Mountains Beyond Mountains- Ayiti

After 5 weeks in Haiti, I have learned so much about myself, opened my eyes up, learned a little bit of Creole (and even practiced at the airport J).  Before I came here, I thought I would be the one to teach the Haitian people about English, about the states, and really anything they wanted to know. It really worked the opposite. They taught me more than they realize. As an American, you seem to feel that “We need to go help ‘them’ and provide education for ‘them’”. However, this is so untrue. Education and learning is a two way street. Every single person you meet teaches you something no matter what their education level or status is. Every person or student I talked to (in English, Broken French or Creole) I learned something from. Although, in Haiti, I was the one who was taught the most.  

I have learned how much optimism there still is in the world. The Haitians only have optimistic outlooks. Some American people tend to lack optimism and it is amazing to see people, who by the US standards are very poor, are happy to be alive, walk in every day with the biggest smiles on their faces and ready to learn. The enjoyment for life and kindness this country is incredible and incomparable to any other country I have ever been to.  Haitians help each other out so much and even help out foreigners who barely speak their language and are completely patient when they made speaking errors! That would never happen in the States! I am completely impressed with all the kindness and how giving this entire country is and never expects anything in return.

Over the weekend, we went to Cap Haitian. This city was amazing and right on the ocean, which was absolutely stunning! This city is probably one of the richer cities in Haiti and you can certainly tell the difference. Haiti is not everything we as Americans see on the news. There is so much life and beauty in the country that is never displayed. The Haitian coast is by far one of the most stunning I have ever seen. One night we met a ‘Blan’ Haitian who came from a wealthy family. We were talking and I told him that we all lived in Croix-des-Bouquets and the first thing he said was “It’s rough out there! That’s not a great place.” Of course I immediately got defensive because Croix-des-Bouquets is my home and has been for the last month. It may not be the most fancy, but it is home and it is so beautiful.  Often times you find comfort in areas that are very different than what you are use to. Living like the people in the Croix-des-Bouquets community made me feel alive.

As my final hours draw closer I keep thinking how much has happened and how much I have opened up and seen the world. It is only now that I feel like I am seeing the world for its true colors and how vast the difference is between certain countries. It is very humbling to know how much of a world there is and really how little I know about anything.  Over the past week, I have realized that my journey with Haiti is not ending, but rather beginning. I will be back for these people and the people I have grown to love and respect. I look up to them so much and want to learn from them more than anything. I see how amazing they are and how much potential they possess. I love this country and I look forward to continue and grow with this country. Haiti has shown me a different way of viewing the world and in return has changed my view of people and the world. I will remember what I have seen and hold it very close to my heart, because there I know I will be able to hold the memories of the people I quickly fell in love with and I will never forget them.  This is just the beginning of my journey and relationship with Haiti…

Asthma in Haiti- Oppression

All of my experiences in Haiti have not been what I had initially thought they would be. Actually, I had not anticipated or expected anything when I came here. I figured going in without any expectations would be the best was for me to be satisfied with my experience. My experience has exceeded everything that I had or not anticipated except one.....

The topic of Asthma in Haiti

Being that this is my master's topic, I am taking it very seriously and have thought day and night of how to bring health education to HAC the same way that St. Christopher's for Children brought asthma education and awareness to their asthma patients. I figured giving educational sessions on how to properly use medication, supply an understanding of the science behind asthma, how a child may have asthma, and even home remedies to help reduce asthma attacks such as hypoallergenic pillow case covers or not sleeping with the family dog or cat. However, a one size solution does not exist. What works for education in the United States WILL NOT work in Haiti or at HAC. Living here for the past month, I have not realized this fact until NOW! Isn't this what I have been in school for the past 10 months! Didn't they teach that in Public Health 101!?!?! Must have not been there that day! ;) And now it had to hit me square in the face! Right in my face for me to understand the issue with bringing health education and medicine to developing countries and how bringing the western view of medicine to a non-western country will never work.

The director's father of HAC has asthma. I was able to give him a very brief one-on-one interview with him this morning after our run (I run with him most days in the morning!)

I was most curious about how or when he knew he has asthma and when he got diagnosed. This was the story I got...

When his mother was in labor about to give birth to him, her neighbor came to tell her that he had killed her goat because it was roaming around in his crops. His mother was very upset and gave birth to him after learning this news. The emotion that she got when the goat was killed gave him asthma.

And any sort of emotion causes his asthma. Also, a change in weather, dust and rain will sometimes also flare up his asthma. He stops his asthma attack through coconut oil and sometimes avocado oil. He has never been formally diagnosed and has never gone to the ER to help his asthma. He also said it was much worse when he was younger. He also said his asthma was better in Brooklyn (where he lived in the States) because of the cold weather. Very interesting! Some doctors think chronic diseases do not exist in developing countries, especially non industrialized countries. Based off of what I have noticed in this country, I have a hard time agreeing with such statements. It is way to easy to say 'This is a developed countries problem' (It's only noticeable in the States and other western countries because there are doctors and statistics surrounding the problem in developed countries because of healthcare advantages)

Hearing a Haitian talk about asthma like this was not what I had anticipated. Knowing these facts and understanding his understanding makes me re-think all medical and public health studies and practices in developing countries. There are so many religious undertones associated with health knowledge and medicine in Haiti. For foreigners to Haiti, such as myself, it is difficult to fully understand the dynamics of health understanding in Haiti, but it is a crucial step in the process to be successful.

This morning, I left like an American with the label of 'The idiot American'. I cannot believe it has taken me this long to understand the dynamics of asthma in this country. Implementing an educational intervention at HAC will take more knowledge on my part to understand the cultural dynamics of asthma in this country.

My eyes continue to be opened everyday and more aware of differences in understanding especially around health.

"Wherever the art of medicine is loved, there is also love of Humanity." - Hippocrates

Here is the few videos you can watch. Just click on the link and you will find them!

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10200893728763959

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTUOw_V5ue0

I will be blogging again soon!

Privileges of the "First World"

After a few weeks in a developing country and living within minimal but still very nice accommodations(running water, WiFi, electricity...), I have been able to compare my childhood to those of the children I see everyday. Where they live and what they must do in order to survive are truly amazing... and it's all done with a smile.  Instead of using the term 'third-world', I used 'developing country', because we all live in one world. However, it doesn't always feel like that. Being brought up in a healthy and safe environment where education was not a privilege but a requirement, I realize more and more how lucky I truly am to be an from the United States. Our standard of living is really the best it could possible be. Of course, the US has its problems and not everywhere in the US has this standard of living. Haiti, as an entire nation, does not have the same infrastructure as the United States, which adds to the lack in healthcare, lack of education, and huge amounts of disease such as HIV/AIDS, typhoid, malaria, cholera and dehydration. And it is not just acute/infectious diseases. There are many undiagnosed chronic diseases as well (I have noticed this just based off of my asthma surveys!).

The complaints that we have as Americans are so small that it is beginning to make me cringe. Not having air condition during the summer, working two jobs, worried about selling that third car because you have a job that pays less, a couple that both have to work yet still can afford a car for each person, complaining about college, high school or homework, or complaining about gas prices when you own a Dodge Ram. Haitians do not have the luxury to even think to complain about these sorts of things nor will they ever understand what it means to complain about such things. Haitians as a whole do not have running water. Every morning I see young girls and women carrying a 5 gallon bucket of water from the water pump on their heads back home for their supply of the day, keeping a smile on their face and saying "Bonjou! Kouman ou ye?" Oh and it is hot in the Caribbean, close to 100 degrees most days and no there is no air conditioning and no hot water. Electricity is not always reliable and proper drainage for when it rains does not exist, making the roads and walk ways turn into streams.

Americans and the western world for that matter really do not understand how lucky we are to even have the problems that we do. Only after all of our basic needs are met can be complain about a small house or a bad job or lack of income or not wanting to get up for school. (Haitian Home)

However, with all of these set backs for the Haitian people, I am truly inspired and truly grateful to be around people who work hard, have a desire to learn, and not taking anything they have for granted. The Haitian American Caucus is a community based approach. Working with my students, the students who attend the school, and being neighbors with Haitians have proven

to me how privileged I am and how much I need to give back. This experience has reinforced my desire to help people through education and possibly medicine. I plan to continue serving others before I serve myself. I have had enough privileged to last a lifetime and sharing with the world what has been offered to me will be my ultimate goal. The first 22 years (almost 23!) of my life have been focused on me and making my future bright. Now, I am to the point where I can continue to get an education, while helping make others lives better, starting with my master's thesis revolving around pediatric asthma in Haiti and bringing attention to the Croix-des-Bouquets community. I am truly humbled by everything that I see and only good things can come from continuing to share my knowledge. (This women is getting a water filter and bucket for purified water)

"The more I see, the less I know for sure" -John Lennon

Teaching English

Haiti continues to get better and better everyday! Haiti feels like my home away from home and I am already planning my return! There is only so long I can be away from this place.

One of the most satisfying experience in Haiti is teaching English. Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays from 2:30-4:30 is the most exciting time for me! I spend close to about a half hour to forty-five minutes preparing for my class. I want to make sure I explain topics in simple and plain English talk very slowly. I even had a student, not in my class, say that he really likes my teaching style! That was a really a confidence booster! They really seem to respond well to that teaching style, especially when some of the concepts are a little complicated.

On Wednesday, I gave my very first quiz, EVER! I can't believe that I am administering a quiz, and teaching an English class. I am still in total shock and awe that I was put in charge of teaching an English class. I never would have thought that I would enjoy something like this! On this particular Wednesday afternoon, it was VERY loud! HAC is undergoing some construction renovations and creating more classroom spaces which is great for the school, but bad for a quick quiz! I walked around the compound trying to find a room that would be quieter and unfortunately, all the rooms were taken! As I was walking back to my classroom, I felt so horrible! I told my class that there were no rooms available for the quiz that would have a quieter space. Instead of the students throwing a fit, they said "It's OK Teacher. We will be OK with the noise." I then realized how dedicated these students are to their studies. Students in the United States won't even take an exam if it is not perfectly quiet! And they all completed the quiz and they all did incredibly well! I didn't have a student under 80%! I am still not sure what this means as far as my teaching, but I hope it is a good sign! Some of the questions were very difficult for them. A few of my students asked about the verb "to water." They didn't understand the concept of water as a noun, turning into a verb. So much of what they question, I never have questioned and now I can see HOW COMPLICATED ENGLISH IS! Words, concepts, and exceptions in English, I took for granted because "they just sound right." It is so difficult to teach English when it is your native language! This class has opened my eyes to English as a language, and all of it's complications.

Today was "Conversation Friday" as I like to call it! We had a great discussion. My students were so interested in my Epidemiology Pediatric Asthma study that I am doing in Haiti (and mostly they were curious as to why they took my "Maladie Las" survey!) I explained asthma to them and they had never really heard of it, nor knew of anyone who had this condition. The conversation turned to Haiti's healthcare system. One of my students told the class and me that "if anyone does get severely hurt or injured and Double Harvest (a local health clinic) cannot help then traveling to Port-au-Prince can be a death sentence. It is too far to travel to a decent hospital for proper medical treatment. This was so incredibly sad to hear. I firmly believe that health is a right. Not having access to medical attention in a potentially serious situation is a very significant problem that should be dealt with and dealt with fast. They also said, it has everything to do with money. If you don't have any money, you don't receive medical attention. I can't imagine living in a country, where immediate medical attention is not guaranteed.

On a funnier note, my students asked me if I was a doctor. I, of course, quickly said no! They then responded with the fact that I should be a doctor. I told them that I don't know that I could ever be a medical doctor and they said, "no you will become a medical doctor!" I am glad they can predict my future!

I am so impressed with each and everyone of my students. I encourage them to talk to me and anyone who speaks English and challenge their abilities. They are all better than they think!

This is a shirt I bought from one of my students, raising money for himself to go to college in Haiti. He is a very bright student with impressive English skills! The shirt says "We can help Haiti" in Creole. I am so impressed with this, that I bought two shirts from him.

Teaching has been such a pleasure and to have students who are so willing and eager to learn anything and everything they can about the world. I believe that I have some of the best students in Haiti!

First Week in Haiti

What a WEEK! It has been wonderful, crazy, fun, and exciting! I am very much in love with this country. So many of the people are wonderful and are extremely caring!

My students and English class is really the highlight of my week. They always have something that will either make me laugh or bring me close to tears! Today, one of my students said "I don't understand English" and I responded with "Why is that?" and he proceeded to say "Because of the word eggplant. There is no egg in this plant." This of course was HILARIOUS to me! Of course, WHY would a plant have the word egg in it, EVER!?! Small questions that my students ask, I had never would have thought to think about! It is great for them to question English because it makes me question English more than I have ever done in the past. And of course, they teach me Creole in class, but I really speak a mix of Creole and French. It is challenging and so interesting to speak with them, and they are so incredibly patient with me. They certainly laugh, but they always help me pronounce and speak Creole and French properly.

Every Friday, I hold a conversation class in English. We had a great time last Friday discussing anything that came up. One topic that seems to come up often is religion. Haitian's are extremely religious and very passionate about God, Christianity, and Jesus. Most are very strict Catholic. They are always curious about my beliefs about religion. I never really know how to express my religious beliefs because I am not sure I have any. I am still unsure what exactly to believe and that would be very hard to convey to Haitians.

On Saturday, we were able to get out and go to a public beach in Haiti. It was so much fun! The water felt like bath water and was so amazing! So beautiful and blue! It is always difficult being 'Blan' and going to public places because you get STARED at. I mean straight STARE, and not a small stare. The kind that makes you uncomfortable. The kids really are the worst, but I also think back to the states and kids stare at anything that is different, which makes perfect sense. The beach was wonderful, and I even started my Haitian tan! I think I am dark, but the Haitians laugh at me when I put sunscreen on. They just don't understand!

On Sunday, we were able to go to a local club soccer game. This was quite the experience! So many people and so many soccer fans! It was very fun to go and be part of the soccer game and watch how the Haitians play, which is actually a little bit different from how I was taught. Their formation and organization of the field looks a little different, but still seems successful! It was a great experience to see the soccer culture in Haiti.

Today, Monday, was a little hectic in the morning! Teacher Summer Institute is HAC's biggest event of the year. HAC brings in teachers from all over Haiti and they are given a certificate after the conference to help boost their resume and teaching skills. It has been very successful and most people who are here this year were also here the year before! That is a success for sure!

As I said early, Haiti has very much stolen my heart this first week. I wish I could speak better Creole and express that to the Haitians. Their country is beautiful and holds so many treasures. It has taken my breath away on many occasions.

"Beyond the mountain, is another mountain" -Haitian Proverb

Creole!

My Haitian Creole first words...

Bonjou!
Mwen rele Chelsea.
Komon ou ye?
Mwen rete États-Unis. 
Mwen vle dlo. 
C'est fini! <- This is French! 

These are really all the words I can say in Creole. I am slowly learning the language and the Haitian's are certainly trying to help me speak more and even are helping me with my pronunciation. The students really are the best people to talk to, but most of the time they just want to speak in English to you and ask questions. But I always was to talk in French or Creole for more practice! 

One of the students I was talking to earlier this week wanted me to buy him a saxophone! I told him it was way to expensive and that I was broke! (I tried to tell him this in broken French!) It was very fun talking to him! It was great to challenge myself with language for a solid hour! Being in a foreign country, it is so apparent how important language is. Even when I was in Germany, I felt this same way. It was incredibly irritating not to be able to speak to people fluently. Makes me want to learn every language! It takes a incredible amount of effort to learn and new language and requires constant effort! You often have to challenge yourself in a sometimes uncomfortable environment. One of the things Haitian love to ask, is if you are married or if you live with your parents. This same boy asked if I was married or had a boyfriend and of course I responded with "Yes, I have a boyfriend." Then he proceeded to ask "Do you love him?" and I responded with a very enthusiastic "Yes!" But then he asked something that I never anticipated him to ask, which was "Why do you love him?" This is what I am referring to as uncomfortable situations! I first had to think about it in English and then try and translate it into French so he would better understand me. I basically told him that I loved my boyfriend because he is in the Military (This is only a portion of the truth, Phil! ) He thought Phil was in the Military for Philadelphia! I told him he was in the Military for the ENTIRE US! I think he was a little intimidated by this! It was very sweet for him to ask about my love life. They are always very curious about that, and can't believe that I am not married at 22! 

On Wednesday morning, we had a project to distribute water filter's at HAC. The families who were eligible have students at the school. They had to go through a training session, answer questions and THEN they are issued a water filter, which almost looks like a clay pot. The engineering behind it was very interesting. Some of the people looked very irritated and annoyed that they had to go through all of this, and I completely understand! The organization, Surge, is sponsoring and providing the water filters. They have very impatient about the filters being distributed. In the United States, there seems to be a very, almost glamorous, idea of helping people in developing countries. The thing for organizations to take into account is that things do not move at the same pace as they do in the United States. It's much harder to do things here at a"Right Now!" sort of pace. There are so many other factors that we don't take into account. For example, electricity, clean running water, even internet access, proper drainage system when it rains.... Even a tropical storm can caused roads to flood and the entire country to shut down! My entire class did not show up on Wednesday because of the storm! 

 On Wednesday night, Tropical Storm Chantal hit Croix-des-Bouquets. Although, it was not nearly as bad as I had anticipated! It was just windy, rainy and COLD! Probably around 80 degrees! I know I am becoming a baby when it comes to heat! No AC is making me really enjoy the heat! 

Today was a pretty lazy day. We woke up in the morning not believing people were going to show up for the water filter distribution because of the storm last night. You can understand how important clean water is for them when they still show up after an intense storm! Unfortunately, our only trainer was not at the school on time and was not answering his phone. We had to take as much information as possible and tell them to come back tomorrow for the training and the water filter. It was awful because we want to give them the filters, but without the proper training, they will not know how to clean them so they can be reused for many years. It really showed me what it takes to plan in a developing country. You need to plan for ANYTHING! Sometimes it is difficult to even comprehend what may or might happen! 

Haiti is quickly becoming a home for me and showing me a different way of life and how to sustain life by the bare necessities. It is very eye opening and I am so appreciative of everything I am seeing, hearing, witnessing, and experiencing! It is wonderful! 

And of course, I can't write a blog without mentioning baby.... 

That is my suitcase by the way! She knows where to sit and not get kicked out or off! I found her on my backpack earlier this evening. She is very sweet! I speak English and French to her so I am sure she thinks I am crazy! 

Tonight, we are going out to a fun 'American' bar! The few Americans that are in Haiti go to this club in Port-au-Prince at a very nice hotel. There is a band playing there tonight (or rather early this morning) so it should be very fun!