Heading to Haiti...

So in just over 24 hours, I will be beginning the trip to Haiti.  Honestly, I have been so busy I haven't even really had time to reflect on what it means.  I am unsure of the impact what I see will have, but I know it will be life changing.  Just like the first time I visited New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina struck, the devastation was so immense and the site of the rubble was so deflating.  The thought that NOLA would never resurface did enter my mind.  Yet I was compelled to take action, probably the first time in my life that I really took initiative to make a difference on behalf of others.  Whenever I head back to NOLA I see the changes and the power that individual people have mustered up to make those changes happen and I am forever humbled by their courage and motivation to make lives for themselves and others, out of what literally was a pile of rubble.

So I head to Haiti, I am grateful to my partner for the opportunities he has provided not only me, but many many others with to make a difference.  I am inspired by the people I have met along this path, through Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, RHINO, Global Hope, and now Kids for Good and Haiti Partners.  Each person in each organization has been compelled to act to better the lives of others.  I wonder what my piece in this is and how I am making a difference in the world. 

As a teacher I am trying each day to guide my students toward a greater understanding of the world around them.  I try to be a positive role model and let them know what I do to volunteer and give back to not only my local community, but now those around the world.  So, as I head to Haiti, I am looking forward to seeing what the students, teachers, and citizens are inspired by, what obstacles they are finding the strength to overcome, and hopefully in some way how I can help them reach their goals.

We will be recording portions of our visit and will try to post it from Haiti.  If I have time, I will try to blog and reflect on what I see while there.  The videos, or links at least will be posted at http://www.schoolscountcorp.blogspot.com/