We generally try to keep things light here at the McPherson house. That, combined with the busy business of preparing for baby McPherson, lack of cable television and my overwhelmingly emotional response to things of late, have kept me from blogging about the situation in Haiti. However, yesterday morning we stayed home a bit longer than usual and I was able to indulge in viewing the Today Show for a few minutes and I was able to see my first video footage of the situation in Haiti. Total destruction. I’ll admit that Haiti’s economic situation is a mystery to me. How can a country be so close to the United States and such a stark contrast? In Haiti, the average person lives on $2 a day, 80% of the population lives in poverty and there is a 50% literacy rate.  This wouldn’t be considered acceptable anywhere in the United States. If nothing else, perhaps this tragedy will bring to light situations that have existed for decades and now cannot, will not, be ignored by the world. God has not forgotten the people of Haiti, no matter what you may hear in the media.

I know that traveling to Haiti right now is an outright stupid idea and it wouldn’t help anything but my conscience. However, there are several organizations that are already in Haiti who could use our help. Yep, open up the wallets folks, I’m sure there’s something you can skip this week to free up some cash to donate.

If you’re not sure where to start, here’s a list of organizations that will take your money if you’re looking for a place to start (I recommend noting Haiti somewhere so your money goes directly to help Haitians; not that there isn’t good work being done other places, but that’s another blog post):

Compassion International
American Red Cross
Samaritan’s Purse
World Concern (based in Seattle)

Want to get a little something while you give? Buy a Help Haiti T-Shirt here. 100% of the proceeds will be donated and divided between Real Hope for Haiti and Heartline Ministries.

UPDATE: The U.S. Senate approved tax deductions on your 2009 tax filings for Haiti relief donations! Click here for more info!