The community came together on Valentine’s Day and made collages to find answers to questions they had about Haiti, community, love and giving.  Here are a few questions that were asked and the wisdom that came from the group that day.

What is Haiti’s gift to the World?

Showing us how we’re in this world together.
The pain and the beauty.
Remembering that we’re all human.
We’re all connected by love – all the lives connect.
Love is the binding agent.
It has us paying more attention.
How fragile everything in the world is.
When it comes to nature, an egg has as much strength as an oak tree.
To see the diamond in the rough.
To get us to look for the richness under the rubble.

What can we really do for Haiti?

Plant the seeds now for something to grow into
It may start tiny, but it can transform into something  mighty and strong.
Keep our eyes on the whole world.
Many hands make light work.
Red – vibrant, passionate, strength.
Let’s embrace their joy and enduring spirit and what gives them hope, like their music and dancing.
Accept all the love.
Be a cultural tourist.
Endings are always new beginnings.
There is strength in numbers.
Every heart counts.

How can we open up to help others?

Rebuilding what is meaningful to Haiti.
Connect to nature.
We are connecting joyfully – cutting through fear.
Soaring to new heights.
Nurturing – living fully.
Paying attention.
We are more than our physical self.
Everybody has a voice and their own thoughts and dreams no matter what their age.
Happiness is different things to different people.
Play.
Opening up.
Hope
Love is the key.
There is comfort in numbers / togetherness.
Can’t find love outside of community.
Holding the whole circle of life as sacred.
Go back to source (nature).

How do we bridge our differences together to be more loving?

We were all created for a common purpose.
If I’m healthy, I can be more loving and giving outside of myself.
Be authentic, be myself.
Be emotionally flexible and yielding.
It’s easier when you don’t have much to give up.
Sharing of food.
Animals bring compassion – kids and adults.
We have more in common with each other than we think.
Allow people to be themselves.

How do we channel our love?

Peace within ourselves.
Doing things that make you happy.
Trusting
Sharing the abundance I have.
Suffering in the context of a beautiful world.  Not letting ourselves get attached to the suffering.
Be willing to receive.
Maintain our inner fire.
Create love at home – start with self before loving anything else.
Appreciate beauty
Seek bountiful abundance in nature.
Love and appreciate the little things.
Realize life is a cycle/spiral.