Monday, December 21, 2015
Thanks for stopping by!
Thanks for stopping by the Haiti ABST blog! The 2016 group is still getting to know each other but we'll start sharing our journey together soon. In the mean time, please take some time to read previous trips' blogs to get an idea of what has happened before. No spoilers, though - we're working with a new partner this year and our trip is going to look different.
Sunday, March 8, 2015
Until Next Time
Hello,
I would just like to say that we made it home safely. Our trip to Haiti was a blessing and we will hold it forever in our hearts. I will leave you with a picture and say thank you to everyone for all of the thoughts and prayers!
-Nicole
Saturday, March 7, 2015
L'Unité Fait La Force
The motto of Haiti translates to "Unity makes Strength." As we prepare for the ride to the airport, I have mixed emotions as I reflect on how these words on the Haitian flag have been evident in our short stay of one week. First, the reality of life in Haiti hits hard: a literacy rate of 50% and an unemployment rate of over 70%, and a history of a proud republic that has been at the mercy of other nations that have played a large part in preventing this nation from the journey of human development. Second, the faith and deep spirit of the Haitian people who, while living to survive, have a heart for Bondie, for neighbor and for the land, which inspires hope and joy. While politics and poverty may seem insurmountable, there is something deeper that will still abide.
We heaved witnessed this motto in a small, yet powerful, way in our own group who came together with generosity and patience to become enchanted and fall in love with the people and the land of Haiti. I will be grateful for the honor to accompany these students and learn with them.
Fr. Michael Kesicki
Here are a few "parting shots"
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| Our leaders: Patrice and Tyler. Thank you for your preparation and steadfast commitment. |
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| My co-accompanier Ann Bamberger. Your wholehearted engagement in this week was a gift to us. |
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| Linden, Patrice, Crissy, Kaylee, Nicole, Leanna and Tasha: Thanks for your laughter, joy and compassion! |
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| Tyler and Iziah: thanks for your patience and steadiness |
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| To all of the partners we met this week: Mesi anpil! |
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| And, of course, I-Sa-BELLE! (Our faithful watchdog) |
What Haiti Taught Me
It is our last morning in Haiti. I am enjoying the cool breeze and fresh air. The rooster crows about every thirty minutes. It is in this atmosphere that I feel called to write a final reflection of what I have learned on this trip.
1.) Haiti is a land full of heroes.
Father Frank kept reminding us that Haiti is a land of courageous leaders. Though history books and the internet tell us that Haiti is a land of sadness and poverty, I can say through a first witness account that it is so much more. This week we met a man or woman who showed us what a wonderful place Haiti is through their eyes. We met people who dedicated their whole lives to providing service for their neighbors and country (as you can see through previous posts). And though Father Frank introduced us to heroes that he has come to know, I also appreciated getting to know him as a hero of Haiti. People like Father Frank are selfless in their service. It is beautiful to see how rooted in Haiti he is.
2.) Wealth is not material.
Before coming here, my friends and family constantly reminded me of the one fact they knew about Haiti: "Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere." And though this may be true, Haiti is rich in many other aspects. Looking back on all of my travels, I can say that I have never felt more welcomed as I did here in Haiti. Everywhere we went, whether in the back of a van or on foot, people would smile and call out a "Bonjour". The children had no weariness when strangers filtered in to their schools. The welcomed us with open arms (they actually welcomed us with kisses on cheeks and hugs). They continued to talk with us even when we did not understand. The love and compassion that I have witnessed does not compare to anything I have witnessed in my own country. I think that is why it is hard to leave today! I have been so welcomed here that it feels natural.
3.) Haiti is investing.
Many of the places we went, I noticed a theme: Haiti is investing in its future. Whether our Haitian heroes were investing in their children or making strides towards becoming financially independent, the people here are making an investment. I loved hearing that the Rainbow House began raising chickens and that a local restaurant already had interest in buying them. Or that a school within a village was creating an elaborate fish pond (see prior posts) to provide fresh meat to its students. I also witnessed many leaders investing in the education of children and providing opportunity. This was a beautiful part of Haiti. Their is a sense of community. My feelings of sadness and hopelessness I felt the first few days I was here have been replaced with hope for Haiti's investment in its future.
I am so glad that I have had this opportunity. I fell in love with my group members, and I fell in love with this beautiful country. I hope this isn't a goodbye to Haiti, but rather a see you later.
We'll see everyone back home soon,
Cristiana
1.) Haiti is a land full of heroes.
Father Frank kept reminding us that Haiti is a land of courageous leaders. Though history books and the internet tell us that Haiti is a land of sadness and poverty, I can say through a first witness account that it is so much more. This week we met a man or woman who showed us what a wonderful place Haiti is through their eyes. We met people who dedicated their whole lives to providing service for their neighbors and country (as you can see through previous posts). And though Father Frank introduced us to heroes that he has come to know, I also appreciated getting to know him as a hero of Haiti. People like Father Frank are selfless in their service. It is beautiful to see how rooted in Haiti he is.
2.) Wealth is not material.
Before coming here, my friends and family constantly reminded me of the one fact they knew about Haiti: "Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere." And though this may be true, Haiti is rich in many other aspects. Looking back on all of my travels, I can say that I have never felt more welcomed as I did here in Haiti. Everywhere we went, whether in the back of a van or on foot, people would smile and call out a "Bonjour". The children had no weariness when strangers filtered in to their schools. The welcomed us with open arms (they actually welcomed us with kisses on cheeks and hugs). They continued to talk with us even when we did not understand. The love and compassion that I have witnessed does not compare to anything I have witnessed in my own country. I think that is why it is hard to leave today! I have been so welcomed here that it feels natural.
3.) Haiti is investing.
Many of the places we went, I noticed a theme: Haiti is investing in its future. Whether our Haitian heroes were investing in their children or making strides towards becoming financially independent, the people here are making an investment. I loved hearing that the Rainbow House began raising chickens and that a local restaurant already had interest in buying them. Or that a school within a village was creating an elaborate fish pond (see prior posts) to provide fresh meat to its students. I also witnessed many leaders investing in the education of children and providing opportunity. This was a beautiful part of Haiti. Their is a sense of community. My feelings of sadness and hopelessness I felt the first few days I was here have been replaced with hope for Haiti's investment in its future.
I am so glad that I have had this opportunity. I fell in love with my group members, and I fell in love with this beautiful country. I hope this isn't a goodbye to Haiti, but rather a see you later.
We'll see everyone back home soon,
Cristiana
Friday, March 6, 2015
La Tremblay Maryknoll Mission
Our last full day brought us to the village of La Tremblay where two Maryknoll missionary sisters, Sister Susan and Sister Therese, accompanied us to visit two schools as well as to a small village where a group of mothers have created a garden so they can have a small business selling produce.
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| Describing the Hydroponic project |
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| The Hydroponic project: a future fish pond |
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| These folks loved riding in the back! |
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| Patrice with Sister Therese |
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| Pastor Jordany explains a garden project |
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| Dr. Michel-Henri explaining the Hydroponics Preojecdt |
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| Sister Susan and Fr. Michael |
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| Happy to see visitors or happy school is done for the weekend? |
Getting Ready for the Day
Some of the days, we pack lunch (and lots of water). Linden is so photogenic!
The ripple effect
Last night, Patrice and Tyler had us write about one of the inspiring people we met on this trip. I wrote about Dr. Wilkens who we met earlier in the week. I thought I would share it with you.
This man keeps going to school to learn new skills he needs to support his community. He doesn't stop growing and planning how to make the impossible possible.
He went into the police force with the desire to help and when the internal politics/corruption confronted him he did not just say, "this is my job so I have to compromise my principles." He instead sought a new vocation. This took many years of training to become a doctor and a surgeon.
He followed in his mother's footsteps of service to others, opening a clinic to support the neighborhood he grew up in. While managing the clinic, he developed plans to expand and realized the many business skills that would be useful in that endeavor, so he is getting his MBA.
Service can ripple through a community, influencing countless intended and unintended people. He has helped cure diseases and injuries that might otherwise have gone untreated, he has referred people to other services, he helps run his mother's feeding program and serves as a role model of a professional, compassionate, hard working man.
He embodies many of the principles that I believe and sometimes (and sometimes not) live:
1) Education is a lifelong process.
2) Doing the easiest thing is not necessarily the most fulfilling.
3)Service to others can be a way find deep meaning in your life.
This man keeps going to school to learn new skills he needs to support his community. He doesn't stop growing and planning how to make the impossible possible.
He went into the police force with the desire to help and when the internal politics/corruption confronted him he did not just say, "this is my job so I have to compromise my principles." He instead sought a new vocation. This took many years of training to become a doctor and a surgeon.
He followed in his mother's footsteps of service to others, opening a clinic to support the neighborhood he grew up in. While managing the clinic, he developed plans to expand and realized the many business skills that would be useful in that endeavor, so he is getting his MBA.
Service can ripple through a community, influencing countless intended and unintended people. He has helped cure diseases and injuries that might otherwise have gone untreated, he has referred people to other services, he helps run his mother's feeding program and serves as a role model of a professional, compassionate, hard working man.
He embodies many of the principles that I believe and sometimes (and sometimes not) live:
1) Education is a lifelong process.
2) Doing the easiest thing is not necessarily the most fulfilling.
3)Service to others can be a way find deep meaning in your life.
Thursday, March 5, 2015
Genuine Encounters Communicated in Love
Last night (Wednesday) for our reflection we were challenged
to come up with an action step for the rest of our time here in Haiti. Only we
can determine how this trip will affect our life and this action step was meant
as a way for us to envision the lessons and values we can learn while in Haiti.
One of my action steps was simply “genuine encounters”. Today at L’Arc En Ciel
(which has already been explained in a previous post), I took my action step.
The beautiful children that we were blessed to encounter reminded me how easy
it is to be genuine, and how powerful that can be. They greeted us with kisses
and led us by hand to their playground because that is who they are. They
taught us games (even though they had to explain the rules at least 10 times
and use lots and lots of hand gestures) and played with us like we were part of
their family. These encounters that took place by singing songs, hiding rocks,
and holding hands serve as a reminder of how connecting with another is not as
difficult as we make it out to be. It’s amazing how easy Love can be
communicated, regardless of the barriers.
-Patrice
-Patrice
Boutilliers Lookout
On the way to Maison L'Arc-en-Ciel, we stopped at this place for a beautiful and commanding view over all of Port-au-Prince.
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| Iziah, Tyler and Fr. Michael |
Kris Wa Clinic
In Haitian Créole, "Kris Wa" means "Christ-Roi" (Christ the King). It's the name of the clinic that Outreach to Haiti operates in Por-au-Prince. We were able to visit on Tuesday, where our PA majors (Physician Assistant) witnessed a vaccination clinic for children. Wednesday, some of our students took part in learning about pediatric care as toddlers were brought in for check-ups.
Rose-Laure, one of the nurses, was generous with her time, explaining the workings of he clinic to us. We were impressed by the organization and commitment to children and families that was evident.
Rose-Laure, one of the nurses, was generous with her time, explaining the workings of he clinic to us. We were impressed by the organization and commitment to children and families that was evident.
A Day in the Mountains that Lead to a Rainbow!
Today we started our travel up the mountains to go to the
Rainbow House. On our way we stopped at the look out over Port-au-Prince, the
Caribbean Ocean, and other mountains in the background. It was a breathtaking
view and truly showed Haiti's beauty. Our next stop was Fort Jacque where we
had a guided tour. They used this fort to see troops and ships that were
approaching the shores of Haiti. There were French and British cannons and
stone-built walls protecting the Haitian soldiers. We stopped at the Mountain
Maid restaurant for lunch and all indulged in American cuisine. Then, we were
off to see the kids at LA MAISON L'ARC-EN-CIEL (The Rainbow House).
The Rainbow House is an orphanage for children
affected/effected by HIV/AIDS. One of the founders Danielle Penette spoke to us
and explained that she and her husband started this orphanage with only six
patients, some affected/effected and some unaffected children to show that they
could be living together in a community without contracting the virus. Much of
the funding has come from the donations, but recently they have had trouble
getting enough funding so some of their community education programs were not
able to be continued.
When we arrived we were greeted by traditional Haitian kisses
on the cheek from the children. They quickly warmed up us and each one of them
found a hand of ours to hold. We got to see their coop where they raise chickens
as their income generating activities. Also, they have been gardening and other
activities to teach the children skills to later integrate into the community.
The kids took us up the hill and we ran to the playground to swing, slide,
and just run around. Many of us played games together and even though there is
a language barrier we found similarities of games we played as children. Some of
us played hand-clapping games and others played games as a group in a circle.
Today was an uplifting experience to see that these children
were so happy and welcoming. When it was time for us to leave the demeanor
changed, voices lowered, and there were lots of long hugs.
Love & Hugs from Haiti,
Tasha, Leanna, Kaylee, and Nicole
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
A Walk Through Tent City
So, I woke up this morning at 5:30AM. The sun was starting to peek out from behind the mountains, and the rooster that hangs out in front of our gate was beginning his morning songs (which aren't actually melodic in any way).
However, it was a cool Haitian morning. The streets were already alive with people who were trying to run their errands before the afternoon sun beat down on them.
This morning provided a great atmosphere to reflect on yesterday's travels. While some of our group stayed at the health clinic, the rest of us went on a walk with Fr. Frank and a health agent from Outreach Haiti.
We headed down the hill from the clinic, and it was much like sensory overload. I was amazed at the volume level of the streets.
Cars would whiz by with loud motors.
People would yell in creole while pointing at their produce.
On the left, there was a market selling fish and chicken and their smells filled the air. We continued to walk through this until we turned into a tent city.
The tent cities were sections of town that were filled with tarp houses with metal roofs. They were squeezed together with no electricity and sometimes no public restrooms. People set up these tent cities after their homes were destroyed in the 2010 earthquake.
We walked down through the narrow paths between houses. The ground was slippery from the smooth stone. Fr. Frank told us that drying the rainy season, these paths turned into fast streams that would run right through houses. I could not imagine sitting in the heat and humidity of an August night as a stream of water ran through my home. I don't even like walking through the rain!
The thing that really struck me about our walk was how kind and pleasant the people still were.
Fr. Frank greeted almost everyone he saw. He asked how they were doing, and they would typically away respond with a smile and a greeting in return. The children ran through the paths and laughed. Their mothers and fathers watched them as they did other things.
I know it might be cliché, but even in all of the pain and catastrophe God's Grace is still present. If I have learned anything thus far, I have learned that the faith of the Haitians in their country, their God, and their families is still strong. I am honored that I get to witness such a beautiful paradox in this beautiful country.
Everyone is doing well here. We are all looking out for each other.
Sending our love back home,
Cristiana
However, it was a cool Haitian morning. The streets were already alive with people who were trying to run their errands before the afternoon sun beat down on them.
This morning provided a great atmosphere to reflect on yesterday's travels. While some of our group stayed at the health clinic, the rest of us went on a walk with Fr. Frank and a health agent from Outreach Haiti.
We headed down the hill from the clinic, and it was much like sensory overload. I was amazed at the volume level of the streets.
Cars would whiz by with loud motors.
People would yell in creole while pointing at their produce.
On the left, there was a market selling fish and chicken and their smells filled the air. We continued to walk through this until we turned into a tent city.
The tent cities were sections of town that were filled with tarp houses with metal roofs. They were squeezed together with no electricity and sometimes no public restrooms. People set up these tent cities after their homes were destroyed in the 2010 earthquake.
We walked down through the narrow paths between houses. The ground was slippery from the smooth stone. Fr. Frank told us that drying the rainy season, these paths turned into fast streams that would run right through houses. I could not imagine sitting in the heat and humidity of an August night as a stream of water ran through my home. I don't even like walking through the rain!
The thing that really struck me about our walk was how kind and pleasant the people still were.
Fr. Frank greeted almost everyone he saw. He asked how they were doing, and they would typically away respond with a smile and a greeting in return. The children ran through the paths and laughed. Their mothers and fathers watched them as they did other things.
I know it might be cliché, but even in all of the pain and catastrophe God's Grace is still present. If I have learned anything thus far, I have learned that the faith of the Haitians in their country, their God, and their families is still strong. I am honored that I get to witness such a beautiful paradox in this beautiful country.
Everyone is doing well here. We are all looking out for each other.
Sending our love back home,
Cristiana
At Madame Sansan's Feeding Program
On Monday afternoon we stopped for an hour to be with Madame Sansan who runs an after-school feeding program where local children come for a hot meal. They offered an opportunity to join in playing with soap bubbles...
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
At a local restaurant...
After our morning at the clinic "Kris Wa" (Christ-Roi, i.e., Christ the King), we stopped for lunch at a place called "Munchies." Most of the group capitulated to familiar tastes ordering things like "Bacon-Cheeseburger." Some of us ordered Créole dishes (which we weren't able to adequately translate from the menu) and were pleasantly surprised with great food that included fried plantains.
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Meeting with University Students
Our ABST participants had a great afternoon on Sunday visiting with 5 Haitian university students. We learned the following:
1. Education is a privilege: Only half of Haitian children have access to elementary education and only a fifth of those are able to go on to the secondary level let alone continue further to university studies. Seats at public universities are highly coveted with much competition while entrance to private universities can be prohibitively expensive. Jimmy, a student majoring in Business and Management, tells us that you don't get a second chance at this so, if a scholarship opportunity comes along, you work very hard to make the grade.
2. Education is a sacrifice: Students live at home as the universities do not provide such a thing as "on-campus housing." Gloria, another business student, is up at 5am in order to catch the bus from her village to get to Port-au-Prince for her class day that begins at 8am. She doesn't make it home until well after dark. On top of this, she still has to find time to study and complete assignments. She notes that her family doesn't get to see her much even thought they're in the same house at the end of the day.
Our new friends talked about their areas of study: Business, Medicine, Languages, and Computer Science. All of them spoke English very well. They asked good questions of our GU students to reflect on similarities and differences in educational systems in our respective countries. Our students were glad to rebut the stereotype in some movies of university-life as a "party school.". At the same time, we were led to a deeper appreciation of the privilege of education and the responsibility to use it well.
Afterward, the conversation turned to a casual and fun exchange of what we do for fun which eventually led to an impromptu version of "The Cup Song.". (I have no idea what that is, but they all did!) For my part, I was privileged to be a participant and a witness in this student exchange that brought our group into a genuine encounter that turned strangers into friends.
Fr. Michael Kesicki
1. Education is a privilege: Only half of Haitian children have access to elementary education and only a fifth of those are able to go on to the secondary level let alone continue further to university studies. Seats at public universities are highly coveted with much competition while entrance to private universities can be prohibitively expensive. Jimmy, a student majoring in Business and Management, tells us that you don't get a second chance at this so, if a scholarship opportunity comes along, you work very hard to make the grade.
2. Education is a sacrifice: Students live at home as the universities do not provide such a thing as "on-campus housing." Gloria, another business student, is up at 5am in order to catch the bus from her village to get to Port-au-Prince for her class day that begins at 8am. She doesn't make it home until well after dark. On top of this, she still has to find time to study and complete assignments. She notes that her family doesn't get to see her much even thought they're in the same house at the end of the day.
Our new friends talked about their areas of study: Business, Medicine, Languages, and Computer Science. All of them spoke English very well. They asked good questions of our GU students to reflect on similarities and differences in educational systems in our respective countries. Our students were glad to rebut the stereotype in some movies of university-life as a "party school.". At the same time, we were led to a deeper appreciation of the privilege of education and the responsibility to use it well.
Afterward, the conversation turned to a casual and fun exchange of what we do for fun which eventually led to an impromptu version of "The Cup Song.". (I have no idea what that is, but they all did!) For my part, I was privileged to be a participant and a witness in this student exchange that brought our group into a genuine encounter that turned strangers into friends.
Fr. Michael Kesicki
Sunday Afternoon with Local University Students
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| Tyler and Iziah with Evans and Rigerson |
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| After interrupting their conversation about "Twilight", they let me take their picture. |
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| Gloria, Patrice and Iziah teaching us The Cup Song. |
Monday, March 2, 2015
Take Time
Tyler and Patrice, our student leaders, prepared a little packet of quotes/poems/readings for us to reflect on in our down time that I have found quite inspiring and thought provoking. I'm pretty sure that it would be a copyright violation to include the whole thing here, so I will just include the first few lines and I think you'll get the gist. It's a riff on the famous Ecclesiastes verse about time. It is called 'Take time" and is by Stanislaus Kennedy:
"Take time to live-- it is what life is for.
Take time for justice -- it is the beginning of peace.
'Take time to look afresh-- it will fill you with surprise
Take time to search -- it is the secret of eternal youth'
Coming to Haiti has been an instance of taking time to look afresh: both at myself and the hecticness of my day to day life as well as those things that we take for granted: easy access to food, water, electricity, roads, trash collection, etc. We were all completely exhausted from our travel-- very little sleep and then a lot of newness once we arrived. Yesterday was a day to refresh and reflect. We caught up on our sleep (which always makes life better), went to mass in Kreyol (which was very peaceful and interesting) and met some inspiring young people (both the Haitian students who came to talk about their experiences and getting to know the Gannon students better). It was also a lot of fun to watch the Haitian and American students do this elaborate cup song together.
Today we are going to a feeding program which I know will be challenging. As a mother, I know how hovering and close to my child a felt in her early stages of life. I breastfed for two years and that not only provided sustenance to my child but a deep physical and emotional bond. It is heartbreaking to contemplate not having enough food myself to be able to nourish my child and facing the choice of having to give up my child so that she could eat.
Father Frank had read an interesting reflection written by a past visitor to Outreach Haiti that had talked about solidarity and Haitians not needing pity but people walking with them. I struggle in my reactions in the face of challenging but important issues. I feel pity about a mother not being able to feed her child, but it is also something to remember and act on in the months and years to come. It is also important to appreciate the joy, culture, and beauty of this place, which I do.
--Ann Bomberger
"Take time to live-- it is what life is for.
Take time for justice -- it is the beginning of peace.
'Take time to look afresh-- it will fill you with surprise
Take time to search -- it is the secret of eternal youth'
Coming to Haiti has been an instance of taking time to look afresh: both at myself and the hecticness of my day to day life as well as those things that we take for granted: easy access to food, water, electricity, roads, trash collection, etc. We were all completely exhausted from our travel-- very little sleep and then a lot of newness once we arrived. Yesterday was a day to refresh and reflect. We caught up on our sleep (which always makes life better), went to mass in Kreyol (which was very peaceful and interesting) and met some inspiring young people (both the Haitian students who came to talk about their experiences and getting to know the Gannon students better). It was also a lot of fun to watch the Haitian and American students do this elaborate cup song together.
Today we are going to a feeding program which I know will be challenging. As a mother, I know how hovering and close to my child a felt in her early stages of life. I breastfed for two years and that not only provided sustenance to my child but a deep physical and emotional bond. It is heartbreaking to contemplate not having enough food myself to be able to nourish my child and facing the choice of having to give up my child so that she could eat.
Father Frank had read an interesting reflection written by a past visitor to Outreach Haiti that had talked about solidarity and Haitians not needing pity but people walking with them. I struggle in my reactions in the face of challenging but important issues. I feel pity about a mother not being able to feed her child, but it is also something to remember and act on in the months and years to come. It is also important to appreciate the joy, culture, and beauty of this place, which I do.
--Ann Bomberger
Sunday, March 1, 2015
A little bit of Pitch Perfect
Haitian University Students
The sun has set, and the temperature has cooled. We are hanging out like old friends as we wait for our nightly group reflection. I am so excited for this reflection because so much has happened today!
One of the most provoking parts of the day was when we had the opportunity to chat with students from universities in Haiti. Did you know only the top 3% are accepted to the Haitian state universities? These students take an entrance exam, and only the top of the top are admitted.
During our discussion, we asked them questions about their experiences at University. They told us about the competition amongst students. They also told us that this is their one shot at success. If they do not do their absolute best or falter for one minute, they'll lose their ticket out of poverty. Many of the students planned to come to America when they completed their degrees.
Perhaps the hardest part of the conversation was when they asked us about our universities. One of the women asked us if the parties were as amazing as they looked in the movies.
"Tell us about the crazy activities you do!"
This hit me like a brick wall. I was deeply saddened that this country thinks that life as a University students in America is like American Pie or The House Bunny. I tried to explain that life was not like it appeared in the movies.
My peers and I discussed the competitiveness of Gannon University. We also talked about spending late nights studying. Though there can be get-together in Greek Life on campus, it is by no means that majority of our students who participate.
With this discussion, I was left counting my blessings for having my opportunities at Gannon University. It also left a want to portray America in a different light, and to work hard to do so.
Things are well. We are well-fed and well taken care of.
With that, I wish everyone a good evening. Remember that we are all blessed!
Sending love back home,
Cristiana
One of the most provoking parts of the day was when we had the opportunity to chat with students from universities in Haiti. Did you know only the top 3% are accepted to the Haitian state universities? These students take an entrance exam, and only the top of the top are admitted.
During our discussion, we asked them questions about their experiences at University. They told us about the competition amongst students. They also told us that this is their one shot at success. If they do not do their absolute best or falter for one minute, they'll lose their ticket out of poverty. Many of the students planned to come to America when they completed their degrees.
Perhaps the hardest part of the conversation was when they asked us about our universities. One of the women asked us if the parties were as amazing as they looked in the movies.
"Tell us about the crazy activities you do!"
This hit me like a brick wall. I was deeply saddened that this country thinks that life as a University students in America is like American Pie or The House Bunny. I tried to explain that life was not like it appeared in the movies.
My peers and I discussed the competitiveness of Gannon University. We also talked about spending late nights studying. Though there can be get-together in Greek Life on campus, it is by no means that majority of our students who participate.
With this discussion, I was left counting my blessings for having my opportunities at Gannon University. It also left a want to portray America in a different light, and to work hard to do so.
Things are well. We are well-fed and well taken care of.
With that, I wish everyone a good evening. Remember that we are all blessed!
Sending love back home,
Cristiana
Visit with the Haitian University students
We had a wonderful afternoon with the Haitian University students! Together, we shared stories of our college experience and learned so much from each other.
Saturday, February 28, 2015
Thursday, February 26, 2015
Haitian Cuisine
For my research topic, I chose to learn more about Haitian
cuisine. I was interested to learn that Spain, France, Africa, and the United
States influenced much of the Haitian culture and food. Haitian cuisine is
commonly described as simple, yet bold and spicy. Meals tend to consist
primarily of vegetables, meats, rice, and cornmeal. The preferred meats include
chicken, goat meat, and beef. It is also common for meals to be flavored with
herbs, spices, and peppers. Because there were so many types of Haitian dishes,
I decided to research some of the most popular ones. One of the more common dishes
is just a simple meal of rice and beans (preferably black or pinto). Various
kinds of stews are also common in Haiti. One of the most popular types of stews
is bouillon, which is a thick stew made with sliced meat, potatoes, sliced
plantains, yam, cabbage, and celery. Haitian patties are also common and seem
to be very popular in the Haitian culture. A Haitian patty is made with beef,
salted cod, smoked herring, chicken, and ground turkey, surrounded by a crispy
or flaky crust. While looking up the different types of food in Haiti, I came
across some fun facts that I thought were interesting and wanted to share them!
I learned that the most important commercial crops are bananas, corn, rice,
sorghum, beans, cocoa beans, and especially coffee and sugarcane. I also
learned that BBQ originated in Haiti! The fact that seemed the most interesting
to me is that spaghetti is often served as a breakfast dish and is cooked with
hot dogs, dried herring, and spices (and served with ketchup and watercress). After
learning about Haitian cuisine, I am excited to try new dishes and share my
experiences with my group members!
- Leanna
Tuesday, February 17, 2015
Haitian Governement
Hello everyone,
Could you imagine what it would be like if President Barack Obama only spoke German? What if Congress passed legislation that was only written in Chinese?
The government of Haiti
is set up similarly to the United States and also the United Kingdom. The
President of Haiti is elected in a democratic style: majority vote, ever five
years. The president then appoints a Prime Minister as well as cabinet members.
The current President
is Michel Martelly, and the Prime Minister is Evans Paul.
However,
Could you imagine what it would be like if President Barack Obama only spoke German? What if Congress passed legislation that was only written in Chinese?
This is what the
government is like to Haitian people. While conducting research about the
politics of Haiti, I discovered that the government’s official language is
French. However, French is not spoken by the majority of the country. Around
90% of Haitian people only speak Creole.
This disconnect between
government and its people creates tension within the country.
I cannot imagine living
in a country where my government could not communicate with me. I am looking
more into this history as a special focus topic for a history of language
course.
--Cristiana Sibley
Economic Issues in Haiti
Hello all--
Here's the result of my research. While I'm
definitely not an expert, I pointed you to some sources at the end if you would
like to read further on the topic.
Economic issues in Haiti
About ¼ of the Haitian people earn less than $1.24 a
day. That kind of widespread poverty is challenging to overcome.
Haitian businesses face a number of challenges: the most expensive electricity
in the Caribbean, governmental corruption, gaps in infrastructure, policies and
taxes that make it difficult to export, and competition with aid after the
earthquake, among others. Nonetheless, some inroads have been made. Madam
Saras are women who are traveling merchants and traders. Microloans have become
increasingly available. The technology start up SurTab makes an
inexpensive tablet and has been a success story from Haiti. Flowers from
Greenhouses are starting to be exported. Infrastructure is improving.
About 70% of Haiti’s energy consumption is from charcoal. Some charcoal
alternatives, like briquettes made of recycled paper, are emerging, but are not
as widespread.
Agriculture has long been an important part of the Haitian economy. Some
small farmers survive on a subsistence level. Rice is an important food
in Haiti and is a key crop, but aid from abroad has undercut the price of rice.
Mangoes, coffee and sugarcane also are grown in Haiti.
Relatives who now live in other countries send money back to their family in
Haiti (remittances) and these are important to the Haitian economy.
Works Consulted:
Central Intelligence Agency. World Fact book:
Haiti: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ha.html
Clammer, Paul. Haiti. Bradt Travel Guides: Bucks, England. 2012.
“Unhappy anniversary; Haiti.” The Economist 414.8921 (Jan 17, 2015):
35-36.
--Ann Bomberger
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
Things We've Learned...
Hello again,
The orphanage also has a walk-in clinic providing AIDS education, counseling and care, eliminating the stigma of AIDS, and teaching the wider community proper treatment for the disease.
“Since the earthquake, the Penettes have been involved in
setting up centers within tent cities that help to assess and address the
medical and psychological needs of the displaced and vulnerable children,
teenagers and young adults.”
Thank you for continuing to follow our blog:)
Nicole
So over Christmas break our group members were very busy researching Haiti and Haitian culture. I chose the topic "Healthcare in Haiti" and found that a lot of the diseases Haiti is facing today stems from the Earthquake that destroyed much of the country in January 2010. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) received funding to strengthen Haiti’s public health system post-earthquake. The CDC partnered with other organization to come up with a list of medical goals.
1) Eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
2) Eliminate the threat of cholera, transmission of contaminated food or
water.
3) Eliminate Elephantitis, a tropical disease.
4) Ensure a robust, sustainable, self-correcting public health system.
5) Reduce the under-five mortality rate from vaccine-preventable
diseases by 35%.
6) Reduce the maternal mortality rate by 30%.
7) Reduce the prevalence of tuberculosis (TB), a bacterial infection affecting primarily the lungs by 25%.
The orphanage also has a walk-in clinic providing AIDS education, counseling and care, eliminating the stigma of AIDS, and teaching the wider community proper treatment for the disease.
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