An Anonymous Letter

This is directed to Janice Waterhouse, one of the teachers involved in the fund-raising effort to help Haiti at our local high school. We are so honored to have read this, and so thankful that hearts have been changed! I am publishing it in its very embarrassing entirety, in hopes that others may read the beautiful words of this teenager, and be inspired too. Know that we are only clay pots, in the hands of the potter....and very grateful to be used for His Glory.

To the student who wrote this letter,

Travis and I have struggled with staying here in the U.S. right now. You've made us so thankful that we did!

Dear Mrs. Waterhouse,

Yesterday was an eye opening day for me. I was given the opportunity to see and hear about the unimaginable magnitude of suffering occurring on the island of Haiti. Yes, I knew that an earthquake caused tremendous damage and that aid is desperately needed. I knew that hundreds of thousands of people died, and that those left behind are in a living nightmare. I knew that there is not enough food, water and medicine for those who need it. However, I also knew that Haiti is thousands of miles away, and countries across the globe are working to help. Why should I act? What good could I possibly do?

I like to think that Lisa and Travis Bartow slapped me in the face yesterday. I'm grateful to them. They proved to me that, no matter where I am or what little aid I can provide, I can make a difference. The children starving in the streets, the injured that are experiencing absolute agony, the family members that have watched their loved ones die--they can be affected for the better by the compassion of one person. Whether I donate 50 cents or 125 dollars, I now know that I have the power to change the world. Together, here at Hadley-Luzerne and beyond, we can do so much not only for Haiti, but for everyone who needs a helping hand.

It amazes me how selfish I have been. Too often I focus on the "negative" aspects of my life---the challenges, failures, and problems that now seem so insignificant. At least I have a life to live! I have comfort and security, a family, a home, and more than I could ever need. The Haitian's don't. Just thinking of the little boy who spent three days crushed against his mother's skull, or of the sound of bodies being compressed by a garbage truck...I feel sick not only because of their pain, but because of my lack of pain here. Simply being miles away from the problem is not an excuse for apathy. It is time for me to change--I need to act.

With this letter you will find $125.00. It is my wish for this money to go into the "Hearts for Haiti" fundraiser. I am so thankful for the opportunity to donate towards the Bartows' efforts--they are courageous people, performing terrifying yet incredible tasks. Even more so, there is no doubt in my mind that the donations gathered through "Hearts for Haiti" will go directly towards helping the Haitian people. If it is not too much to ask, please hang 125 blank hearts within the school, just like all the other hearts with names. Hopefully, through these visual reminders, we may never forget the suffering of the Haitian people--and, equally as important, our ability to change the world.

Sincerely,

A Changed Student