I’m honored to have my dear friend Tracie as a guest blogger today, and I’m grateful that I can assist her on getting the word out on this tragic event. Please consider helping out — what is seemingly a little by our standards can mean the entire world to the people in Haiti right now.
–Leslie
Thank you Leslie for letting me guest post here today! My blog is currently under construction and it’s killing me to stay silent on this issue. So I thank you Leslie for letting me get my thoughts out and spread the word on some ways we can help.
My family and I are currently visiting the island of Exuma, in the Bahamas … located approximately 100 miles north of Haiti. When we were alerted Tuesday night that the Bahamas were on a tsunami watch, I have to admit … we freaked a bit.
Sadly … truth be told … I didn’t really give much thought to the devastation that might have occurred in Haiti.
But when I started seeing all the tweets yesterday on Twitter … we started realizing the depths of this tragedy.
I did as much retweeting as I could yesterday and today … but it just wasn’t the same. I felt that I needed to get my own thoughts out and share what I could with links, etc.
When Leslie saw my desperation and suggested I guest post here, I went to the internet to gather some photos.
My heart is heavy and my stomach … literally sick. Here are just a few photos that I felt were tame enough to share. If you want to see extreme devastation and have it really hit home, I suggest you do a search for “images of haiti.”
So sad. So many deaths. So much pain. Affecting families, children, mothers, fathers. People just like you and I.
It’s reported that three million people may have been affected, but the human toll is still unknown.
We have to do what we can to help this already very impoverished country. I urge you … any amount will help! Here are some sites and organizations to consider:
Prayer
First and foremost, we need to pray. The power of prayer is bigger and more powerful that we can imagine. The girls & I have been praying for Haiti, the people and the relief they need since yesterday. Please join us.
American Red Cross
There has been an outpouring of support from the public. To help, people can make an unrestricted donation to the International Response Fund at www.redcross.org or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767). The public can also help by texting “Haiti” to 90999 to send a $10 donation to the Red Cross, through an effort backed by the U.S. State Department. Funds will go to support American Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti. 100 percent of all money donated will be passed on to the Red Cross.
Not an AT&T customer? Donate through Wyclef Jean’s foundation, Yele Haiti. Text “Yele” to 501501 and $5 will be charged to your phone bill and given to relief projects through the organization.
Compassion International
Compassion International exists as a Christian child advocacy ministry that releases children from spiritual, economic, social and physical poverty and enables them to become responsible, fulfilled Christian adults.
All funds raised in response to the Haiti earthquake will be used immediately to provide for Compassion-assisted children and families affected by this crisis. Any funds raised in excess will be stewarded by Compassion for additional and future disaster relief efforts.
Oxfam
Oxfam has long experience in Haiti, and we’re rushing in teams from around the region to respond to the situation where our assistance is most needed. Our response will include providing clean water, shelter, sanitation and helping people recover – your donation will go immediately to the most critical needs in Haiti, and we will ensure that every penny is used wisely.
Design for Mankind
Erin has put together a great list of organizations you can donate through.
Lastly …
Hope for Haiti
Jenny went to bed Tuesday night with a heavy heart. God spoke to her … she obeyed and started a website to raise money, through the blogging community, for Haiti. Amazing. I’m in awe. She’s already got some great items up for bid. I urge you to take a look.
People … we are blessed. We can. not. possibly. begin to imagine the depths of devastation this country is facing. If you can’t help financially … pray … spread the word … raise awareness … it’s the least you can do.
“Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.” I Peter 3:8
