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…
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