A Step at a Time

At times engaging in poverty alleviation work can be overwhelming. I see the sullen expressions of Haitians that have spent the better part of the past two and a half years in internally displaced camps living under makeshift tents, jobless and hungry. The government and area NGOs have made some strides but there are far more waiting. The orphanages in Haiti are out of food that they used to receive from NGOs that are leaving and have no real means on income to feed the children. Poverty can rob people of economic opportunities and a decent life but the worst might be robbing them of hope. Sometimes people look to me, an inexperienced 25 year old girl as a source of opportunity and hope. I feel helpless knowing I do live a relatively privileged life but I don’t have enough money to support all the people that I would like to. Other times I have to realize that I do have resources to help and even just genuinely listening and caring can be enough. I left a different life path that would have provided for an easy, comfortable life to pursue what I’m passionate about. I surround myself in my occupation, friendships and extracurricular activities with the same goal and feel so much wealthier in life than any salary could compensate for. I think I’m moving in the right direction but trying to learn, fail, get back up again and take another step forward.