EARTHQUAKE!!!!

The tremendous earthquake Tuesday left Haiti's capital and the surrounding area in the western side of the island in shambles. The death toll is over 100,000 with citizens, travelers and UN workers still missing.

All over the world, countries are scrambling to help in any way possible to provide aid for this extremely impoverished country, including a large donation from the U.S. However, due to the severity of the destruction, the country is currently shut down. It is difficult to is able to get in; no one is able to fly out. There are several planes full of aid workers and supplies attempting help that are having trouble landing at the ridiculously unorganized airport, due to the fact that it just cannot be manned....in addition to the disorganization already firmly in place: a trademark of the third world.

It really makes me think about how I want to go to Haiti. Not for a vacation, or to travel. I want to help.

I am going to Puerto Rico on Saturday for a short vacation to visit Anjelica, and was seriously contemplating going to Haiti; jetting over there to help in any way possible. However, it's just not logistical, and there is no way I would be allowed to just frolic into the country. There is no space for any extra bodies; there is hardly room for the aid workers desperately trying to save each person pinned beneath rubble, those trying to get food, water and shelter to the people in need, each moment crucial to the survival of all involved.

Unfortunately, and understandably, they are overloaded now. But when the dust settles they will still need help yet it wont be as fresh in people's minds that their need is still enormous. I want to go then; when I can really be of use. When I wont be in the way.Now, it is pure chaos; its better to be left to the professionals.

The scene is mixed of terrible sadness and despair, to extreme happiness and relief that they and/or loved ones are alive and safe. People all over are learning, in the same moment, that one beloved family member has passed, that one has been saved.

I can't even imagine what it must be like to be in that environment right now. To be faced with the fact that your existence as you know it crushed, that your home is completely destroyed, that your family is severed.

Thank goodness so many are eager and willing to contribute, helping fund the efforts to stabilize the country; I just hope it helps as much as they need.