Carl McLendon was part of the Journey to Haiti team. He shares some of his photos and stories with us in Refractions. For more from Carl, see his blog, Simple Gestures.

She is old, but not as old as the tragedies of her life make her seem. Like all new life she was born with struggle and pain, but beautiful and overflowing with life. Life is full of those self-seeking without regard for her, and she has suffered the consequences, but she still keeps going. For most, life has a season of prosperity and a sense of belonging...she had a brief moment of clarity, a very brief moment. Now she suffers atrocities never imagined even in the worst seasons, and, still she keeps moving, keeps meeting the daily challenges. Her age and her difficulties do not stop the warm smile, the open arms, the joy of mere existence that beckons us all, "Welcome, welcome...come sit and let's share our stories."