This will be a short post with a big request. The situation in Haiti, as bad as it is, could get infinitely worse. The unpreventable delays in providing food and water to the massive numbers of survivors is becoming an acute situation. It has now been four days since the quake. Shock, grief, thirst, and hunger, combined with the perception that no one cares because these desperate people are not receiving help is a potential for another catastrophic situation. This is not about a couple of thousand people. It's about two million people searching for food, water, and care for their loved ones. It's about basic survival.
Various aid groups are well aware of this potential. If you are inclined towards prayer or meditation, now is the time to pray for calm. Send money by all means, but pray for calm and that the numerous bottle necks can be overcome. The situation in Haiti is not like any other catastrophe we have witnessed in this young century. There is no workable infrastructure, no government, little communication, no central authority or organization, no heavy equipment, and very limited means of moving aid from the airport. The majority of security forces will not be on the ground until Monday. It is imperative the population find some inner strength to stay calm because everything around them will work against it. It is imperative relief workers maintain their focus and not despair of the situation. They too need our intentional support. Collective prayer does work. Pray for calm. Pray for strength. Pray that hope overcomes despair.
