Haiti: Chapter Two Begins

Haitian kids peer at us from an old truck (Photo: Dane Melberg)

Got a call today from the relief team leader I covered in Haiti to see if I can go back next week! The last trip came together in days so we'll see.

Transformational Development Agency is expanding the clinic at New Life Children's Home thanks to a large UNICEF tent.  There is an urgent need for medical staff, especially physical therapists and pediatric specialists. Sarah, our teammate who stayed in Haiti, says they need prosthetics for kids who lost limbs in the earthquake but have no idea how they'll get them.

While the needs are endless in Haiti, I can help by keeping the story in the public eye. But the longer it takes to return, the more every day life intrudes: the agent calls for an audition. the landlord wants a decision about renewing my lease. the car needs some maintenance...

I struggle with a conflicting sense of calling to both Hollywood and Haiti. Perhaps my destiny is in Haiti's ruins. But as one of our paramedics said to me, "The 'high' we experienced there may never happen again."

He's right. We experienced a rare time of working at our peak ability; of loving unreservedly; of total unity of vision.

"Why go back?" my sister asked. Why put myself in danger again?  For the same reason as before: it seems like a moment in history in which I've been invited to play a role.

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