Compassion Towards The Weary

Recently the news has been bombarded with images and stories about the 7.0 earthquake and the 5.9 aftershock that caused Haiti to crumble to pieces. The images are grueling and the thoughts of the destruction is unbearable. There have been many nations that have rushed to Haiti's aid in attempts to support clean-up and re-stabilization. Funds have poured in and people have been switftly brought over to help find and recover bodies from the dismantled buildings. The Red Cross is one of the organizations that have been sending volunteers to assist with medical wounds and accumulated donations thus far of $37 million by online and mobile donations. Another group that has had a recent effort in raising money for Haiti is the Hope For Haiti Now: A Global Telethon For Earthquake Relief; a large number of actors, comedians, and vocal performers participated in this event hoping to accumulate their power over people's choices to raise a massive amount of donations to give to the Haiti efforts. Without a doubt, that is what they did throught this telethon; donations as of January 23 were $58 million. The donations continue to roll, due to the donations through the internet, phone, text message, and mail being accepted through June. Along with the telethon, and album was made featuring the artists who had been featured on the telethon. The album has appropriately been named Hope For Haiti Now and is available on iTunes. iTunes also has the whole telethon available for purchase as well.

Along with the financial and military efforts to help Haiti ,the national government is still asking people for donations towards relief. Even though national govenrment has taken into account the tight economic situation they are still urging for a push of support. Legislation has been written and proposed in attempts for an outlet that allows people on a tight budget to donate. North Dakota's delegation has decided to co-sponser legislation which would allow people on their 2009 income taxes to claim cash donations towards Haiti relief efforts made before March 1 as a deduction.

Even locally there are many people who have made an effort to help Haiti. One of them being Will Dort, owner of Skill Cutz in West Fargo, ND, has decided to donate his proceeds to Haiti disaster relief efforts. As a native Haitian, it has been an extemely difficult month. He has heard from a portion of his family, but has also acknowledged four of his relatives as part of the 15,000 people who have been claimed dead. Accompanying his efforts are a few other people who have decided to match his profits with thousands of dollars. Along with those strives to make a difference, there are hundreds of churches that have sent around the collection plate providing people a way to share their compassion for the weary people of Haiti.

Through all of these efforts, I have felt the compassion of the world and noticed how people in times of trial can embrace each other in order to give a country another breath of hope. Despite the wars going on and the financial fights between countries, they all gather to bring a sense of peace to one nation who in moments was sent into chaos. If only the world could act this way no matter the situation, if governments could put aside differences and embrace uniqueness, and if regions could see eye to eye the world may be more peaceful. Despite the donations that pour in and the people who have are standing up to help, there are some things that can just not be mended. The hearts of the people of Haiti are weary and burdened by the sadness that looms over the country, but with compassionate hearts and hopeful thoughts there will be a light at the end of the tunnel.