Last night my dad returned from Haiti -- brining with him lots of pictures and a refreshed perspective on life and humanity. He is my hero. Last week he emailed me and said that if I were with him, I wouldn't want to leave the people. He's probably right. He loves children and is so amazing with them. My dad brought his old softball glove and some softballs, and taught a few boys how to play ball. He is blind to color or status or sex. He get's it.
When I see my fathers passion for others, I am at my proudest. I want to mirror him and long to one day humble myself in ways that he does so often. He is such an inspiration; one of the few people who understands me and has the courage to do things I can only dream of. He left us and went to Haiti on his own, with a group of others he didn't necessarily know. He's brave and strong and happy and the best example of love. The best example of peace and innocence.
I don't want to babble or put my perspective on a trip that I was not able to attend. Instead, I want to share with you some photos that he took. I hope they inspire you in the way that they did me.
We have grown literally afraid to be poor. We despise anyone who elects to be poor in order to simplify and save his inner life. If he does not join the general scramble and pant with the money-making street, we deem him spiritless and lacking in ambition.
{William James}
your dad sounds amazing! you are very lucky to have him as your hero.
ReplyDeletemy heart swelled looking at these. it's people like your dad that make me want to drop my life, get on a plane, and go. go to the ones who need us most. go and spread joy, love, peace, hope, dance, and art to others who have never experienced any of these things ever in their lives.
ReplyDeletei have never felt a calling SO strongly, to go to these countries who need our love, then this past year... it has literally tugged at my heart in the most painful and persistent way. i dream of haiti, and of africa, and my heart hurts. my whole body hurts. i ache to go and hug the children who have no one. to hold a mother's hand and tell her it's going to be okay. i get tears in my eyes just thinking about it... and i see beautiful photos like this, and it's just confirmation that i need to prepare for an adventure. thank you for sharing, i admire your dad a lot. <3
i'm glad your 'daddykins' is home safe and able to set such an amazing example for you and for all of those like us who hear about his journey to haiti. he's a great hero to have! :) xo
ReplyDeletehe is so amazing and so inspiring. i hope to one day visit haiti or africa as well, kelly ann let me know if you ever hear of any trips!
ReplyDeletereally beautiful.
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