Can This Be Real?

There are hae been many times in my life that I have felt like I was in two realities but none like yesterday.  We went to visit some of the transitional housing that CRS made available to people in order to get them out of the tents after the earthquake.  This process has taken place over the last two years...the "houses" are very small--one room for a famiy of five--with outside latrines.  The people were so proud of these homes and so grateful for them.  What a stark vision as I thought about the hotel where we were stayng and my house back home.  The poverty is overhwhelming but the spirit of the people is so strong.
We visited an orphanage for children with HIV which is run by a Canadian couple who have spent their life in Haiti.  Perched on the side of a mountain this home for 40 some from three to twenty was a welcome respite.  With the addition of new drugs into their health care routine, these children not only have a healthy today, they have a future.
The tremendous contrasts continue.  On one hand there is dense population and poverty. On the other hand, people are starting to pick up their lives and make them better.  It has become clear to me that for many reasons from government to infra-structure, Haiti needs all the help possible to recover.  We continue to meet dedicated people from around the world who are giving talent and years of their lives to make this happen.  CRS is helping to start little business ventures with people and giving them the traiing to succeed  They work with the people rather than for them.  It takes lots of patience and to 'rebuild the Kingdom."  I guess we already knew that.
Ryan, Missy and I could not get on the internet last night so I write from the lobby early in the morning.  Later today we travel to the country--four hours to the south--where CRS has worked since 1954.  The adventure continues...pray that all this information we are getting turns into something helpful for our students.