From this destruction comes life

I walked outside our apartment this morning and noticed a seedling growing up through the rubble on our balcony. The balcony is covered with debris from the earthquake. Unfamiliar materials and environment choke out this plant. Despite it's obvious difficulties, this plant has pushed forward and beaten the odds. It's reaching high and looking for the light of day. One day it will be a full grown tree. From this destruction comes life.

Here's two thoughts I had about circumstances;

Your circumstances don't define you and your circumstances don't define your future.

Where ever you find yourself today is not where you'll be tomorrow. Life happens and we change over time. Look back when you were younger, maybe you had more strength, more stamina, more dreams. In those three simple examples, I know change has crept in and affected them. How much different are you today than when you were a youth? Mabybe wiser, maybe more patient, maybe tired and not as passionate as you once were.

Thinking through what Haitians have gone through in the last couple months has really encouraged me to push forward dispite my circumstances.

Youvens Phanor, a 28 year old law student told me this, "My school is gone, but I get to start over. This earthquake has given me another chance. I want to make Haiti a better place."

We have heard hundreds of stories like this. Here's another one.

"I lost my 22 month old son and three nieces in the earthquake. God is still in control. I know he still loves me. He will take care of me" Bernadel Fanfan explained with hope in his eyes. We met him in an internet cafe sending out his resume for potential teaching jobs.

I have seen tremendous progress and faith in Haiti in the 6 weeks I have been here. The streets are being cleared, the rubble is being removed and the buildings are being rebuilt. Despite its obvious difficulties Haiti is pushing forward and will beat the odds. It's reaching high and looking for the light of day. From this destruction comes life.