A worthy people…

So yesterday my local newspaper printed an article about my efforts in Haiti. At first I was embarrassed that it was not only printed but printed on the front page. And then I got to thinking that although the article was about me… it wasnt really about me. It was about the needs of Haiti. I might be biased but I think it deserves front page every day.

Anyway… here is the link to the article:

London Free Press – I couldnt just sit at home…

Now… return to the link and scroll over to the comments section.

Let me paste a few of them for you to read:

HARRY HAY

November 29th 2010, 5:01pm

dont our people need help here in our country ??  

there is a reason for mishaps earth quakes and floods ..it happens to keep

the population down aids down if u want to help send them some condoms

and instrutions how to use them ???

well said …

November 29th 2010, 5:56pm

very well said harry charity begins at home ..good luck to her if she wants to go there

Ugh. Really? I mean… really?  The sad thing is this attitude is not new. I have heard comments like this for months now. I try not to let is get to me but sometimes it is just too much. It is attitudes like this that make re-entry such a valid concern. It is attitudes like this that show how narrow-minded and heartless some people can be. Oh yeah. I went there. Because if these people had a shred of compassion they would not be saying such non-sense. It is attitudes like this that break the very heart of God…

And I sit here wondering… if these people are so against the work in other countries what are they doing to help their own? Taking warm coats to the homeless? Serving out hot food at the shelter? Handing out clean needles at the needle exchange programme? Time to put your money where your mouth is.

One other comment had potential to eat away at me:

Robert Foster

November 29th 2010, 7:45pm

Although she may be doing good work, I am concerned at pictures of her patients being posted on the internet for everyone to see. I hope that someone can confirm that consent was obtained from these patients, although I doubt that this is the case. Regardless, you wouldn’t take pictures of your patients from London to post on the internet. Why should your patients in Haiti be any different?

We must be respectful of the Haitian people while trying to help them through another difficult time.

– Rob
(Londoner currently volunteering in Haiti)

Yeah. He at least had a point worth pondering. But I want to make it clear that I always asked before I took a picture, or had a picture taken. And sometimes, if people saw my camera they would tug at the back of my scrub top and ask to have their picture taken. I sent an email to my sister this morning whining about the comment and bless her heart, this was her reply:

No, you wouldn’t take a picture of your patients in London to post on the internet.  But also, there is no serious epidemic happening in London right now that the world needs to know about and be aware of.

Don’t for even a second question yourself for putting those pictures up or feel guilty.  I will slap you.  You are putting a face to a news story.  Without pictures, people wouldn’t have a way to connect what they hear as ‘news’ to what is happening to actual human people with lives and families.  I don’t want to over-do it here with this… because I know that you will think I’m just saying this because I’m your sister….. but most of those Haitian people will never have their stores heard, have never before had their picture taken, they’ve never known that they were worth having their picture taken.  What better place to pause and take their picture then when they have been to the lowest point humanity can get to.  You took pictures because you want to REMEMBER, and you wanted to bring their stories back and share them with douchewads.

I’m sorry that other people don’t get to see the intentions you had when you did all the things you did.  Don’t get angry or bitter…. I love you.

Do I even need to follow it up with more words?

This father sat and wept at his sons bedside… fearful for his life.

This mother and daughter both came in needing treatment. Both are visibly soiled. Both too sick to care.

…most of those Haitian people will never have their stores heard, have never before had their picture taken, they’ve never known that they were worth having their picture taken.  Matthew 10:29 – 31…  Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. ³⁰ And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. ³¹ So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

One Love, ♥