your envelope folding business so that I could take your pic!


There seems to be two categories of people when a creative product is being processed, there are the creative, artsy-fartsy dreamers, and the 'just get it done' types. Some are a little of both--depending on the mood, the project, is it before or after lunch, etc. Jessie and Hannah fall into that category. They can work both sides of the fence.



These two, Nora and Abbey fall on the opposite ends of the spectrum. Designing what papers look good together are a lot more fun for Nora than actually putting the card together. And Abbey? She was cranking out those cards Nora designed almost as fast as Nora was moving on to a new design--because frankly, she was rather bored with the old one already!!


As I was writing this post, thinking about the strengths of each card-maker, I thought of those Haitians. God has given each and every one of those individuals, the ones who have cried more tears in the last two days then maybe they have in their whole life, strengths and abilities. They too, are different and special from each other. Each special broken heart, needs hope in this terrible situation to be able to become all God created them to be.

Let's just do what we can do--as small and little as it may seem, to keep their hope alive. If you get creative for Haiti, I would love to hear about it. But most importantly, let's fall on our knees, praying for redemption and hope, and may we never just shut the TV off, and go on with our own lives.