Haiti Earthquake 2010

On January 12th at approximately 5pm, the people of Haiti experienced a 7.0 magnitude earthquake that has left thousands homeless and thousands more feared dead.  Many countries have sent volunteers to assist in the rescue and recovery efforts.

Looking through photos, I am sure, does nothing to show us what devastation is actually there.  People are walking over the bodies of loved ones to get to those that may still be alive, trapped in several feet of rubble.

The presidential palace, a once beautiful structure, has crumbled to pieces.

I can't even imagine what these people are going through.  They are already a poor country.  Many of their homes, just make-shift shacks, now lay flat on the ground.


How we can help:
Relief organizations are asking that you do not send items, but instead money.  Too many items are sent that are not needed, and only take up space in a warehouse.  With monetary donations, the organizations can purchase the items that they know are needed.
Do not just go to any website to donate money.  There are already scam artists trying to profit from this tragedy.
Cell phone users can text "Haiti" to the number 90999 and donate $10 to the Red Cross. The amount will be added to the donor's cellphone bill.
http://www.redcross.org/
http://www.care.org/
http://www.unicef.org/


The end of the world as we know it?
Now, I know there are several of you out there saying, "It's starting!  The end of the world is near."  Not really.  There is a major fault line that rips right through this area.  It happens, even though we pray that it doesn't.  The largest recorded loss of life from an earthquake was back on January 23, 1556.  830,000 perished in an 8.0 magnitude quake.
As castasrophic as this quake seems to be, with it's estimated 50,000 dead, it is still #25 on a list of deadly earthquakes.  Many of which happened before any of us were even alive!
Natural disasters happen.  It has nothing to do with the Mayan calendar people.  Though we never wish for these things to happen to anyone, they do happen.  Earthquakes are very unpredictable.  It is the only natural disaster that we get no warning of.
Do your part in helping this nation that will take years to rebound from this.  Send your donations, volunteer with the Red Cross, spread the word on how everyone else can help.  If you have a rich relative, talk them into giving that little bit more that you know they do not want to part with!
Pray for the people that are affected most by this tragedy.  Pray for the people that have volunteered to help with the rescue and recovery.  Pray for the families that still have not received word that their loved ones are alive or dead.  Pray.