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! 

What a Monday! I am getting more comfortable with living in a developing country. It makes you appreciate how much I have and how lucky I am to be an American!

Goodness, Monday! WHERE DO I BEGIN!?!

My very first adventure of the day was walking/running around Croix-des-Bouquets. It was so fun and so beautiful! I am living on the farm side of town which is very cool! So many farms and farm animals! I saw dogs, cows, chickens, and goats! It really was amazing! Even two of the dogs, that essential live with us, came along for the walk/run. It was really cool how they didn't leave us! But, they did get into a fight with a goat! It was pretty funny!

Later during the day, we had our orientation of HAC and learned about the organization and what they hope to accomplish. It was really a refresher for me because I studied the website before I came down to Haiti.

After the orientation is when the REAL fun began!
In Haiti, I am referred to as 'Teacher'. How cool is that?!!? Never in a million years would I have ever expected myself to be a teacher! Many opportunities and passions seem to seek you out rather than you choosing them. I never thought I would ever be a teacher, and here I am... Teaching and enjoying it!!! During class, the students seemed to not stop smiling! I don't know what they were smiling about or they were making fun of me. Either way, it seemed sweet! White or 'Blan' people are very rare down here and you get stared at, especially by the young children! We actually walked down to the '7/11' here to exchange money for gouds (Haitian Money), and on the way back, a young boy said to us "Good Morning!" and it was 7pm. Needless to say, it was very sweet and cute!

Before class had started I really did not know what to expect. I wasn't sure how the students would respond to me or if they would even listen to me. Much to my astonishment, they asked so many questions! They were very interested in me and where I lived and what the US was like. So many of them are really very good at speaking English, I just need to better understand their accent! At the beginning of class, I had every student say their name, say where they are from, and why they want to learn English. Most of them want to know English for better jobs and to go to the US. We went through the lesson plan and it is difficult to teach English. It's hard to teach something that feels "just because that is how you say it and write it." That part will probably be the most difficult! It is a great learning process for me as well!

During class, one thing that struck me the most was how they wanted to get rid of their Haitian accent when they spoke English. They really wanted me to help them with that! So I told them that I would help with that, but I also gave a small pep talk..... I told them that they will probably not be able to lose the Haitian accent when they speak English. I told them to embrace their culture and be proud of it. Hopefully they understood what I was saying. I spoke a little French to them and I tried to explain that I also will never be able to have a completely translucent accent when I speak French, no matter how good I became (and I am terrible!) They laughed a little when I tried speaking French, which made the classroom comfortable. I also assigned homework! That was fun! And intimidating as well! We will see if they do it and turn it in on Wednesday! I would be shocked f they actually listened. Although, they all really want to learn English.

My weekend and Monday was fantastic and I look forward to what else there may be. I know I will start to really love my students and more importantly, appreciate their effort in learning English, and being able to understanding ME!

I may go and play basketball with some of the volunteers and Haitians. I start learning Creole Haitian tomorrow! We will see how that goes!


"In a gentle way, you can shake the world"- Mahatma Gandhi 

First Day in Haiti!

Wow! Where do I even begin!?! It has already been quite the experience!

The Haitian Airport was hectic, but I was able to find my sponsors out in the parking lot! It was a little crazy. Traffic was out of this world. I thought Philly's traffic was bad... NOPE! WRONG! Honking, people walking in the streets little mopeds flying around like crazy! It was very interesting!

Once we got to HAC (Haitian American Caucus) site, I was given a tour of the place, which is very small, but cozy. There were even baby ducks and puppy's! Lots and lots of goats here too! And it a really common meal! Welp... when in Rome, do as the Romans do right??? (Mom??;) Needless to say, I am not sure what I had for lunch- a sandwich with meat (mysterious?) with cheese and tomatoes and onions... oh and ants, but I fought those off OK!

All in all it has been a very adventurous first day! I am going to leading my own English course here at the school. I will be grading, assigning homework, and leading class discussion and lessons (Andrea! I need your help!!!!) I am up for the challenge but it will be very interesting because I don't know that I would ever be a hard grader for assignments! I have been a student for too long and I understand! We will see how that goes! I also am going to be a student myself here and learning Creole along the way with a tutor, which is of course so exciting!

Dinner was actually amazing! Beans and rice! My treat!!! And of course a few other Haitian food items that I cannot remember! But I think I made my friend while I am here....

Her name is Baby and she is adorable! And too skinny so I have been sneaking her some meat!

Let the adventures begin!!!!!