Blessings in Haiti, and to Haiti.

We've heard, and seen, so many stories of sadness, thankfulness, and hope coming out of Haiti.

What can I possibly have to say that hasn't already been said? Or share that hasn't already been shared? How can I possibly have anything to say that would be worthy of your time to read ~ I have never even visited Haiti.

These are the thoughts I've had over the past week.

But I've realized that continuing to share the stories will keep Haiti in conversation and keep our focus ... the world's focus ... on assisting in their recovery.

And so, I share two stories of those dear to me with family in Haiti ...

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Sonia & Don are very dear friends of my family. Until recently, they lived next door to my parents and are very dear to my heart. Sonia grew up in an orphanage in Haiti. Her husband was a missionary who traveled there often and came to know the man who ran the orphanage. That is how Sonia & Don met.

Growing up, I would sit on the antique trunk which I'd positioned under a window in my bedroom and watch the sun set across the tree tops that lined the golf course across from my family's house. One evening, I watched as boxes were carried from the street into the house next door. Lovely twin girls in little matching dresses walked through the open gateway of the fence into the back of the house. We had new neighbors. Sonia & Don, Michelle, and Angeline had moved in. They became very dear my family...the two families helping each other and celebrating together. We would get so excited when we saw Don walking to the door with goodies Sonia had baked. That woman is one of the best cooks you'll ever meet! Eventually, my parents' church would begin to financially support a church in Haiti.

So when the devastation occurred, I had to reach out to Sonia & Don with hopes of hearing the family in Haiti were all safe. Here is the email I received:

"Karen, in the midst of bad news there is also God's good news. Men from Northern Kentucky went to Pastor Cassy's orphanage in Haiti with 20000 pounds of rice plus water. Pastor Cassy was Sonia's guardian from age 6-23. The Kentucky men drove a truck from the Dominican and actually made it. In effect, they "rescued" children and adults from sure starvation. We have other friends in Haiti that we are now praying for. Don and Sonia"

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Another friend of mine, here in NYC, has several family members in Haiti. From what I've heard, all are safe. But there are still friends and acquaintances ...

I can't imagine what Miro may be going through. And while this may not be the right time to promote his amazing dance company, maybe it is. Maybe the beauty that Miro brings into the world will somehow bring additional light and hope to our hearts. Maybe it will send positive energy into the universe and find the way to Haiti ...

Miro Magloire's New Chamber Ballet.
Read what the New York Times has to say about Miro and his New Chamber Ballet.

Next performances: April 17th & 18th, 2010