Driving through Port-au-Prince, I think of the tornado that hit St. Peter MN in March of 1998. Then I multiply by about a million. There is something familiar to me about rubble and devastation wrought by natural disaster -- my eyes have seen it up close and personal before. But the scope of the devastation here is indescribable. Pictures cannot capture it, nor words describe it. And that's familiar too: indescribable times a million.
There are cities of tents within the city, but what is more striking to me are the tarps that are pitched singly or in small clusters against the tall stone walls on each side of the road, or against the half-walls that still stand crookedly in the piles of rubble and dust. Life on the edge to be sure. Trucks, tap-taps, cars and motorbikes cruise by within inches. We cruise by within inches.
-Kari
Rubble and devastation. It's feeling all too familiar in the news these days, too!
ReplyDeleteAs I read your reflections (yours, Kari, and others') I wonder about the differences pre-earthquake. I wonder how comprehensible Haiti's landscape pre-earthquake would be to most of us who live in comfortable, sturdy homes with a ready supply of electricity, clean water, and resources for food. How does one comprehend the unimaginable devastation of a place that was so unimaginable to us before the devastation?
My prayers are with you as you continue to walk with our brothers and sisters in Haiti...and I've delighted in your posts! Stella wags hello...she misses you still!
So many images of destruction, so total and devastating, are coming across the various media. 'Though they're focused on Japan, Haiti comes to mind each time, Haiti and you twelve--a band of faithful followers of Jesus who desires that help and care are offered. It's touching to know you're in Haiti, being God's hands. Blessings!
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