Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Story

Before I had a car down here, I had to walk or take a tap-tap to get around. I’d often be walking along dirt roads when a fancy car would fly by kicking up dust and small stones. The passengers were comfortably ensconced in their air-conditioned vehicle unaware that they had just made my life a tad bit more miserable. In those pre-car days, it took forever to get anywhere and I’d be dripping in sweat and covered with road dirt. Just like everyone else. I’d visit the offices of the large NGOs where the employees were clean and busy and given a form to fill out. One time I was seen by one of the higher-ups (he recognized me from church). He gave me ball caps for the children emblazoned with the logo of the NGO. We needed food but I bit my tongue and said “Thanks”.
There are times when I forget. I refused to see someone yesterday who had walked a very long distance to see me because I was busy doing "important" work. Will try not to repeat this behavior today.

13 comments:

  1. Can't have a good day everyday.

    It's against the rules!!!!!!



    dr. j

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  2. http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/americas/02/24/obrien.haiti.notebook/index.html?hpt=C2

    This was on CNN this morning. I hope when your ship comes in you get your good without having to go through this protocol

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  3. Thoughts at 1:52 am are worth extra in the contrition department. Hope you have a better day today. Sleep!

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  4. Fr. Marc,
    Because you were up and worrying about this in the night, it tells me that you have a very strong conscience. Mistakes happen and, as my mother always said, we must strive "not to make the same mistake, twice". Something tells me you never do.
    The warehouse looks amazing, given what you had to work with...don't you just love recycling?
    I'm pulling for you and all others who are waiting for that ship!

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  5. When I falter (or lapse) or miss the mark~~ my prayer is "God, give me a second chance." And i do have the feeling that it's harder for me to forgive myself than for God to look ahead.

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  7. P.S. Your new format is very nice. I misspelled ~~my bad~~ above :)
    lg

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  8. Why did you bite your tongue when you wanted to say, We need food, not hats?
    MSNBC has you listed as one of their five choice blogs in Haiti. That's how I found you. Been following along now and want to thank you for your snapshots of the work you're doing. It's very meaningful. When our check comes in this month, we'll send a few funds your way.
    Chris and Joe in California

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  9. Give yourself a break, human beings falter from time to time, & the powers that be understand that. It is my opinion that you are suffering from exhaustion & are not quite yourself at this time. Congratulations on the conversion of the 3 containers, for that I award you the Green Medal.
    Blessed Be, Jean K

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  10. Fr. Marc, I fully understand what you are writing about vis-a-vis turning someone away. I scrolled all the way down your blog. It is always full of interesting stories and insights. We at CFCC continue to pray for you and Espwa. God bless, Pastor Dan

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  11. I know it is a long shot, but I have entered the HGTV contest to benifit Pwoje Espwa.
    Blessed Be, Jean K

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  12. Wow, you ARE human...just when you almost had me fooled :) It is okay to make mistakes as long as you learn from them. Will you be able to find that person to see what they wanted and offer an apology? They will understand that you have many reasons to feel stressed and overburdened right now.

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  13. It is only when we stop acknowledging our mistakes or faults that we have a problem.
    It is hard to keep all of the people happy all of the time, especially in these trying times.
    I admire your humbleness and humility.

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