This post is dedicated to my big bro, J.
Big brothers have two purposes in life. 1. To torture their little sisters. 2. To protect them. I'm pretty sure the day I was born mine eagerly signed a contract saying he would do this. He has always been really good at getting me and my other little sisters to do whatever he wanted, watch whatever he wanted, and listen to whatever he wanted. I have very distinct memories of doing his chores, and babysitting for him when mom would be out. Other fond childhood memories include him jumping out at my from a pile of leaves, playing hide and go seek and being left all alone, and letting him paint my toe nails only to find out he had painted my entire foot.
Other memories include him interrogating my high school boyfriends, giving me a standing ovation during a campaign speech I had messed up on in front of the entire high school, and taking care of me when I broke my wrist after jumping off a 20 ft cliff to save a baby while snowboard (trust me that's a lot more interesting than the real story!)
Yes, J has been an awesome brother! He is the kind of brother you want watching out for you because he gives you space to live your life but is very much willing to step in if you need him to. He is the type of older brother who doesn't say much but when he does you listen (sort of like yoda.) He is the kind of brother who is so awesome and amazing that you just can't help but worry about him. He is the pied piper of fish and the hardest worker you are ever going to meet. He is the biggest DMB fan and has a laugh that is contagious.
He is also going back to HAITI. A few years ago he served a 2 year LDS mission there where he lived among the people, serving them and teaching them about God. He learned Haitian Creole as well as their culture. When he came home he looked skinny and tan. I'll never forget how for days afterwards he was in awe of everything around him: the wood floors, nice mattresses, the big screen TV, glass windows, and people actually listening to traffic laws. It was like he was experiencing a whole new world which he was in many ways. He hasn't said much about Haiti in the following years. Perhaps I should add that while living in a 3rd world country like Haiti for 2 years would throw anyone for a loop, J was there during their Revolution. The things he saw and witnessed I can only imagine.
Anyway back to the point of this post. He is going back into what is probably the closest thing to Hell on Earth. The pictures and footage of Port-Au-Prince on the news have been shocking and the thought of him having to go there and witness it in person breaks my heart. I know that he has blessed with the ability to help the people of Haiti. He is putting his life on hold for about 3 weeks to do this. I couldn't be more proud of him! He is my hero, as corny as that sounds, its true!
I'm asking for your prayers. No matter your faith or religious preference please pray for him. Pray for his safety as earthquakes continue to injure the already broken country almost daily. Pray for him to have the mental and physical strength to do what is required of him. Pray for the people of Haiti that they will find some comfort. Pray that they will come out of this stronger than before. Please, please pray for J and pray for Haiti.
From the bottom of my heart...THANK YOU!
