This past week Haiti was devastated by an earthquake at Haiti’s capital city, Port au Prince. There has been alot of damage, horrible amounts of loss of life; and financial devastation to the people of Haiti who can ill afford to take any more loss of income. In Haiti, the people are among the poorest of the poor around the world; when compared to the land of plenty, in more properous nations.
Nations around the world are moved towards a sensitivity to the suffering of the Haitian people. Money and donations of life saving supplies are poring in however, getting the supplies to the most devastated areas are difficult. There is so much destruction and people are desparate. Medical care is critical and people have been being treated in the street and in tents. There is, and has been, a thin line between life and death.
Compassion is the fuel that moves people from merely hearing the news of the suffering and becoming involved and committed to doing what each person can to help. Many people are giving money, some are donating their skills and talents or their time-volunteering to help the people of Haiti. I read an article that made me question peoples awareness of their sensitivity towards others in need and their own need for a moment when life goes on in spite of what is happening around the world.
So, it came as a bit of a surprise to read an article about a cruise ship line that stops at a port in Haiti that has made the decision to continue stopping at their destination in Haiti. After reading about this, I couldn’t help reading the comments at the end of the article. There were people who were for the cruise ship line continuing to stop in Haiti. Those people were of the opinion that continuing to bring in tourists with their money would help to keep the Haitian people who were employed at the port working, providing them income during this time.
The problem is, from what I understand of the situation is that this particular port is on the far end of the island; somewhat removed from the devastated area. Still, those people who are employed do need jobs. They do need income. It was said that supplies were also carried in on the cruise ships. I don’t know if that is true or not…but, if it is…God bless them for delivering supplies to the island. The need is strong for medical supplies, food, water, blankets, shelter (many are homeless including the elderly and small children)…and there is a need for caregivers and adoptive families for those who are now orphans.
Those who criticized the cruise line were of the opinion that tourists had no business partying, drinking, and living it up on the island paradise when they knew full well that human beings were starving and dying of thirst for lack of clean and healthy water just across the island in the area of Port au Prince. The dead and the dying do not have instant access to the plenty that the cruise line passengers and those enjoying the comfort of the port. There were comments in this section that wondered how someone could possibly eat, drink and take advantage of the activities knowing of the intense struggle for survivial just miles away. Is it justification by saying that continuing to vacation there is bringing in money? Or is it true and therefore ok in the opinion of the reader here?
It just got me wondering…how the human spirit who is sensitive towards those in need decides at what point, life goes on? I mean, do you do all that you know to do to help, in your spirit and contribute what you can giving yourself permission to go about your business? Do you just ignore the suffering? Do you allow the situation to paralyze you and keep you from moving forward in your own life; attending to the daily issues at hand? Is it possible to find a balance of helping through charity, volunteerism, and prayer; and, living in gratitude for the gifts or blessings in your life? When is it ok for those who are sensitive to the needs of others in peril translate to a life goes on moment without guilt? It is going to take a long time for recovery; hopefully, people do not forget too soon and stop acting on the behalf of those suffering who have been traumatized by this natural disaster.
What are your thoughts as you read this blog post?
See possibly related post: http://www.writewhereyouareblog.com/heros-what-are-they-made-of/
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Oh, Rainy. The special way you pick up current events topics and look at them from every angle continues to boggle my mind and pluck my heartstrings.
The devastation in Haiti has been an issue I cannot bear to view. It is even too painful for me to observe the news reports because, feeling as I do that Mankind is One, I truly FEEL the pain of Haiti’s suffering. It is suffocatingly troubling.
When it comes to being helpful it occurs to me that whatever fuels one’s passions is the action to take. For example, if you could send donations, that’s your bailiwick. If you could go to the people and serve them as a volunteer, by all means-GO.
When we follow our hearts with the intention of doing the right thing for all the right reasons, God blesses our gifts and the receivers are blessed, as well.
Thanks again for yet another thoughtful post.
Hugs
Mother Connie