I stopped by "Sals" today to look for items to bring to Haiti- specifically skirts for really tall women and duffle bags to bring down. My arms were getting full with a variety of duffles, tote bags and backpacks! An employee asked me what I needed all the bags for. I told her I was involved in humanitarian work in Haiti and needed to bring compact bags down so that I could divy up supplies/items for various people.
"You like them Haitians?", was her reply
I was stunned.
"Actually, I love them.", I replied.
"Aren't they pretty sneaky?" she asked
"Ummm, not the ones I know." I answered
I listened patiently- though I really wanted to pop her one for being so ignorant. I explained that yes, indeed there were many poor in the US. However, the US government has a variety of programs in place to help the less fortunate as well as there being upteen community, non-profit and religious resources available for people. In Haiti, the government is not able to provide such assistance. The country actually survives only because private organizations and citizens provide financial support.
She was not convinced...
I head down to Haiti on Thursday- I keep having to remind myself that I'm going. Hopefully, I'll get around to some packing tomorrow. My "take to Haiti" pile is growing- clothing/food for friends, gifts for my sponsored kids, food supplies for the community event we are hosting in Pestel as well as my clothes.
It has been a busy week and I have a lot to get done this evening. My morning was spent at the church working in the Teen Building. We worked on making a large poster with our purpose statement on it. Our year is underway and it is already busy!
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