Our Sisters in Haiti

We are all overwhelmed by the varying emotions evoked by the heart racing and heart breaking events that are almost a daily event in the world in which we live. That being said, I don’t want to describe again the conditions that have been evolving and deteriorating in Haiti. Rather than reviewing the various renditions of the suffering people are enduring brought to us via our TVs, I would rather ask you to try to “walk in their shoes” so to speak, to imagine the reality of the lives and the struggles of the Little Sisters of Ste. Thérèse themselves and the people to whom they are trying to minister and bring hope as you read my adaptation of: An Apology to my Brothers and Sisters in Developing Countries.

This article is not about making you feel guilt, (uncomfortable maybe, a bit) but rather gratitude and perhaps a renewed interest in doing what we can, with what we have, where we are!

To my brothers and sisters in Haiti:

While I was deciding which bran cereal to eat for breakfast, you were facing another day without having eaten.

While I was choosing between a latte or regular soda, your parched lips were yearning for a sip of clean water.

While I was sleeping on my Dream Cloud mattress, you were searching for a safe place to sleep on the ground.

While I was jogging to the gym, you were running for your life from the gunfire of gangs invading your village.

While I built a 12-room house for 3 of us, you sobbed as the gangs burned down your shacks and everything you owned.

While I watched the news on my wide screen TV, you were hoping for news about where your family were, if alive.

While I scanned the ads for a new article of clothing you put on the same clothes you have been wearing for months.

While I poured my “fresh and better” detergent into the washing machine, you stood in the river washing your clothes.

While I delighted in the antics of my children, you cried out in anguish as you held your child dying of starvation.

While I went to church last Sunday and felt more than slightly bored, you felt gratitude to God for being alive for one more day.

My brothers and sisters, forgive me for my arrogance and indifference. Forgive me for always wanting newer and better things. Forgive me for not doing my part to change the unjust systems that keep you suffering and impoverished. May I become more aware of your situation and work for the transformation of our wounded but beautiful world.