Humbled by Haiti

I didn’t expect to sleep much the night before my flight to Port Au Prince. What with two of my checked bags just barely under the airline’s weight limit paired with the emotions I was feeling and all of the thoughts racing through my mind: “God, I hope I don’t sick or miss home too much.” “Do I have everything I need to teach my lessons?” “What am I forgetting?” “Now where did I put my passport?” “Did I set my DVR?” …I’m surprised I slept for a full 3 hours that night...

Hoor dropped me off at MIA at 4:00 AM where I met everyone in our group. It was nice to finally have a face with a name after our phone conferences and meet the individuals who I would be spending the week with in Haiti. After quick “hellos” we had to get our bags checked in. This was the moment of truth. My bags were just barely at the acceptable weight limit and we all know how the men and women working behind the check-in counters show no mercy. Luckily, one of my bags was just 5 lbs over and Sabrina graciously put the overage in her carry-on.

The two-hour flight to Port Au Prince was quick. I spent much of it trying to catch up on fall fashion and fitness tips. After going through immigration, the guys in our group collected the 20 plus checked bags and before we knew it, we were on our way to the mission house in Petionville. 

The sights, sounds, and smells instantly reminded me of India, but the poverty I saw was unlike anything I have ever seen before. 

We spent much of Monday, October 8^th organizing uniforms and school supplies for the students at the Genecoit Vertus School of Excellence. Each night our dinners consisted of traditional Haitian cuisine. Dinner on Monday included stewed lentils and peas with white rice and stewed beef with carrots and okra. We spent the rest of the evening relaxing and getting to know one another. Some of our friends demonstrated a traditional Haitian dance and our friends from the Bayou taught us the Zydeco :) Later that evening we were given a run-down on how to shower with a bucket and a cup. This was an interesting experience because the power went out before everyone had showered (thank goodness for the flashlight app)! The girls compared their hair washing techniques afterwards and by the end of the week we were all pros! I was completely wiped our first night and it is without a doubt that I had the best night of sleep Monday night.

We all woke up early Tuesday morning thanks to the roosters! It was our first day at the school and we were very excited to finally see the students. After a quick breakfast, we were off, some of us in cars and some us in the “tap tap.” Sabrina and I rode in the car to school and experienced the “tap tap” on the way home. This mode of transportation was not a fan favorite, but I have to say it was an adventure. I’m just glad no one became car sick. Our “tap tap” was a pick-up truck that had built in benches and a hard cover over the top. Because the roads to and from school were not paved, we had an extremely bumpy ride both ways. Our “tap tap” even experienced car trouble two of the days, but the beautiful views of greenery and mountains made up for it! 

Once we made it to the school in Francois we were warmly welcomed by an assembly. The students sang for us and we were all given the opportunity to share a few words with the students and staff with the help of translators. We walked around the school grounds and Gene took us to his childhood home in the village of Francois. We walked further down the hill and saw where the meals were cooked for the students. After spotting coconuts in a tree, someone from the village volunteered to climb the tree and knock some coconuts down for us. We also found a machete-wielding man to open the coconuts so we could have fresh coconut 

water. Another moment that reminded me of India!

We eventually made our way back towards the school where I observed in Kindergarten and first grade. The bare classroom walls and limited resources came as no surprise. Gene prepared us for what we would witness, but it was still amazing to see how eager the students were to learn despite their surroundings. After our observations we served lunch to the students and staff. It costs $350 a day to feed all of the students and teachers at the school. During the week we were there, students had a hot lunch everyday. 

The next two days were spent teaching Kindergarten and first grade. With the help of Keshner as our translator and Sabrina as my co-teacher, we taught a lesson on story sequencing with The Very Hungry Caterpillar. The students were so excited to hear the story and color with crayons, 

something that many of our students in the U.S. take for granted.  The next day the Kindergartners worked on answering comprehension questions and even made their very own caterpillars that they were very proud of! Due to time constraints, I was unable to teach my science and math lessons. Instead I gave my lesson materials to the teachers in hopes that they would finish teaching their students about the life cycle of a butterfly and bar graphs. 

Our last of school was my favorite because it was on this day we had key dignitaries from the capital visit the school and speak about the importance of education. I truly believe the young minds in that audience were empowered to become anything they wanted knowing they would have continued support. Later we passed out the uniforms, hygiene bags, and school supplies. The look on the students’ faces was priceless and is something that I will remember forever. It was difficult knowing we wouldn’t be returning to the school the following week, but we left with happy hearts knowing that we made a difference.

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Our last full day in Haiti was spent relaxing on the beach. This was a great way to celebrate our accomplishments from the week. We all enjoyed ourselves, knowing the next day would take us back to reality away from our new-found friends. The individuals that attended this trip had the biggest hearts and I feel so lucky to have gone on this journey with all of them. Love you all! Sabrina, Skye, and Sommer, thanks for being amazing roommates!

The memories made and the laughs we shared will always stay with me. One night in particular was hilarious! As I was dosing off to sleep with my iPod on, I felt a slight tapping on my shoulder. I was pretty sure it was Sabrina letting me know I was encroaching on her space on the air mattress. The tapping continued and I screamed when I realized it wasn’t Sabrina tapping me! At this point we both sprang off the air mattress (Sabrina took a fall) and switched on the lights only to find a praying mantis on our air mattress. The thing was huge and was in my shirt! Gene came to the rescue and took care of our unwanted guest. Later in the week we were pretty sure we heard a critter inside one of the closets. After those two incidents, my nights included more of a nap than a regular deep sleep.

Another memorable moment was when Sabrina and I celebrated our birthdays Haitian style! We both agreed this birthday was especially memorable because of where we were and what we were doing. It was definitely difficult being away from family and friends, but I was doing something very near and dear to my heart. BFFH thanks for filling my bucket literally and figuratively this day and everyday!

Reflecting on my time in Haiti, I quickly realized that even though our classrooms look different and another language is spoken, we share the same hopes and dreams as the teachers in Haiti, which is to ensure children have access to a first-rate education that will transform them into life-long learners and contributing members of society. This was an experience of a lifetime and I feel blessed for having been chosen to go. The students who came running towards us each morning, who clung to us each day, asking to come home with us and who chased our cars down the mountain are forever etched in my memory. We made it clear to the students in Haiti that this was not a one-time thing and we would continue to support the students and teachers at The Genecoit Vertus School of Excellence. 

This experience has changed my perspective on life. The children and people of Haiti have touched my heart and taught me much more than I could ever teach them. Gene, thank you for all of your support while in Haiti and most importantly, thank you for sharing your passion and mission with us all.

This trip was very eye-opening for not only me, but the students and staff at my school. Currently we are collecting shoes for children in Haiti and in December our school will be collecting toys and making holiday cards. Here's to continuing our efforts to build a brighter tomorrow for the children in Haiti!