~ giving because we can ~

“How do we live our lives when part of us is so grateful for all our blessings, and the other
is so guilty about all we have in the midst of all the brokenness in this world?” ~ Shiraz Janjua

Haiti is not only the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, it is also one of the most corrupt and historically troubled nations. And now, it has become one of the most devastated. Again. The odd news report apart I don’t know much about Haiti, and like so often when tragedies on this scale happen I have to absorb the news and images in measured doses because otherwise my deep empathy will play havoc with my vivid imagination. It is easy to feel blessed, guilty and helpless all at once.  But whatever I, or we, feel doesn’t matter, it is our actions that count now more than ever.

Giving and charities have been on my mind a lot lately. In fact, there is a little project simmering underneath and waiting to be born, but it is not quite there yet. When it comes to charity I often feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of organizations out there, and numbed by their size and intangibility. Which is why, when I give (not often enough), it is usually to causes with more personal and palpable connections, like Kelly Rae’s appeal to help build Esteria’s home. So in a case like Haiti, where the toll is immeasurable and the devastation total I can easily get lost in the countless appeals that pop up everywhere. Which is why I decided to not think about it all too much and to give to two organizations recommended by bloggers who I like and who have a personal connection:

Recommended by Summer Pierre: Partners in Health ~ Stand with Haiti

Summer is one of my favorite artists and earliest blogging discoveries. I had the immense pleasure of meeting her in New York a couple of years ago. I still read her blog faithfully, she has a wonderful way with words and is very funny. And super talented. Anyway, she used to work for PIH and has even been to Haiti, click here to read more. That alone is reason enough for me to want to donate here; but also go and visit their website to learn more about the amazing work of Dr. Paul Farmer and partners.

Found at Shona Cole’s blog: Three Angel’s Relief

Shona is another gifted artist, a recent find via Maddie. Click here to read her post where she talks about her friend who adopted her two children from an orphanage in Haiti. Read their website, they also do wonderful work and it seems to me that both of these organizations can be trusted to deliver the funds to where they are needed.To go directly to the donations page click here.

We give because we can.