I’m leaving for Haiti early Monday morning and I am so excited that I am bouncing off the walls!  OK, so, I am not literally bouncing off the walls, I’m just giddy with anticipation.

Seriously?
Well, yes.  I’m heading down to volunteer in any way that I can, and while at it I hope to bring stories of what its like back for people to understand a little better what is going on there, how a country can be made a little more sustainable, and how to restore peace post-disaster.  I expect that while I have a lot of practical knowledge and an MA in Socially Responsible Business and Sustainable Communities from Goddard College I’ll be learning much myself on this trip.

I’m packing right now and the interior of my room is an explosion of outdoor gear, clothing, and donation items.  My conversation with Amurtel further helped me to realize that this is not a typical trip, and my packing list will be drastically different: for instance, I need to bring my own accommodations (a tent, sleeping pad and sleeping bag.)  I guess it’s a good thing that I’m an outdoorsy person and have some of what I need.  But I will need to pick up some fun things like a super lightweight sleeping bag (its in the upper 90′s), (lots of) mosquito repellent, and a small solar charger.  Darn it! <– sarcasm

Some of what I’m bringing for donation:

• some barely worn t-shirts with me that I had been trying to decide how to re-cycle
• four freecycled tents and some rope *there are still families living under sheets and the rainy season is about to begin*

I’ve registered with the US Embassy in Haiti, wrapped up (most of) the loose ends with work, set up bill payments (thank God for online banking) and put everyone on notice that I’ll be leaving.

Any support to the success of this trip is welcomed, whether it is financial, prayers, compassionate thoughts, information, connections, equipment, et cetera.  I’ve already managed to engage the interest in a serious investor; the Jersey City-based fourth grade class of Ms. Litman is sending along $350 for the children of Haiti.

I need to go now because I should stop vibrating with excitement and get to everything that needs to be done before I leave.

Oh and on a final note I won’t post here until I return so please check the blog specific to my volunteer time in Haiti if you are interested in more.

In response to the Haitian earthquake I have been working on making plans to get down on the ground to volunteer with Amurt.  While waiting for those plans to solidify, I woke up this morning to news that a massive 8.8 earthquake hit Chile.  I still plan to head to Haiti to help out, but now my prayers and love are being sent to both places.

Unlike Haiti, I have connections to Chile through my close college friend whose children live there.  It was with his family in mind this morning that compassionate tears rolled down my face.  I hope for good news and soon.  But in the meantime, I can be there for my friend and make sure that he gets the support that he needs while so far away from his much loved little ones.  I can rally our friends to make sure that if he wants to or needs to that he can either fly his kids to the States or can head down to be with them.

My heart goes out to my friend because I know him.  It is hard enough being seperated from  your children without having a disaster happen.  Now?

In this moment while I am aware of my compassion I think also of the people of Haiti and those around the world whose lives are affected by natural disasters.  My actions are clear in the case of my friend, less so when there is not a personal relationship.  How do we positively act on our compassionate desire to help when faced with poverty, catastrophe, and injustice?

I know my path right now includes flying to Haiti and rallying support around my friend’s beautiful children in Chile. Understanding that there are others around the world whose lives also need help, I will continue to do my best in my daily work to find ways of addressing this need.