It had been 12 months since I was last in Haiti. For years it has felt as if I have 1 foot in Haiti and 1 foot in the U.S. where I have my home base. Pre pandemic I was travelling to Haiti every couple of months to work with local staff and visit our programs. Growing insecurity in Haiti has made it even more difficult for travel.
The risk for traveling had to be weighed. Our Program Director and I decided that it was necessary for me to make the trip and we would mitigate as much risk as possible. Now that I am back in the states it feels like a whirlwind tour, 9 towns in 4 weeks. It was so good to be back working in the field to see our programs in action and so many kids participating in the daily soccer, education, health, community garden and leadership training programs.
It also was an eye opener to the rampant inflation and high cost of goods that is making life even more strenuous than ever. One hears about the hardships facing Haitian families, yet it is another thing to witness it firsthand and feel that real struggle.
There is the sense of fatigue from asking when things will improve, when there will be some relief and solutions to the long-standing issues that divide the country. We believe that by providing a positive outlet for youth we empower them to be a part of the solution.
I was moved by the power of community and partnership. At a time when Haitians are feeling abandoned by the government and the international community at large, I heard repeatedly how much my presence meant in their village. And how important it was that I was asking to hear from them regarding their concerns.
In the rural community of Flamands where we focused much of our earthquake response efforts, I walked the miles between houses through the hillsides and was met along the way with well-wishers and residents wanting to thank me. I told them there was no reason to thank me and that we were just doing our part as best as we could. Residents sent me gifts in recognition of their thanks: a melon, a handful of limes, a fish, and some vetiver oil. They wanted to share what they could. That is the Haitian way. The generosity of spirit that I will always look to support is unwavering.
I left Haiti feeling a mix of emotions and sadness as I am unsure when I will be back. As we look to some sign of stability from the powers that be we will continue to be a partner with the communities we work in.