[Katniss]

1. The Big Truck That Went By: How the World Came to Save Haiti and Left Behind a Disaster. by Associated Press reporter Jonathan Katz.
Basically nothing I didn't already know. He gives very specific examples of NGO's and the assistance they thought was needed (post earthquake) and how not listening to or respecting their Haitian counterparts led to less than stellar results. That said I take exception on too much "rah rah" one-sidedness. Corruption is rampant in Haiti within their own government (not that this is unique to Haitians as the CEO in my county was just indicted on racketeering.) Sadly good intentions don't always produce good results and he gives several well documented cases of project failure. An interesting read if you are curious about "where did my donation go and why are they still living in squalor."

That said I think empowering and micro-funding women owned small business and listening to what *they* say is needed will go a long way. Haiti produces some of the best vanilla in the world and Barbancourt rum is outstanding. As well the Progressive Women of Leogane were promoting cane harvesting and reforestation well before the earthquake. They were also micro-lending amongst themselves long before it became popular.

2. "Gift From the Sea"by Anne Morrow Lindbergh. This is a re-read for me as I take it out every couple of years just to center myself a bit more when all the flotsam and jetsam of life seems to overwhelm. I like the messages of simplicity, self-care not being self-ish, and recognizing our outward environment and habits have a ripple effect on our inward peace of mind and wholeness. A nice little book to slowly read a short chapter each morning to begin the day.

Katniss~~