in Haiti

{reposted from SouleMama}

{Photo by Steve}

My heart is heavy with thoughts of Haiti. I'm sure you're feeling the same thing. Holding your own babies, partners and loved ones just a little bit closer, perhaps. And wondering - as I go about my normal day of playing, eating, sleeping, and knitting in comfort - what the day is like for those affected by this tragedy. The sadness and grief and confusion felt by so many families right now.

I'm sure, if you are inclined to do so, you may have already found the channels by which you can 'help.'  Of course, prayer and positive thought and good energy and light is powerful - and we are doing much of that here, in our individual ways.

For tangible immediate assistance, I recommend contributing as you can to the following organizations:

Doctors Without Borders
International Red Cross

Many of you know that last year, through Mama to Mama, we held a craftivism project centered around Haiti. The project was coordinated with Konbit Sante. The work they do - and the end location of all those beautiful caps - is in Cap Haitien, in the Northern part of Haiti. I have been in contact with the US directors of the project who are getting early word from the hospital there. They say, that while that area was slightly less affected by the earthquake, there is now concern of flooding. They are hoping they will be able to provide assistance and relief to those  in more affected areas. (Konbit Sante is keeping people updated via their Facebook page, if you are interested in following that stream.)

I encourage you to assist in the ways that feel best for you in the short term, and I hope to provide - in the long term - a way in which to assist as well. I have for some time hoped to begin another chapter of Mama to Mama, but quite frankly felt as though my plate was just too full to do so in 2009. With a little bit of help, however, I'm hoping we may begin work on the next step in the safe birthing kits very soon. I will, of course, keep you posted, and let you know as soon as we figure out the ways in which Mama to Mama could be most helpful to them, particularly given this latest tragedy.

In the meantime...sending out wishes of peace and love to those in need of both,
Amanda

Comments

[hobocampcrafts/Melissa]

It is so easy at times like this to sit back and let the world unravel before you. Sometimes though that is the only thing you can do at that moment- till the dust settles and you can see what is most needed or who most needs help. Haiti is in my thoughts and I look forward to something we can all do for them together. Even a small way to bring a little bit of comfort back to their daily lives.
Always an inspiration- thank you.

[Nancy]

Because of your cap project, one of the first things I did when I heard the news was check to see how Cap Haitien had fared. Thank you for the connections you've created and shared. I know so many are ready to do something to help, however small.

[Heidi]

I just can't even wrap my mind around that much death and devastation, it is so heartbreaking! I am praying and hoping to find some practical ways to help. This is so very sad.

[Ann]

******Looking for ways to be charitable but not sure what to do? I'm contributing 20% of my sales to help a continuing quilt project. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is in need of quilts and I am cutting fabric squares to send to their humanitarian center for others to piece together into the quilts.****

[Helen28Calhoun]

I received my first loans when I was not very old and that aided me very much. However, I require the car loan once more time.

[jump manual]

I am praying and hoping to find some practical ways to help. This is so very sad.