Haiti... the land of the free???

Last night, I received some "heavy" personal news - it completely knocked the air out of me and sent me into ten minutes of anger, frustration and sadness. Mike had planned an amazing evening for us, but after receiving the phone call all I wanted to do was wallow in self-pity. I prayed, made a pot of tea, asked for Mike to cancel our "Fun Friday" plans, picked up the Kite Runner and turned on 20/20. 

All this to say, there is nothing like reading a book about the Taliban's domination in Afghanistan and watching the complete destruction of Haiti to make a person snap out of their self-righteous (although justified) pity-party. 

To be honest whether you are happy, sad, grateful, ungrateful, or in between  - I truly suggest watching 20/20's report of the Haiti Crisis (and reading/watching the Kite Runner). After diving in to reports on Haiti - I think this was the best reporting done on the Haiti crisis. Not only does this special touch on the earthquake devastation, but also on the "orphan crisis" in Haiti, the modern day slave trade, the rich and victorious history of Haiti and the many different organizations that have been working/donating/ volunteering/etc. 

Last night, after watching the special Mike and I made a resolution to  spend the evening drinking tea, watching classic movies (1930's The Big House) and researching the best way to help Haiti - what we found is that the most powerful ways to help the country are to send money or if you are a medical professional there is a need for your services. Please be sure to research the place in which you are sending your money, because there's a lot of money that has been, is and will be going in to the country that unfortunately the countrymen have (and may not) never seen. 

Mike and I donated using  the Clinton Foundation (click the Foundation and Wyclef's name to donate) but Wyclef is also collecting money for his native country and is in Haiti working besides the rescue crews. 

I really urge everyone to watch the 20/20 specials (click here and here for the links) and donate...

Please enjoy your weekend and feel free to leave comments, helpful solutions, and whatever here. I am curious to see what others are thinking and doing. 

Shelby S.