Yes...these are the three things that have been most taking up my time the past week or so. I'll start with kittens and cows.
As most of you who know me well know, I love and always have loved animals...all types, all sizes, I love them. However, the animals here in Haiti are not really the cuddly type, willing to sit on your lap, snuggle...etc. I'll share an experience I had with probably the biggest bull I have ever seen in my entire life. This happened awhile ago, but that doesn't matter now does it? I was spending a few weeks in Meno, up in the mountains outside of Jacmel. I had taken a short walk to go buy a soda. Feeling good and independent, knowing most of the people in the community, I had decided to go on my own. As I was walking back to the house, down a small portion of the mountain, I came across a bull. A giant bull with giant, giant horns. GIANT, I tell you. I stopped right where I was, looked at the bull, he looked at me and then I realized that he was not tied to anything. I looked around to see what other route I could take, and saw none. SO...I had to go for it. I tried to give the bull as wide of a birth as I possibly could...my heart was beating out of my chest, and I was just about ready to pee my pants. Yet at the same time, it was almost as if I was outside of the situation looking down at how ridiculously funny it was, I started laughing. As I was just about to pass the bull I heard it move and grunt...next thing I know this GIANT BULL was chasing me down the mountain. I ran as fast as I could yelling "AMWAY, AMWAY, M AP MOURI!!! HELP, HELP, I'M GONNA DIE!!!" (a little dramatic, perhaps...). Finally I saw a small, narrow path that lead right to my house, I ran into the path and luckily the bull was too large to pass through. I reached my house completely out of breath, but laughing hysterically. Everyone at the house wanted to know what was going on, and as I told them they literally fell on the floor laughing. Now, whenever I come across a cow/cull/calf/donkey/horse/goat/etc. (which is everyday, several times a day) I make sure either give it a HUGE space, or simply find another route.
Now for the kittens...
You all know I especially have a soft spot for kittens. Ever since May I have been telling myself I'm going to find or buy a kitten and make it my pet here. Due to all the moving around I did, I realized that wouldn't be practical and it would be better to just wait. Well...it just so happens that the house I am in now has three brand new kittens (well, now they are about a month old), AND three brand new puppies. For the past few weeks I have been trying desparately to get at least one of these kittens to warm up to me... IMPOSSIBLE. I give them food (out of my own food!), milk, I try to hold them...with not luck. Instead they turn, look at me right in the face...hiss, scratch, and bite their way out of my arms. However, perhaps the funniest part of all of this is that everyone in my house thinks I am CRAZY for all of this. They sit there laughing hysterically and watch my feverishly and desparatly trying to get these cats to like me, thinking I am crazy. Well, you can all rest assured that I will not give up...one day these kittens will love me.
WORMS...I know you have all been waiting for this one. Well, I have worms. Nothing serious at all, really...just gross and funny. Yep, thats about all I have to say about that.
Now for the children...
Last week Courtney and I were able to participate in one of Beyond Borders/ Limye Lavi's trainings. The training was Monday-Friday, from 8-3 and was on the ESK (Edikasyon se yon Konvesasyon/Education is a Conversation) Method. It was given by Guyto, a staff member here in Haiti. It was absolutely fascinating to be able to participate. Courtney and I were able to learn so much, not only about the ESK method, but about how people here look at and view children and children's rights. The ESK method works for children's rights, making sure they are in school, teaching parents/guardians/etc how to deal with children in other ways than beating them, verbal violence, etc. The method is wonderful because it is all based upon discussion. Groups of 10-20 people are formed in different communities, where the groups work through a series of 5 books, each on a different subject, over a period of 5 months. The books touch on sexual violence, physical violence (fighting/beating), verbal abuse, importance of communication between children and adults, and good examples of parenting. Each session a story is read, questions are posed, a short skit is played out, and the people in the group discuss the story, questions, etc. It was great to be able to participate in the discussions and share stories, opinions, and thoughts with everyone else. The changes that I saw when looking at and hearing what people were saying in the beginning of the training in comparison to thoughts and ideas at the end of the training were pretty amazing and encouraging. I am continually impressed and encouraged by the work of Beyond Borders and Limye Lavi in this beautiful country. Change is coming, slowly but surely.
I've been here for six months now...looking back, these past few months have flown by! I'm sure the next six months will too. I'm not sure what the future holds for me, but I know that more time in Haiti is a given. I'm looking forward to seeing all of you (hopefully) when I come home for a visit in December.
Until next time!
-Sarah
Monday, October 3, 2011
Monday, September 12, 2011
HEY YO.
WELL, here I am, back at it. Back at the beloved blog. Its been a little over a month since I last updated...and quite a lot has happened!
I'm in a new homestay, still in the Dabon/Leogane area. The community is called Ti Basen. This experience is almost 100% the opposite of my first. I live in a giant, GIANT house filled with thousands of knick knacks and shiny things that have been sent over from the states. The "heads" of the household are Antoinette and Wilda--two sisters. There is Blan (Wilda's husband), Edwitch & Claudia who are sisters and nieces of Antoinette and Wilda. That is everyone who SLEEPS in the house I am in. Next to the house are about 3 temporary IRD post-earthquake shelters where Thelani (a wonderful, tiny old woman), Mirlande (Wilda & Antoinette's sister), Wilcov, Carterson, Darlson (Mirlande's sons), and Marc live. My house and the three smaller houses are surrounded by a big cement wall, which is common for Haitian's who have a bit of money to do. Wilda, Antoinette, and Mirlande's oldest sister lives in Florida and has for some time...she is the one who has sent over money and things for the house. This is incredibly common in Haiti, the Haitian diaspora contributes thousands (millions...I'm not sure?) of dollars to the country. Haitians who have gotten the chance to travel abroad send money, clothes, housing supplies, etc. back to their families as a way to show that they are cared for and thought of...which is then ever so proudly put on display by the families who are still here in Haiti. Most of the things in my house are not even used, they are there on display and to show that they have people in the states that have not forgotten or abandoned them.
Since I've been back in the Dabon area I've been spending a lot of time at the Rasin Lespwa (roots of hope) library/center. I've been participating in helping with English classes, children's clubs, or just hanging out with the people here. It's a really great place just to get away and hang out with wonderful people my age who are doing amazing things for the betterment of their people and country.
Its been about two weeks since Abbey and my Dad have left. The trip was really wonderful. Challenging, stressful, and intense, but I would not have changed a thing about it. We were able to spend a few days in Gwo Jan with Carla, all of the MJRAV guys, and Madame Antwan & crew (Might I add that I am feverishly jumping up and down and flailing my arms back and forth to try and combat the dozens of giant wasps that are in here as I write this...). After a few days in Gwo Jan we all headed to Dabon for a short stay with our host families. Our stay was cut short--Abbey unfortunately was hit by what we're pretty sure was heat exhaustion during an intense hike up the moutain. Long story short--with the help of some incredible people here, we were able to get Abbey to the hospital in the city of Leogane where she was put on an IV and eventually got better (more to come on that later). After that little stint--we headed to Jacmel, which is so far my favorite place in Haiti. We stayed at my favorite hotel--Lamitye Hotel (The Friendship Hotel) which is right on the beach and has great rum cocktails :). That was a great part of the trip to just relax and debrief about all that we had all gone through, everything our families had seen, experienced, etc. The last leg was spent back in Gwo Jan, where I feel most at home and where my true Haitian family is. It was such an honor to introduce everyone to my Dad and Abbey. I cannot wait until my Mom is able to meet them all. I can't imagine my family in the states not knowing or meeting my family here...its just something that must be done!
As I mentioned, Abbey was taken to the hospital (clinic) in Leogane. This was probably one of the most beautiful, stressful, and stretching experiences I have had (and also that my Dad and Abbey have had) since I've been here. As soon as we walked in we were escorted directly inside for Abbey to be seen. As we walked inside I saw almost a dozen people who looked like they had been sitting there for hours, waiting to be seen--people who were crying, moaning, and could not sit still because of some sort of pain...while we, three priveleged white people walked right in ahead of them. Abbey was put on a bed and taken care of right away. In the midst of talking to the doctors and then translating for Abbey and my Dad, walking back and forth from the waiting area to where Abbey was, I noticed a beautiful young woman about my age, holding what I assumed to be her infant son who did not look like he had much life left in him. After we were there for about an hour and a half I approached the woman and asked what was wrong with her son. She told me she had been seen earlier, and that the doctors thought her son had cholera. I looked at her son, who was throwing up, going to the bathroom on her, eyes rolling in the back of his head, crying...and felt completely helpless, helpess and angry. She had been sitting there since before we had even gotten there, and not ONCE did I hear her complain, or even ask to be seen. I walked into where the doctors were and, knowing I probably should not have done this--I said as politely as possible, "Excuse me, but do you realize that there is a young woman with her son outside who looks like he is dying who have been waiting for about three hours to be seen?" To which a nurse responded, "Well, its not me you need to talk with, its the doctor." I said, "Well, I'm pretty sure the doctor can hear me because he's sitting right next to you." Doctor responded, "I know they're there...we can't do everything at once." Well, I was at a loss. He was right. He was the only doctor there, and there were dozens of people in the proccess of being seen, or waiting to be seen.But I still was not okay with that! I was angry, upset, frustrated, stressed, felt like I was going to throw up, and cry, all at once. I wanted to scream. I wanted to shake everyone I saw and say, "WHAT HAVE WE DONE TO THIS COUNTRY?! WHEN IS IT GOING TO CHANGE?!" It was then, perhaps truly for the first time, that the reality of Haiti hit me. It smacked me in the face, and there I was...standing there, without anything I could do. I then told him, "Listen, my sister's IV is almost fnished...I will have her sit outside and hold it up for her so it can finish if you give that woman this bed." The doctor said, "Don't worry about it, your sister is almost finished...she'll be seen soon." I knew that was the end of that and that there was nothing more that I could do. Eventually Abbey's IV finished and we were told we could leave. As we left, about an hour after all of this...the young woman was still sitting there, in silence, gently rocking her son in her lap. I went up to her, put my hand on her shoulder and told her that I tried, I asked her if anyone came out to talk to her, and she said No, and immediately started crying. I had no idea what to do. I kept my hand on her shoulder, asked her her name, her son's name, and told her that I would pray for them. That was all I had to offer. I looked down at her son and thought...this child does not have much time left, and who knows if he is even still alive as I write this. As grateful as I was, and am that my sister was seen and cared for, it breaks my heart and puts a deep anger in my heart to know that we were immediately seen because of the color of our skin, and all the history, wounds, and scars that have been inflicted on these people because of that. I think of this woman and her son everyday, and I will continue to do so, hoping that she was given the care she and her son needed. If not, I pray and hope that she was given the strength that I see in every person here to go on, despite these harsh conditions.
Haiti, I thank you. I thank you for your people, your land, your history. I thank you for what you are teaching me. I thank you that you force me to see the reality of this place. I hope that this gift you have will never end, and I hope that it touches in some way or another each person on this planet for it is truly a gift that is rich and unique to you. THANK YOU.
I'm in a new homestay, still in the Dabon/Leogane area. The community is called Ti Basen. This experience is almost 100% the opposite of my first. I live in a giant, GIANT house filled with thousands of knick knacks and shiny things that have been sent over from the states. The "heads" of the household are Antoinette and Wilda--two sisters. There is Blan (Wilda's husband), Edwitch & Claudia who are sisters and nieces of Antoinette and Wilda. That is everyone who SLEEPS in the house I am in. Next to the house are about 3 temporary IRD post-earthquake shelters where Thelani (a wonderful, tiny old woman), Mirlande (Wilda & Antoinette's sister), Wilcov, Carterson, Darlson (Mirlande's sons), and Marc live. My house and the three smaller houses are surrounded by a big cement wall, which is common for Haitian's who have a bit of money to do. Wilda, Antoinette, and Mirlande's oldest sister lives in Florida and has for some time...she is the one who has sent over money and things for the house. This is incredibly common in Haiti, the Haitian diaspora contributes thousands (millions...I'm not sure?) of dollars to the country. Haitians who have gotten the chance to travel abroad send money, clothes, housing supplies, etc. back to their families as a way to show that they are cared for and thought of...which is then ever so proudly put on display by the families who are still here in Haiti. Most of the things in my house are not even used, they are there on display and to show that they have people in the states that have not forgotten or abandoned them.
Since I've been back in the Dabon area I've been spending a lot of time at the Rasin Lespwa (roots of hope) library/center. I've been participating in helping with English classes, children's clubs, or just hanging out with the people here. It's a really great place just to get away and hang out with wonderful people my age who are doing amazing things for the betterment of their people and country.
Its been about two weeks since Abbey and my Dad have left. The trip was really wonderful. Challenging, stressful, and intense, but I would not have changed a thing about it. We were able to spend a few days in Gwo Jan with Carla, all of the MJRAV guys, and Madame Antwan & crew (Might I add that I am feverishly jumping up and down and flailing my arms back and forth to try and combat the dozens of giant wasps that are in here as I write this...). After a few days in Gwo Jan we all headed to Dabon for a short stay with our host families. Our stay was cut short--Abbey unfortunately was hit by what we're pretty sure was heat exhaustion during an intense hike up the moutain. Long story short--with the help of some incredible people here, we were able to get Abbey to the hospital in the city of Leogane where she was put on an IV and eventually got better (more to come on that later). After that little stint--we headed to Jacmel, which is so far my favorite place in Haiti. We stayed at my favorite hotel--Lamitye Hotel (The Friendship Hotel) which is right on the beach and has great rum cocktails :). That was a great part of the trip to just relax and debrief about all that we had all gone through, everything our families had seen, experienced, etc. The last leg was spent back in Gwo Jan, where I feel most at home and where my true Haitian family is. It was such an honor to introduce everyone to my Dad and Abbey. I cannot wait until my Mom is able to meet them all. I can't imagine my family in the states not knowing or meeting my family here...its just something that must be done!
As I mentioned, Abbey was taken to the hospital (clinic) in Leogane. This was probably one of the most beautiful, stressful, and stretching experiences I have had (and also that my Dad and Abbey have had) since I've been here. As soon as we walked in we were escorted directly inside for Abbey to be seen. As we walked inside I saw almost a dozen people who looked like they had been sitting there for hours, waiting to be seen--people who were crying, moaning, and could not sit still because of some sort of pain...while we, three priveleged white people walked right in ahead of them. Abbey was put on a bed and taken care of right away. In the midst of talking to the doctors and then translating for Abbey and my Dad, walking back and forth from the waiting area to where Abbey was, I noticed a beautiful young woman about my age, holding what I assumed to be her infant son who did not look like he had much life left in him. After we were there for about an hour and a half I approached the woman and asked what was wrong with her son. She told me she had been seen earlier, and that the doctors thought her son had cholera. I looked at her son, who was throwing up, going to the bathroom on her, eyes rolling in the back of his head, crying...and felt completely helpless, helpess and angry. She had been sitting there since before we had even gotten there, and not ONCE did I hear her complain, or even ask to be seen. I walked into where the doctors were and, knowing I probably should not have done this--I said as politely as possible, "Excuse me, but do you realize that there is a young woman with her son outside who looks like he is dying who have been waiting for about three hours to be seen?" To which a nurse responded, "Well, its not me you need to talk with, its the doctor." I said, "Well, I'm pretty sure the doctor can hear me because he's sitting right next to you." Doctor responded, "I know they're there...we can't do everything at once." Well, I was at a loss. He was right. He was the only doctor there, and there were dozens of people in the proccess of being seen, or waiting to be seen.But I still was not okay with that! I was angry, upset, frustrated, stressed, felt like I was going to throw up, and cry, all at once. I wanted to scream. I wanted to shake everyone I saw and say, "WHAT HAVE WE DONE TO THIS COUNTRY?! WHEN IS IT GOING TO CHANGE?!" It was then, perhaps truly for the first time, that the reality of Haiti hit me. It smacked me in the face, and there I was...standing there, without anything I could do. I then told him, "Listen, my sister's IV is almost fnished...I will have her sit outside and hold it up for her so it can finish if you give that woman this bed." The doctor said, "Don't worry about it, your sister is almost finished...she'll be seen soon." I knew that was the end of that and that there was nothing more that I could do. Eventually Abbey's IV finished and we were told we could leave. As we left, about an hour after all of this...the young woman was still sitting there, in silence, gently rocking her son in her lap. I went up to her, put my hand on her shoulder and told her that I tried, I asked her if anyone came out to talk to her, and she said No, and immediately started crying. I had no idea what to do. I kept my hand on her shoulder, asked her her name, her son's name, and told her that I would pray for them. That was all I had to offer. I looked down at her son and thought...this child does not have much time left, and who knows if he is even still alive as I write this. As grateful as I was, and am that my sister was seen and cared for, it breaks my heart and puts a deep anger in my heart to know that we were immediately seen because of the color of our skin, and all the history, wounds, and scars that have been inflicted on these people because of that. I think of this woman and her son everyday, and I will continue to do so, hoping that she was given the care she and her son needed. If not, I pray and hope that she was given the strength that I see in every person here to go on, despite these harsh conditions.
Haiti, I thank you. I thank you for your people, your land, your history. I thank you for what you are teaching me. I thank you that you force me to see the reality of this place. I hope that this gift you have will never end, and I hope that it touches in some way or another each person on this planet for it is truly a gift that is rich and unique to you. THANK YOU.
Friday, July 29, 2011
I hate this blog.
Well....HI. I am terrible at updating this, I KNOW. I've never been good at being able to sum things up quickly, or "writing for an audience" so to say.
Anyway...its now almost August, which means I've been here for almost four months. I still have moments where I can't quite believe I'm here. It is a HUGE thing for me to be here...I've dreamt of this since I was a child...and here I am. Life here is beautiful, intense, and difficult. Life here is in your face, every aspect of it. I don't believe that the amount of time I'm here will matter too much--I'm not sure if anyone could ever know and understand every aspect of this place, and that is just one of the many beauties it holds. The more I think I understand, something else just comes around and makes me realize I know nothing.
I've been all over the place (physically...I suppose you could say mentally too) for the past two months. I am no longer with the family I originally was with. I've spent time in Jakmel, a beautiful city on the beach filled with art, music, and beautiful things (often referred to as Haiti's cultural capital). After that I spent a couple weeks with an absolutely wonderful family up in the mountains of the Jakmel area. Now I'm waiting to move in with my new family which will still be in the same general area as the first family, but a different community all together. These past few months have not been easy, but it is all slowly starting to work out.
I avoid updating this because it is so, so very difficult. No one can truly understand unless they are here with me, and, well...no one is. I would love nothing more than for you all to be able to see, feel, taste, hear, and smell all that I see, feel, taste, hear, and smell every day, but thats not the way things work. Some day I will figure out the purpose of this all, and how I can successfully share this experience with the world, because one thing I know is that it needs to be shared...I just don't know how yet.
I know with all of my heart, soul, and mind that this is where I'm supposed to be. I don't know yet what I'm supposed to be doing, but I don't think I need to know yet. It's almost painful for me at times to think about my life back in the states, and all that I have left there. I know it, and you will all still be there, but it really does feel heavy when I think about it all. How can I have SO many people back in the states that I love with every ounce of my being, but KNOW that its not where I'm supposed to be right now, and for quite some time? If only I could figure out how to be two places at once...Despite all of the difficulties here, I don't think I've ever felt happier, or more CONTENT.
I apologize that this update doesn't include some funny story, or something about the "desperation" of the country. The truth is, I'm not sure what to say in here, or how to do it. I'm trying to be as real as possible, and thats about all I can do. Read it if you like, or don't...I'll never know.
I think of you all every day and carry you all with me each day, and everywhere I go.
Anyway...its now almost August, which means I've been here for almost four months. I still have moments where I can't quite believe I'm here. It is a HUGE thing for me to be here...I've dreamt of this since I was a child...and here I am. Life here is beautiful, intense, and difficult. Life here is in your face, every aspect of it. I don't believe that the amount of time I'm here will matter too much--I'm not sure if anyone could ever know and understand every aspect of this place, and that is just one of the many beauties it holds. The more I think I understand, something else just comes around and makes me realize I know nothing.
I've been all over the place (physically...I suppose you could say mentally too) for the past two months. I am no longer with the family I originally was with. I've spent time in Jakmel, a beautiful city on the beach filled with art, music, and beautiful things (often referred to as Haiti's cultural capital). After that I spent a couple weeks with an absolutely wonderful family up in the mountains of the Jakmel area. Now I'm waiting to move in with my new family which will still be in the same general area as the first family, but a different community all together. These past few months have not been easy, but it is all slowly starting to work out.
I avoid updating this because it is so, so very difficult. No one can truly understand unless they are here with me, and, well...no one is. I would love nothing more than for you all to be able to see, feel, taste, hear, and smell all that I see, feel, taste, hear, and smell every day, but thats not the way things work. Some day I will figure out the purpose of this all, and how I can successfully share this experience with the world, because one thing I know is that it needs to be shared...I just don't know how yet.
I know with all of my heart, soul, and mind that this is where I'm supposed to be. I don't know yet what I'm supposed to be doing, but I don't think I need to know yet. It's almost painful for me at times to think about my life back in the states, and all that I have left there. I know it, and you will all still be there, but it really does feel heavy when I think about it all. How can I have SO many people back in the states that I love with every ounce of my being, but KNOW that its not where I'm supposed to be right now, and for quite some time? If only I could figure out how to be two places at once...Despite all of the difficulties here, I don't think I've ever felt happier, or more CONTENT.
I apologize that this update doesn't include some funny story, or something about the "desperation" of the country. The truth is, I'm not sure what to say in here, or how to do it. I'm trying to be as real as possible, and thats about all I can do. Read it if you like, or don't...I'll never know.
I think of you all every day and carry you all with me each day, and everywhere I go.
Monday, May 9, 2011
WA-HOO!
Hello to you all from Haiti! Sorry I have been so negligent in updating this. To use the internet I have to take a motorcycle to Dabon, which is about a 15 minute ride, or walk..which takes a while. Anyway, this is only my second time using the internet here.
I've been here for just over a month, and things are going really well. The first week I was with my family in LaKolin was really tough. I've never really felt so homesick before...but I got through it and I'm really glad to be here. My family is wonderful. I live with Gladys (my mom), Ingrid (my sister...25), Pirite (Gladys's mother), Keshwin (Gladys's niece, 15), Yvendel (Keshwin's brother, 18), and Gladys's son, James, is visiting from the DR (he has been working there) for a bit. I dont think I have ever laughed as much as I have in the past month with these beautiful people. Somehow, the humor is found in EVERYTHING...literally, everything.
The community I'm living in is great. There are a ton of children, and a ton of really amazing, strong women. I have already learned so much from them. I have played approximately one million card games with the kids, pumped water with them, danced, sang, you name it.
So much has happened, its hard for me to know where to start! I guess I'll start with my being the constant source of entertainment for everyone. Everything I do seems to be hilarious, whether its simply brushing my teeth, or fumbling around trying to figure out how to make food. It has been a very humbling experience, thats for sure. I always thought I was good at laughing at myself, but I can say that I have now mastered it. You have to...or else you would cry. :)
There is so much to learn here, it can be a bit overwhelming, but one thing I find to be incredibly important is how everyone here takes each day as it comes, constantly living in the present. One of the most common phrases I hear is "demen, si dye vle" which means tomorrow, god willing. Everyone follows just about everything they say with "si Dye vle". Its pretty telling of the culture and the way life flows here.
Huh..well, sorry this update is so boring. Its not that I don't have hilarious stories to share...I don't have much time, and well, I don't really feel like it at the moment ;)
I think about you all every day, and I miss you all something fierce. Keep praying for me and Courtney, as we pray for all of you!
Until next time,
-Sarah
I've been here for just over a month, and things are going really well. The first week I was with my family in LaKolin was really tough. I've never really felt so homesick before...but I got through it and I'm really glad to be here. My family is wonderful. I live with Gladys (my mom), Ingrid (my sister...25), Pirite (Gladys's mother), Keshwin (Gladys's niece, 15), Yvendel (Keshwin's brother, 18), and Gladys's son, James, is visiting from the DR (he has been working there) for a bit. I dont think I have ever laughed as much as I have in the past month with these beautiful people. Somehow, the humor is found in EVERYTHING...literally, everything.
The community I'm living in is great. There are a ton of children, and a ton of really amazing, strong women. I have already learned so much from them. I have played approximately one million card games with the kids, pumped water with them, danced, sang, you name it.
So much has happened, its hard for me to know where to start! I guess I'll start with my being the constant source of entertainment for everyone. Everything I do seems to be hilarious, whether its simply brushing my teeth, or fumbling around trying to figure out how to make food. It has been a very humbling experience, thats for sure. I always thought I was good at laughing at myself, but I can say that I have now mastered it. You have to...or else you would cry. :)
There is so much to learn here, it can be a bit overwhelming, but one thing I find to be incredibly important is how everyone here takes each day as it comes, constantly living in the present. One of the most common phrases I hear is "demen, si dye vle" which means tomorrow, god willing. Everyone follows just about everything they say with "si Dye vle". Its pretty telling of the culture and the way life flows here.
Huh..well, sorry this update is so boring. Its not that I don't have hilarious stories to share...I don't have much time, and well, I don't really feel like it at the moment ;)
I think about you all every day, and I miss you all something fierce. Keep praying for me and Courtney, as we pray for all of you!
Until next time,
-Sarah
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Grab your bag, and grab your coat...we are headed south.
Well, crazy things are happening in the world, thats for sure! I am continually surprised by many, many things every day. You would think I'd stop being "surprised" after a while...but I suppose its better than being bored to tears every day. Boredom is certainly one thing my life is not lacking.
So, needless to say, life here in DC continues to be interesting, and has been a good test of my faith in humanity (I say this all with a giant smile on my face, of course). Life at the Bosley-Smith house is great, as usual. Never a dull moment there. I really look forward to coming back to the house every day after a day at the office, being greeted by Sable and Oakley sliding toward me as I open the door, and just spending time at dinner with everyone. I'm really thankful that they offered to house me during this time, and be so hospitable about it!
I was able to travel back to Jersey/Philly to see family and spend my brother's birthday with them all, which was great. BUT...I must say, having to say good-bye to people multiple times really is not fun, it is quite stressful, actually. After about the 5th time, the good-byes started be be void of much emotion and went something like this "Alright, well, LOVE YA, see you in a year!" ...followed by me exiting the scene as soon as possible. I mean...I really DO love you all, but I've been saying bye since December, so...SEE YA!
...moving on
April 4 is reeeeally coming up quickly! It feels pretty crazy that this is actually happening. If this is some sick April Fools joke by Beyond Borders, well then you have got it coming my friends...I mean, I know you're all funny people, but that may be a bit much........I kid, I kid. I'll be on my merry way in less than two weeks.
I feel very ready to go--physically, mentally, spiritually. In talking & reflecting with a few wonderful and amazingly wise people the past few days I have realized that I don't need to have all of my "stuff" figured out before, or even in order to go to Haiti. In fact, what better and more conducive place to simply BE, learn, and commune with others than Haiti?? Thats what we're supposed to do as humans, right?! Well, maybe there's a bit more to that, but I trust that you get the point.
I guess I should actually update you on something rather than blab about my feeeeeelings...SO, we have officially found out where exactly we'll be living! I will be in a community called La Coleen (the hill) and Courtney will be in a community about an hour and a half walk away called Nan Mapou (a type of sacred tree in Haiti). I will be living with three women--three different generations in a two-room temporary shelter, and I'll be sharing one of those rooms with the youngest woman who is right around my age. Both communities have very strong and involved women's groups, which really excites me. I'm really looking forward to connecting with them and learning more about what they do. La Coleen was hit very hard in the earthquake, and most of the buildings and houses there were destroyed. I'm sure what the community lacks in physical structures they make up in beauty, personality, life, and laughter. I am truly looking forward to transitioning into my new home. Both Courtney and I will have our own personal language helper and person to sort of "escort" us places (poor word choice? I don't care...its funny).
I bet none of you believe any of this seeing as how everything else I've written has changed...well, just keeping you all on your toes. :)
Elections on Sunday seemed to have gone fairly smoothly, and have been said to have been much better and more efficient this time around. Please keep praying for stability and for wisdom, honesty, and transparency for the new President, whoever that may be.
Thats really all I've got for now...I pray that you are all well and that you are taking each day to love, laugh, breath, and find your own peace.
Until next time,
Sarah
So, needless to say, life here in DC continues to be interesting, and has been a good test of my faith in humanity (I say this all with a giant smile on my face, of course). Life at the Bosley-Smith house is great, as usual. Never a dull moment there. I really look forward to coming back to the house every day after a day at the office, being greeted by Sable and Oakley sliding toward me as I open the door, and just spending time at dinner with everyone. I'm really thankful that they offered to house me during this time, and be so hospitable about it!
I was able to travel back to Jersey/Philly to see family and spend my brother's birthday with them all, which was great. BUT...I must say, having to say good-bye to people multiple times really is not fun, it is quite stressful, actually. After about the 5th time, the good-byes started be be void of much emotion and went something like this "Alright, well, LOVE YA, see you in a year!" ...followed by me exiting the scene as soon as possible. I mean...I really DO love you all, but I've been saying bye since December, so...SEE YA!
...moving on
April 4 is reeeeally coming up quickly! It feels pretty crazy that this is actually happening. If this is some sick April Fools joke by Beyond Borders, well then you have got it coming my friends...I mean, I know you're all funny people, but that may be a bit much........I kid, I kid. I'll be on my merry way in less than two weeks.
I feel very ready to go--physically, mentally, spiritually. In talking & reflecting with a few wonderful and amazingly wise people the past few days I have realized that I don't need to have all of my "stuff" figured out before, or even in order to go to Haiti. In fact, what better and more conducive place to simply BE, learn, and commune with others than Haiti?? Thats what we're supposed to do as humans, right?! Well, maybe there's a bit more to that, but I trust that you get the point.
I guess I should actually update you on something rather than blab about my feeeeeelings...SO, we have officially found out where exactly we'll be living! I will be in a community called La Coleen (the hill) and Courtney will be in a community about an hour and a half walk away called Nan Mapou (a type of sacred tree in Haiti). I will be living with three women--three different generations in a two-room temporary shelter, and I'll be sharing one of those rooms with the youngest woman who is right around my age. Both communities have very strong and involved women's groups, which really excites me. I'm really looking forward to connecting with them and learning more about what they do. La Coleen was hit very hard in the earthquake, and most of the buildings and houses there were destroyed. I'm sure what the community lacks in physical structures they make up in beauty, personality, life, and laughter. I am truly looking forward to transitioning into my new home. Both Courtney and I will have our own personal language helper and person to sort of "escort" us places (poor word choice? I don't care...its funny).
I bet none of you believe any of this seeing as how everything else I've written has changed...well, just keeping you all on your toes. :)
Elections on Sunday seemed to have gone fairly smoothly, and have been said to have been much better and more efficient this time around. Please keep praying for stability and for wisdom, honesty, and transparency for the new President, whoever that may be.
Thats really all I've got for now...I pray that you are all well and that you are taking each day to love, laugh, breath, and find your own peace.
Until next time,
Sarah
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Aaaand, we're off!
GOOD NEWS. Courtney and I have plane tickets! After a long, emotional conference call with Coleen, Carla, Courtney, Sarah Cool, and I, tickets were purchased and we'll head to Haiti on April 4th at 6 in the morning. It is pretty amazing how much a solid date has changed my outlook on everything. All we have to get through now are the elections on March 20th, and we'll be on our way.
I suppose I'll update you on a few other things as well...
My creole is coming along! I'm feeling much more comfortable with it, and able to recognize sounds, words, meanings, etc.
Last weekend Courtney, Pascalie, David, Brian, and I traveled to beautiful Norristown for the BB board meeting. We all ate a great Haitian dinner the night before at Jonathan's house, and then I was able (along with Courtney and Pascalie) to spend the night in my old apartment with my two wonderful roommates and other friends. All day Saturday was the board meeting, which went well. It was exciting to be there for the approval of Beyond Border's new strategic plan, vision, mission, etc. Not only are great things happening as we speak, but they are going to continue to happen...pretty exciting. While it was great to see all my friends in N-town, it was pretty hard to say goodbye...again, but I'm certainly doing much better this week.
Yesterday on our conference call Carla advised us both to really cherish the time we have left here. A month seems like a long time right now, but I'm sure it will fly by and before I know it Courtney and I will be boarding the plane early in the morning. It's not easy to live totally in the moment, and be conscious solely of NOW, but I'm going to really try and soak up the time I have left in the states...it'll be a while before I'm back!
Here's a note I posted on Facebook that I'd really appreciate you all taking a look at:
I suppose I'll update you on a few other things as well...
My creole is coming along! I'm feeling much more comfortable with it, and able to recognize sounds, words, meanings, etc.
Last weekend Courtney, Pascalie, David, Brian, and I traveled to beautiful Norristown for the BB board meeting. We all ate a great Haitian dinner the night before at Jonathan's house, and then I was able (along with Courtney and Pascalie) to spend the night in my old apartment with my two wonderful roommates and other friends. All day Saturday was the board meeting, which went well. It was exciting to be there for the approval of Beyond Border's new strategic plan, vision, mission, etc. Not only are great things happening as we speak, but they are going to continue to happen...pretty exciting. While it was great to see all my friends in N-town, it was pretty hard to say goodbye...again, but I'm certainly doing much better this week.
Yesterday on our conference call Carla advised us both to really cherish the time we have left here. A month seems like a long time right now, but I'm sure it will fly by and before I know it Courtney and I will be boarding the plane early in the morning. It's not easy to live totally in the moment, and be conscious solely of NOW, but I'm going to really try and soak up the time I have left in the states...it'll be a while before I'm back!
Here's a note I posted on Facebook that I'd really appreciate you all taking a look at:
Women and girls living in Haiti's makeshift tent camps are facing more violence and abuse since January 2010's earthquake. It is estimated that over 72 percent of Haitian girls have been raped, and the numbers continue to grow with each passing day. These women need advocacy, liberation, protection, dignity, and their voices to be HEARD. The women who are speaking out about what is happening are either ignored, or blamed for the inhumane actions done to them.
The Haitian police are doing nothing for these women who have nothing standing between them and their attackers but a tent. This is not something that we can turn away from. This is happening RIGHT NOW. As human beings we are bound to and with one another; I have been experiencing a reoccuring theme lately that none of us are free until we all are free.
Tuesday, March 8 is International Women's Day. Tuesday, the 8th is also prime-time for Haiti's Carnival season, where many women are raped and abused. I am asking that we all stand together in solidarity for the women and girls of Haiti in whatever way we can. I will be fasting, but please pray, meditate, write, promote awareness of the situation...do whatever you can do to stand with these beautiful women of Haiti. I ask you to please send this message out to anyone and everyone! This is something we cannot ignore.
Battered and torn
still I can see the light
Tattered and worn
but I must kneel to fight
Friend of mine
what can't you spare
I know some times
it gets cold in there
When my legs no longer carry
and the warm wind chills my bones
I reach for Mother Mary
and I shall not walk alone
Hope is alive
while we're apart
only tears
speak from my heart
break the chains
that hold us down
and we shall be
forever bound
When I'm tired and weary
and a long way from home
I reach for Mother Mary
and I shall not walk alone
Beauty that
we left behind
how shall we
tomorrow find
Set aside
our weight in sin
so that we
can live again
-I Shall Not Walk Alone (Ben Harper)
Until next time,
-Sarah
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Life in DC...
I've been in DC for exactly three weeks now, and all I have to say for it is that Philly is way cooler....just kidding! However...Philly is much easier to navigate, BUT in DC there are tons of things to do for free. I do have to stay loyal to Philly, though. I miss everyone a TON. I constantly think of everyone at Broad Street Ministry and wish I could be there with you all. Whenever I try to tell people here about BSM I never know what to say, I usually end up saying something like "there really is just no other place like it!" Which just sounds lame, and doesn't really say anything, so...I'll keep working on a promo speech. Anyway...
I'm staying with a wonderful family here. Dixcy, Nolan, Colby, and Colin, and of course their two dogs Oakley and Sable. It took about a week and a half for Sable who is still a puppy to accept me and not bark every time I moved...but we're in the bonding process now, so everything's good on that front. The family is pretty busy, but we always eat dinner together which is probably one of my favorite parts of the day. They're a lot of fun.
The weekends are the toughest for me, I'm alone most of the time, which I guess isn't necessarily a bad thing in theory, but for someone like me...too much alone time makes you go crazy. I usually go to a museum or two, and spend a lot of time in coffee shops, but Courtney arrived last week from CA, so now I have someone to hang out with.
I go to the BB office every day and help out with various things. The days usually go by pretty quickly. Everyone in the office is great...its a lot of fun, and there is always an abundant amount of laughter. I've had the opportunity to meet a lot of really great people that are in some way connected to Haiti/Beyond Borders which has been awesome. I have been taking Creole classes every Thursday and Friday afternoon in the office...I'm really enjoying that!
To update you all on the ASL program situation...Well, we probably won't be getting to Haiti until April now. Coleen and Carla have made visits to the community where we will most likely be living (Dabon, not too far from Port au Prince), and talked with a group, Rasin Lespwa (Roots of Hope) who will aid in preparing the community and families for our arrival. They are still preparing and finding families for us to live with, and all this preparation has been prolonged due to cholera, elections, and the occasional return of a dictator or two, so you know...nothing major. The second round of elections is scheduled for March 20th, between Manigat and Martelly. Hopefully nothing too outrageous happens surrounding that...but one never can tell when it comes to Haiti. So, with all that said, I really hope Courtney and I are able to get to Haiti in early April. This really is a tough spot to be in. When all of my friends and family are in one place, and everything I want to be doing and have been waiting to do for months is in Haiti, but I am here in DC...things start to feel pretty strange.
Cholera seems to have stabilized a bit, but there is still the ever-present fear, which I'm sure will stick around for quite some time. There are not as many deaths being reported, which is obviously a good sign. I am continually amazed at how the people of Haiti continue to live their lives day to day amidst so much turmoil.
Well, I don't have much more to say at this point, rather, I don't feel like typing much more :-)
Please continue to hold Haiti and her people in your prayers.
More later,
Sarah
I'm staying with a wonderful family here. Dixcy, Nolan, Colby, and Colin, and of course their two dogs Oakley and Sable. It took about a week and a half for Sable who is still a puppy to accept me and not bark every time I moved...but we're in the bonding process now, so everything's good on that front. The family is pretty busy, but we always eat dinner together which is probably one of my favorite parts of the day. They're a lot of fun.
The weekends are the toughest for me, I'm alone most of the time, which I guess isn't necessarily a bad thing in theory, but for someone like me...too much alone time makes you go crazy. I usually go to a museum or two, and spend a lot of time in coffee shops, but Courtney arrived last week from CA, so now I have someone to hang out with.
I go to the BB office every day and help out with various things. The days usually go by pretty quickly. Everyone in the office is great...its a lot of fun, and there is always an abundant amount of laughter. I've had the opportunity to meet a lot of really great people that are in some way connected to Haiti/Beyond Borders which has been awesome. I have been taking Creole classes every Thursday and Friday afternoon in the office...I'm really enjoying that!
To update you all on the ASL program situation...Well, we probably won't be getting to Haiti until April now. Coleen and Carla have made visits to the community where we will most likely be living (Dabon, not too far from Port au Prince), and talked with a group, Rasin Lespwa (Roots of Hope) who will aid in preparing the community and families for our arrival. They are still preparing and finding families for us to live with, and all this preparation has been prolonged due to cholera, elections, and the occasional return of a dictator or two, so you know...nothing major. The second round of elections is scheduled for March 20th, between Manigat and Martelly. Hopefully nothing too outrageous happens surrounding that...but one never can tell when it comes to Haiti. So, with all that said, I really hope Courtney and I are able to get to Haiti in early April. This really is a tough spot to be in. When all of my friends and family are in one place, and everything I want to be doing and have been waiting to do for months is in Haiti, but I am here in DC...things start to feel pretty strange.
Cholera seems to have stabilized a bit, but there is still the ever-present fear, which I'm sure will stick around for quite some time. There are not as many deaths being reported, which is obviously a good sign. I am continually amazed at how the people of Haiti continue to live their lives day to day amidst so much turmoil.
Well, I don't have much more to say at this point, rather, I don't feel like typing much more :-)
Please continue to hold Haiti and her people in your prayers.
More later,
Sarah
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