Thoughts on Haiti

So I'm sitting here watching TV including a news update on Haiti. I have to admit, no matter how selfish it may sound, but this is the only news coverage I've watched on the Haitian earthquake all week. Of course I've heard lots of facts/news/etc. throughout the week but have not intentionally watched any of the coverage. I think subconsciously I don't want to see the pictures or hear the true devastation because I know it will just truly break my heart and there's not much I can really do. I do intend to text the Red Cross to donate $10 but with so much destruction and tragedy happening there it barely seems like enough. I've heard the controversial comments and I have heard about the American spirit as well as the resilient Haitian spirit. Perhaps I'm just jaded...
And now the current president decides to compliment his predecessor when before all he had were negative comments about his presidency and his decisions. I guess it just goes to show you that tragedy indeed brings out the "best" in people.
I guess I say all that to say that my heart and prayers go out to all those in Haiti and all those affected by the events that have transpired this past week. My hope and prayer is these people truly get the relief they need and the assistance they will need to rebuild their home country. And most of all that they come to know the one source who can give them EVERYTHING they need as no human organization could.
Dear Father, please surround the Haitian people with your love and protection, wrap your arms around them and show them that you love them as they are with everything you are and you love them unconditionally. Provide for their earthly needs as well as their spiritual and emotional needs during this extremely difficult time. Help the organizations that desire to help, allow them to do all they can possibly do to show care, concern and shower hope on these precious people. You are the God of all including the God of Haiti. Please shower them with your presence, your hope, your peace and your love. Thank you for who you are and all that you can provide!

2010

Well another decade is behind me and wow what a decade it was! I graduated high school, spent 5 years in college, graduated college, moved into my own apartment in my hometown of Tulsa (moved several times AFTER graduation), obtained my first "professional" job, changed jobs two more times, served as a maid of honor in my best friend's wedding and in my sister' s wedding, served as a bridesmaid in another friend's wedding, watched my Sooners dominate and be dominated, etc.
As I sit here and reflect on the most recent year, 2009, I have mixed feelings and emotions. Part of me enjoys being able to say goodbye to '09 and never look back. But the other part of me will always look back at the past year with fond memories that bring me joy. In the last year I traveled halfway across the world to Northeast India and enjoyed the lovely creation of the Himilaya Mountains, I watched my little sister marry the love of her life and best friend, I had my heart broken, to the point I wasn't sure what was up and what was down, I traveled to Dallas not once but twice, saw two of my favorite bands in concert, gained many great friends but lost a few along the way as well and turned the ripe old age of 28 (which I must say has been THE hardest birthday to date). So all in all it was bittersweet year - I look forward to 2010, the year of no fear.
To my lovely friends and family that aided in the positive and fond memories of 2009, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. You are my inspiration, as cheesy as that sounds. And I think I'll update this thing a little more often. :)