Dignity & Gratitude

Dignity is still alive in Haiti. Even before our week here was over, it became evident that there is an admiral spirit within the Haitian people. A determination to lift themselves above their circumstances, no matter how dire the surroundings. My thoughts return to a gentleman who was having his shoes shined amidst the chaos of a local street market. He could not have walked more than ten feet without stepping in the surrounding muck! Wrapped around that determination is a gratitude of thanks that can not be contained. Whether it be scrawled on walls, illustrated on the side of public buses, or communicated with broad smiles.......these people continue to be thankful.