Builders

BUILDERS

There are two kinds of builders. They are either foolish or wise. The foolish build on sand or unsafe ground and the wise on rocks or secure places (Mt.7: 24-27). The reference was to our spiritual life but it is also applicable to our practical conditions. We saw it in New Orleans and now in Haiti. The levies were not kept up and who in his right mind builds below sea level or in earthquake alleys? Then, they built buildings that do not withstand storms or trimmers. Man has yet to learn how to live in harmony with nature?

Our hearts and prayers go out to the people that are in the midst of such tragedy. The world is responding with all its resources. In fact it has allotted millions to Haiti and the money was not used for building safe structures. It is true, some politicians have manipulated the funds and they do deserve some blame. But please do not point a finger at God for human foolishness. Nature and God gave us many warnings. In spite of it, we choose to live on the edge of tragedy. We continue to challenge danger and act as if we were exempt from nature's fury.

The argument that we could not help it and we had no choice does not sit with me. We have come from a part of the world where we had to run from two countries that would have been fatal to us, and the third time we left a country because we did not feel safe. We moved to North America where we feel safe and we live in a wooden structure in an earthquake area. We have seen what a tornado can do to a brick home. An earthquake can be even more devastating. For that reason we live where we want to live and it is nobody's fault but ours alone, if nature is unkind to us. If someone had forced us to live in a high - risk area, then we would have a reason to complain. My family had been detained and we had losses, but that did not stop us from finding safer places to live. After World War II, we searched for half a year in a covered horse-drawn wagon.

Most likely the world will help rebuild your Port Au Prince and continue to commit another blatant human error. Nature will again tremble and more death and suffering will occur. If I were a Haitian, I would move elsewhere and leave that beloved city as a memorial. Otherwise I would get me something that would keep me safe like a boat or a tent. I do sympathize with human losses and suffering but not with human lack of common sense.