I come from the land of Earthquakes ... California. And as I watch the images on television and the Internet, I keep thinking "This could easily happen in California."
Experts talk about preparing for an earthquake but how do you really prepare - The quakes come in seconds and go in seconds? - if you do survive - how do you use cell phones that do not work? - how do you breath air thick with fumes and fire and dust? - how do you use your preparation kit if it is buried in rubble and so are you? - how do you cover for safety if you are on a crowded freeway and it collapses? - how do you get help if the first responders are dead and the hospitals are gone?
I think, if we have a major earthquake, just like Haiti, we will be in a
place of pain and prayers, waiting for someone to come and rescue us while we try to survive in a hell of confusion, terror, and desperation.
Just a few months ago, only a mile from where I live, I watched an entire mountain go up in fire, people died, homes were destroyed, once beautiful lands were scorched and scarred, the air was filled with toxic smoke, and yet the real help that people needed did not come when they needed it - just like Katrina - and now just like Haiti?
Why? My only answer is we are all in our humanity imperfect, fearful, greedy, forgetful, mistaken, misdirected, angry. So here we go again an unbelievable disaster - the earthquake - very close to home and yet far away.
In the days to come there will be many opportunities to help with money, supplies, food, prayers and hope for a people who wait to be rescued. Some day it may be you, it may be us, for today it is not. So I plan to give to The Salvation Army, The Red Cross, The United Nations. Where and when will you give?
I pray that each and every person in Haiti today receives the help they need in this very moment and in the moments to come.
Light and Love,
Amber Silverstar
