A shameless plug...sort of

I've been back in country roughly a week now. And I started reading Haiti: After the Earthquake on the plane back. Now ignoring the fact that I am mildly tied up in the world that Paul Farmer describes in the book, I happen to think he wrote a very poised piece that does justice to many of the actors in this theater of the world stage. Once I'm finished reading it, I'll be happy to lend it to any of you. But you should read it somehow regardless of where you get it.

And I'm writing all this as I ignore the "Operation and Maintenance Manual" for the Cat 416C Backhoe that I am trying to learn all the nuances for primarily every single fluid that has to be topped up and monitored to ensure optimum performance. It's going to take a bit to memorize it all. I'm always excited when I get to learn about something new whether it's a piece of heavy machinery or watching Fafoun, the lady across the street from the Hospital, make eggs and put just a pinch of lime juice in them that unlocks the secret of why her egg sandwiches are the best I've ever had.

Given the chance I'll begin talking with a random person in the airport and find out about Poto Mitan (http://www.potomitan.net/) and the work of journalist (http://motherjones.com/politics/2004/07/moving-mountains) from California to be a voice for the women of Haiti who are victims of Gender Based Violence (GBV). Or UN Police officers who give up the comforts of home to train the Haitian National Police how to operate so that they protect and serve the people of the community.

On another more somber note: I found out last night that my uncle has Leukemia. He'll start chemotherapy tomorrow and be in the hospital for a month. It's all a bit sudden and to say I haven't processed yet would be true. From what I do know the form he has is very treatable and statistically speaking he should come through this ok.

Mostly I'd ask for you to pray for a rapid return to health for him and then peace for my parents and my mom's side of the family as this unfolds. I hope for the day Jesus makes my current occupation of building hospitals obsolete.