I was looking for a way to contact you as because I know of your dedication to both Syracuse and Salve Regina University. I am currently a senior Social Work major at Salve Regina! The SRU community is working closely with Aquidneck Island businesses to provide monetary funds and lasting relief through the construction of a school and community center in a rural Haitian Community.

I commend you for this empathic response and would like to further discuss our “Salve Hearts For Haiti” efforts with you! We would like to invite you to join us in not only advocating for the emergency relief efforts but by working to make a genuine and sustainable difference in their community. You said it well, “there is a marvelous opportunity for regrowth done right this time”. Join us in making this opportunity a reality!

Please visit our facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?v=info&ref=ts&gid=318957174073#!/group.php?gid=284496112141&ref=ts

OR our twitter: https://twitter.com/SHearts4Haiti

Thank you again for taking the time to read this comment and please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions!

I made a pilgrimage to my two favorite Saints … Thomas and John. No great stories, as one day in paradise is pretty much like any other…ho hum, sand and sun.
Just some observations…when I travel, I try and avoid outside contact, so it’s very limited television and papers, and no computers! I do try and just drop into my immediate surroundings and just go blank. It’s calming to forget about the outside world.

For the most part, I heard about the trouble in Haiti from other “tourists.” Very few people in St. Thomas talked about it. It was never the topic of the day in conversations with local residents, taxi drivers, etc., other than noting that the first one was “felt,” but not the second. I attended a local church service (now there’s a fascinating time…so free with emotion and expression are the folks who live there) and it was mentioned as part of the talk. I found that a tad strange as the people were generally very open and expressive. But I’m sure it must have been on their minds…they are not that far apart.

These are such beautiful, natural settings. Now if they would only clean up the joint, it would truly be heaven on earth. I know that exhibits a serious lack of cultural understanding but jeez, just pick up after yourself. And yet in another look at the same picture, I do envy the relaxed and easy nature that the people have there. They bring new meaning to the term “laid back.” I’d be interested to know how much stress related disease they have …. heart attacks, strokes, and such. And yes, I can’t wait to get back there again!
Don
PS…I notice we can’t look back at old posts via the calendar system you had, unless it is hidden in another format somewhere. But my memory tells me that somewhere around here, within a few weeks anyway, the first anniversary of your blog will be coming up. Can we look forward to an anniversary addition reflection post?