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
Sunday, March 8, 2015
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
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