Day 2- 5th Anniversary of Haiti's Earthquake

Monday January 12^th,

  Today is our second day in Haiti. The surprises have just begun. I am most glad that I had very few expectations because that has enabled me to take in so much of everything that I am coming across; the food, the people the music and just the vibe in general.  We discovered today that in the most unexpected situations are the best experiences. Originally we had anticipated starting to teach English classes at GASA EPD. However, due to the anniversary of the earthquake, today was declared a memorial day and most students stayed home. This gave us the opportunity to hear from Ramel, the founder and administrator at the school. Ramel was able to share with us about how original vision for the community of Dezamn and the country as a whole. His words resonated with all of us, were challenging, provoking and memorable. One of these inspirational quotes were “education is a manner, a behavior. It is a new way of thinking and not just a degree.” In his discussion, he explained how Haiti has a plethora of individuals who have gone abroad to Ivy league schools and gotten the best educations but then cannot make any significant change in the life of Haitians. He explains that his purpose is not to send people out of their native towns but to enable and empower Haitians to gain from the opportunities and resources they have available to them here in their homeland, to take action in making positive changes through community education and elevation.

Ramel also stated “Haiti needs actors that can change possibility into opportunity.” We have already seen the abundant possibilities, wealth and potential that lie here and his words helped us reflect on what might be disconnected between those resources and the current state of the country. Real change requires those willing to take on a hard, long journey full of challenges. Ramel is one of those actors who is truly creating opportunities through GASA EPD. He shared, “If I am giving my life to anything, I’m giving it to my community.” To be able to share in just a small part of his vision this week is nothing short of inspiring.

Today we were also able to connect with, reflect on and see the beauties that the country has to offer. In light of the 5th anniversary, this may contrast with what others are sharing. Yet we feel we are beginning to know that there is much more to Haiti. We went on an incredible river walk to caves through the lush Artibonite valley. This gave us a different view and story of Haiti than what is in international media. We are continuing to pay attention to what we are experiencing in order to form our own, true stories of Haiti and to erase the single stories that we have known thus far.

-Andrea & Courtney

Day 1

Bonswa! We finally made it to Ayiti! After a long journey with a few delays we made it to the beautiful island of Haiti. I have had such a great experience thus far and I am excited for what the next two weeks. One meaningful experience that I had was on the plane right from Miami to Port-au-Prince. I was able to talk to an older man and younger lady from Haiti. This was the first time that it hit me, the culture shock. While the conversation started awkward at first, with the different language barrier, we all started to talk throughout the whole flight. We talked about school, jobs, the weather, and of course Haiti! Once we landed, we all parted ways. As our team was waiting for our suitcases, the man approached me saying “It was nice to meet you. You we are very kind and I hope you enjoy Haiti” and he shook my hand. That moment there made my day and I realized the importance on creating relationships and understanding culture. I am excited for myself and our group to grow from this experience and challenge ourselves to participate to try new things and not be afraid of the unknown. In the end, we will develop our own perception of Haiti, and step away from the single story people think Haiti is known for. 

Wondering goats, curbside haircuts, warm faces and even warmer weather and boom, I’m an idiot abroad.  After a bit of organized chaos outside of the Port-au-Prince landing strip I’ve once again, found myself in something well beyond the scope of what I can fully understand. I don’t speak Créole and I’ve never been outside the comforts of the United States, but there I was, traveling through the busy marketplace in the passenger seat of a bleach white, fully packed, Adventure SUV. You know, the kind you’d imagine safariing through the Serengeti. My eyes glued to the window like a dog on its first car ride, the streets tossed us around from end to end while our diesel monster roared on, but nothing could have taken my eyes off of what lye outside. The country is hot and dilapidated, but that only serves to feed its people’s charismatic rhythm. Street vendors, selling everything from fresh fruit to that missing lugnut on your motorbike waved on and yelled, while swarms of laughing children run along side the cars. While I looked on in awe they too saw something inside of our jampacked tincan, something their warm smiles seemed to enjoy. An alien in a foreign land I was welcomed, unconditionally and with open arms. These are a happy people, and contrary to our horror novels, this land is rich in culture and in spirit. The circus rolled on, tossing smiles back and forth until we disembarked here, a pleasant home in the heart of Haiti’s nutrient countryside. Currently, sitting, the sun well past his shift, with howling hounds and insomniac roosters crying into the night I am humbled. I do not know what knowledge these two weeks will bring and am eager to learn, but as of now, I will remain, a humbled, idiot abroad.

-Michael & Melissa