St. Andrew's School- Haiti- 2014

2/1/14
"Si ou konnen'm"-- If you knew me

   Just a few notes, especially from our time on the road:

   What will really knock you out about the conditions in Haïti is the
seeming endlessness of the poverty. Starting in Port-au-Prince, we
rode by 4x4 over uneven, unpaved, steep, and winding roads for five
hours, and made our way to Petit Goave. On our way through
Port-au-Prince, we were solicited by beggars, cripples, street
vendors, and children simply looking at us. In isolation, the number
of people who seemed to rely on traffic for their occupation wasn't
really concerning, but knowing that there are 2.5 million people in
the Port-au-Prince area, none of whom seem to have a more secure
source of income, is staggering. My father asked on our trip to the
Philippines, "How much can this vendor make selling that"? In Haïti,
aside from selling water in idling traffic in the heat, and what seem
to be hot dog rolls, people will jump on your car and begin wiping the
dust off, holding on as you start to lurch another few feet forward.
This city and this way of life goes on as far as the eye can see on
either side, into the hills, and went on for almost four hours. So,
what opened my eyes the most was the sheer number of people living the
same way as the people in tent towns and who burned refuse on the side
of the road. We had a delicious dinner at La Bel Acueil.
   Today, we had a sweet breakfast at our hotel, with mango, spaghetti,
white bread and butter, scrambled eggs with peppers, juice, and
coffee. After breakfast, we discussed our expectations for ourselves
and for our leaders. We did an icebreaker where Michelle Kim had us in
stitches. Afterwards, we spent time between the pool, showers, and
journaling. After loading up the cars, we set ourselves for the two
hours ride over crazily unpaved roads over incredible mountain passes.
We made two stops, one for cassava 'bread', and one for a 'bathroom'
break, stretch, and a view.
   We arrived in La Fond, unloaded the cars, and had a meditation in a
beautiful clearing with a view of the near clouds, and the valley far
below. We then had a delicious lunch, before our tour of the school
and the houses we will be wiring for two lightbulbs each. We were
joined by two sort-of friendly dogs and a cadre of children. We walked
for about 3 hours, greeting homeowners with a "bonjou" or "bonswa,"
sometimes accompanied by energetic hugs. We were also gifted with many
ripe oranges and grapefruits, and the promise of yams for later in the
week. Came back to camp to yet another beautiful and copious dinner,
with rice and beans, pasta gratine, fish, a spicy coleslaw, and
plantains. Now, we are engaged in the second furious round of UNO.

All our love to those at home.

Best, Isabel N.