I can’t help but remember what I was doing August 29-September September 2, 2005… the 5 days after Hurricane Katrina hit and left New Orleanians and their neighborhoods waiting on hot and humid highways for food, water, and relief.

 

It’s like it’s happening all over again… January 12, 2010 a 7.0 earthquake hit Port-au-Prince, Haiti and we are on day 5 of trying to send food, water, and relief.

 

In anll honesty, I thought I was doing my part 53 months ago from my apartment in Milwaukee. I thought that others could offer aid, and my job was to remain here to organize a prayer service for our entire campus.

 

Then the urgency of the immediate dissipated… the stories of recovery and displacement faded in the background of our “normal” lives over the next few months. We could not spend the same time thinking, praying, and heart-aching over New Orleans… so some of us let it go, and went on our daily lives.

 

For me, something happened when I helped people in October 2005. And I just wonder… what will happen to some of our friends this time around with Haiti. Perhaps we will find ourselves assisting in the recovery of the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere 53 months after the earthquake just like some of the volunteers we have had this past week.

 

Then I think of how true our call to discipleship is. That not only did God enter into the thick of humanity, but because of his life and witness, we are continually compelled to be present to one another through the grace of love.

 

We are invited to share from what we have and who we are. When we do that, we work in cooperation with God’s saving plan… then the impossible happens… like water into wine, curing the sick and lame, healing the blind, forgiving those who have wronged us.

 

The miracle of God happens amidst our very brokenness… if we allow it…

 

We can’t do everything, but we can do our part.

 

For those more interested in how to be in relationship with the people of Haiti and those affected by the earthquake, read Bill Quigley’s latest article, Ten Things the U.S. Can and Should Do for Haiti.

 

Prayers Prayers Prayers to all in need.