The World Won't Change Me

Friday I got word that the MATH group I was to be a part of will not travel to Haiti on February 21. The email I received simply read:  

Today, the MATH Executive Committee voted unanimously  to cancel the upcoming Medical Mission trip to PAP.  With the high level of volatility that is surrounding the political situation, as well as the current food crisis, everyone felt that this is the prudent decision.  The safety of our volunteers has to be the first priority.

I can not begin to understand the complexities of the political situation, but I did find the following link helpful  Crisis in Haiti. After my initial disappointment, and doing a little more reading, I came to realize that it was the best decision for the Executive Committee to make. And in my gut, I felt that if they had to wait and watch the situation so closely so that the final decision was made one week prior to departure, that it was best to postpone until the situation becomes a little more stable.

As an American, it is so far removed from something I can understand, that it pains me. My heart goes out to those that have to live and try to survive in situations such as this. Add to the political unrest a food crisis (read about that here: Food Crisis ), and it takes the situation to another level.

This world we live in, somehow challenges me to remain unchanged. And by unchanged, I don't mean that I won't grow, and evolve. I just mean that it challenges me to keep my heart intact. It forces me to be strong and say to myself, that I am still going to look for the good in people, and in situations, and that I believe in the end love does win. Love. Does. Win. Sometimes this world slaps my in the face and says, wake up you fool, you can't change things. Well, maybe not. Me going to Haiti and working in the clinic with a hand held iSTAT instrument that can do a few chemistry tests, or toting down a microscope and vortex machine, won't elect them a new president, and it won't solve the food crisis. But, it might have picked up on one person with diabetes, or it may have offered them a way to do white cell differentials, and helped in diagnosing blood disorders. If it only helped one person, it would have been worth it.

I saw this while sitting in my nice warm house today. Had to share it on facebook. It sums up how how I feel right now. That I need to muster up some strength and keep my head telling my heart, that somehow, someway, someday, the love for humanity will supercede the love for greed, money, and power.

Until such time as it is safe to go to Haiti, I will continue my fundraising for the Angel Ride, which supports The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp Hospital Outreach Program. Why? Because it is something I can do. Because it can bring a smile to the face of a child who is facing a serious illness, and because, it helps me believe in something good. And besides that, riding a bike 135 miles is really no big deal. (hahaha... I lied.... it IS a big deal... have you ever seen the hills in Ellington? Lord have Mercy!...)

If  you want to donate, here is the link. It feels good, and it just might let this difficult world know that it won't change you as well.

Angel Ride 2016

 (just click on the blue button that says DONATE) Secure, simple, fast, easy, and oh so very much appreciated.)