1.15.2010

Haiti

hearts for haiti

I told my husband over coffee this morning that I was crocheting hearts for Haiti.

"Why?", he asked, "because Haiti's in the news right now?"

I completely understand his cynicism. There is constant suffering in the world, even in our own small corner, each and every day. Especially Haiti. The earthquake just added insult to injury. So why do so many of us wait to do something about it until there's a major disaster?

I don't watch the news. I can't. I gave it up on September 13, 2001 when I realized I had been doing nothing but watching news and crying for over 48 hours. To quote my new favorite comedian, Maria Bamford, "I've never really thought of myself as depressed as much as paralyzed by hope."

Thanks be to those who are not paralyzed by disaster and blessed are those who can rally others into action and get something done. I believe that small things can make a big difference, so I'm making something small to donate to the Craft Hope Etsy store. All proceeds from the store will benefit Doctors Without Borders. My little crocheted heart bobby pins will be in the store shortly.

I'm certainly not one to tell others what to do, buy if you're so motivated, please do what you can. No gesture is too small. Make a little something, buy a little something, give a little something. Stitch a little hope into your heart and don't let cynicism crowd it out. Remember it even when the news starts to cover something else.

33 comments:

  1. I was thinking on my walk this morning - it's going to be hard to fix what wasn't there to begin with. You know? Water, homes, food... hospitals, schools. So much need. "Stitch a little hope into your heart.." I like that.

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  2. I was crocheting a garland of crocheted hearts last night as I was watching the news about Haiti (I rarely watch the news either!) and thinking about how doing so was symbolic of the chains of love outpouring from so many around the world.
    We sponsor a World Vision child there, and I found out today that he's okay -- greatly relieved! I wish I could send him my little garland of hearts and think I will as soon as it's possible to get mail through to him again.
    Blessings,
    G

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  3. I agree about the "adding insult to injury" like a woman said on the news last night, this year they had no hurricane damage and then this! I hope they figure out quickly how to get the supplies that are waiting at the airport to the people! We take so much for granted.

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  4. So true, Haiti needed our help way before this, and it's too bad it takes a natural disaster to bring the world's fleeting attention to their situation. Good for you for taking action.

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  5. yes, yes and yes! thanks for the inspiration.

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  6. OK! Thank you for reminding me to move forward, always, always.

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  7. Thanks for this post, Molly. I found it very inspiring and also blogged about Craft for Hope to spread the word. Great idea and also a way to really "do" something apart from money and prayers (both also very important...).

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  8. I stopped watching the news after Sept 11, too. Haven't gone back. Haven't watched any footage of Haiti because it is just too too horrific. But prayer, thoughts, and money help.

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  9. Thanks for the heads up about Craft for Hope.
    So true about the new coverage moving on. I feel that way about the holidays and those in need. There is always someone in need...

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  10. yay! i am so glad you are doing this!

    i am in awe of everything up for sale!

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  11. I love those hearts for Haiti--your words are so perfect about the news, as well as, remembering devastation even when the news moves on.

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  12. i stopped watching the news on september 14, 2001. what has happened in haiti is breaking my heart, but i still can't watch.

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  13. I keep watching the etsy shop and haven't seen these - are they gone or not up yet? I'd really love two sets for my two girls....

    gjisaac at gmail dot com
    http://toafricaandhome.blogspot.com

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  14. Hi - I just found your blog via Etsy and I thought I'd comment - hope you don't mind! I have been feeling at a loss since the news about Haiti and wondering how I could help which I think would make me feel better, and I also saw this Etsy site you've mentioned. So now I am either going to donate or buy - thanks for your post pushing me in this direction! :)

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  15. hi laurie! i've been finding myself just at a loss lately thinking about haiti. it seems there's nothing we can do to help those in immediate need - even the people who have gone to help are having a hard time getting there. so i keep my hands busy because it helps my mind and heart. i'm absolutely blown away by the activity at the craft hope etsy store. it's amazing to see so many people making and donating and buying. i'm so glad you're going to participate!

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  16. Im with you, i watch the news but not as often as i used to do when i didnt have a job and was at home all the time, they only showed BAD news, so i was almost scared to go out! :(

    We need to see of course what happens but i dunno.

    And about Haiti, i cant watch it, its so sad, i hope they will get the help they need to "restart" with their lifes!

    Nice blog, thanks for u comment, and of course i will follow u now ;)

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  17. Hopped on over from the Craft Hope blog to say thank you for your work on the Haiti project. This gives me hope...hope that we can DO something.

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  18. Wow wow wow! You are doing some wonderful stuff. I made sure to add the craft hope link badge to my blog. I can't watch the news either. Just lots of prayers for the doctors and rescuers saving lives.

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  19. Wow wow wow! You are doing some wonderful stuff. I made sure to add the craft hope link badge to my blog. I can't watch the news either. Just lots of prayers for the doctors and rescuers saving lives.

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  20. excellent post, and love the hearts! thank you for your work with the etsy store!!!

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  21. Your hearts are adorable.

    And you have stitched some hope right into mine.

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  22. this is fantastic, i am glad you are passing this along.

    i gave up the news too (except what's on npr). it has been one of the best things i have done for my psyche.

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  23. I understand perfectly what yoou're talking about. I just wrote about almost the same issue on my own blog- in German. It's a good thing to think about those things loud and in a common space- here you are heard- and I like it so much to listen to you!
    bora from Switzerland

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  24. I think the hearts are lovely. This is where we are sending money, we know the people in this organization personally.

    http://embracingtheworld.org/

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  25. May you be blessed ten-fold for your part in Craft Hope...for being the hands of Jesus helping His children in need.

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  26. The hearts are truly thoughtful.

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  27. i also gave up on the news after 9/11.

    i was lucky enough to get one of your hearts!

    and also donated, thanks to your crafthope link.

    thanks again and take care..
    regina

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  28. sometimes there is so much destruction and corruption that you don't know what could possibly be done and then you think if you help just one person, just ease their pain for one moment, then it was worth it. i'm thrilled to see so much being done.

    i too gave up the news though a bit later when my doctor recommended it.

    "paralyzed by hope" i've had that feeling what an eloquent way to put it molly, i like that term much better.....and your hearts are beautiful.

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  29. sometimes there is so much destruction and corruption that you don't know what could possibly be done and then you think if you help just one person, just ease their pain for one moment, then it was worth it. i'm thrilled to see so much being done.

    i too gave up the news though a bit later when my doctor recommended it.

    "paralyzed by hope" i've had that feeling what an eloquent way to put it molly, i like that term much better.....and your hearts are beautiful.

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  30. I love those little hearts.

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  31. what a wonderful post and thanks for what you are doing. if you would - would you help spread the word for the hearts campaign. we are looking for donations of handmade blankets/pillow and dolls for the children of haiti.

    www.theheartscampaign.blogspot.com

    blessings to you and your family

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  32. Molly as always you are an inspiration. Thanks for the work you have done with CraftHope for Haiti. A true inspiration.

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