Today I received this message from one of my mentors and former spiritual director, Sr. Mary Ann Spangler, HM. It is an email from one of the sisters in her community that is living and working in Haiti. For those of you who don't know, a cholera outbreak has broken out in the country (http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/gallery/2010/oct/24/haiti-cholera-pictures) and now they are bracing for tropical storms and possible hurricanes.
It is easy to forget about people and situations like this after the initial shock of the event has passed (at least for those of us who seem so far removed from it) and the media coverage has subsided. Really though, it is at this time that the real struggle has just begun for these people; as the aid dies down and they need to figure out how to rebuild their lives.
Please keep the people of Haiti in your hearts and minds.
"Hi. I sit here at 5 PM in semi-darkness as the hurricane clouds start to cover the area and the wind picks up.. The rains should start tomorrow. The strongest part of the storm should pass over the island Friday afternoon. There are 5-10 inches of rain expected, even if the tropical storm does not become a hurricane. How much more can the folks here take? I know you continue to pray for the Haitian people. They are strong, but they are scared this time. They, and we, seem to be running out of steam as we seem to find more crises at every turn. We expect the numbers of people with cholera to increase after all the rain. Over a million people are living in tents or wooden structures that won't withstand strong winds. So, here we go again, held up and supported by your prayers, that have seen us through so much all ready.."
- Judy, HM
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