Well it has been a bit since I have last updated, and things have changed quite a bit. The last time I updated I was slated to leave for Haiti on February 7th. Given the circumstances there with the continuing earthquake aftermath and reconstruction, the cholera situation, and now the effects of the presidential elections, Beyond Borders have decided to postpone Courtney and my arrival date. The plan now is for me to move to DC in mid-January to work in the Beyond Borders office, and to hopefully fly out to Haiti late February/early March.
I can't say that I'm not disappointed. I have never really considered myself an incredibly patient person ;) so this is certainly been challenging. I realize this is all in our best interest, and that simply wanting to be there seems a bit selfish...so I'm taking this time to learn as much as I can about the land, people, and culture of Haiti. I really am excited to learn what work is involved in the offices down in DC, and to get to see the other side of things. It is difficult having things be so up in the air, and living in this state of "limbo" but I have faith that it will all work out the way they are meant to, and learning to accept that is just part of the process.
In the meantime keep Haiti and her people in your daily thoughts and prayers. There can never be too many prayers. Pray for stability, peace, calming, health, reconciliation, happiness, relief...the list is endless. My hope and prayer is that something beneficial comes out of these elections...that someone who truly cares for the country and the people is put into "power" and that for once this beautiful and deserving country recieves the chance that they deserve.
Despite the lack of coverage found on television news, there are many articles written and posted online--I encourage you to keep up with them in efforts to understand the situation. Some of the websites to follow are:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
http://www.miamiherald.com/
http://www.bbc.com/
http://www.cnn.com/
here's an article on the latest cholera update, please take the time to read it
http://www.msf.org/msf/articles/2010/12/cholera-emergency-in-haiti-far-from-over.cfm
Nawe pita!
-Sarah
