We’d all like to get on a plane to Haiti right now.
What could I do? Peel potatoes in a soup kitchen? Haul away wreckage that was once homes? Bathe and bandage frightened children? Cry with the women who are burying their babies and husbands?
But I can’t.
I have work and people who need me right here. So I’ve sent my paltry donation and now I’m trying to plan Gabe’s birthday for tomorrow. I’m always torn when planning parties and reading headlines of devastation. How can life be so hard and wonderful all at once? I’ll be so grateful on that distant day when all the world can celebrate together.
But there’s one more thing I can do.
It happens to be the height of ebay season. I happen to have some really lovely things stashed in the basement…
For those who’ve asked about Mary’s ridiculous wardrobe: much goes to my friends with three little beauty-girls. The fancy stuff– the dresses I never should have bought because it’s a sin and a crime to spend that much on bits of cotton and tulle– go to ebay. I’m not proud of it. I’m like a druggie who has to sell to support my habit.
But hey, at least I know how to ebay.
So here is my prettiest, bestest, favoritest dress of 2009. The auction started today and ends on Mary’s birthday. 100% will go to Partners in Health.
What have you got to sell? Maybe we can start a Love for Haiti movement?
Shelah
Thanks for the link to Partners in Health, Michelle. It’s been niggling at me all day to look up Paul Farmer’s organization, and I appreciate that you did it for me!
Tracy
Thank you for the idea – I am getting a few auctions going as we speak(or as I write…)
xoxo,t
…p.s. If only we could come to Mary’s upcoming soiree – that would be a hoot!(do people say “hoot” anymore? oh, well…I do).
Sue
Great idea! I put in my bid.
=)
Linn
Oh my heart is so sad right now. Much of our ward is made up of Haitian saints. If you had been on the calls I have been on the past two days you would be crying constantly as I’ve been. Just to hear the sisters say, “Sister Allen, I don’t know what to do. There isn’t anything I can do. I don’t even know if my sister is alive or dead.” Okay, no more typing that, I am crying again.
What a sweet idea. Our ward (actually, now it is the whole stake) is fasting on Sunday and giving the money for the meals to the Humanitarian efforts. I love how everyone is contributing. Wonderful idea Michelle.
Okay, I am rambling. I do that when my heart is this heavy. Now to stop crying. For the 4,562nd time.
Denise
Having been in 2 earthquakes that size, I can just tell you that I do have a great empathy for Haitians right now. If ebay isn’t your thing, the concerned can also donate for relief right through the Church.
Thanks for having your heart in the right place, always…
martha corinna
What a good idea.
I find myself kind of paralyzed in these situations, I can donate money, but should I be enjoying my life? It’s this churning heartbreak and gratitude that has me always questioning.
Selwyn
That is a STUNNING dress.
And an awesome idea and thing to do.
It’s a world away from me geographically, but everyone here is thinking of/praying for everyone in Haiti. Love – particularly one dress and prayer at a time – is amazing.