Haiti Welcomes Me!

​I have traveled to Haiti one time prior to this six month stay. It was in September of 2017 and it was only a 10 day visit. I have decided to come and live from July until the end of the year. In that time, I will be teaching ESOL classes and working with a number of adults, children and families in many capacities, but I will be adapting and embracing a culture that is far different than my own. I, in no way, believe that I am an expert on Haiti. I’ve done some research, and yes, I know some facts, but that is it. In the next six months, I will become well rounded and well versed in the language, the country, the people, etc. I will do some traveling and explore the many wonders of Ayiti and will gain a better understanding of how things work here. When American people think of Haiti, they think of a desolate third world country that is to be feared. However, I know that it is so much more than that.

​I have been here for less than 24 hours and I am not exactly sure what I have gotten myself into. It is extremely hot and I cannot stop sweating. My body is not used to these temperatures and of course, I have not had enough water to drink. I have been spoiled by electricity and internet access my entire life, but here, the electricity is on for parts of the day and off for the other parts. 

There is currently no wifi (Sorry to those of you I told I would let you know when I arrived safely… I wanted to, but I physically could not). The water is like the electricity, on and then off. Many people from Western cultures would have a fit. They would be so unsure of what to do or how to act, and although I am experiencing my moments of lack, I pull myself together. If I tell myself it isn’t that hot and I concentrate and focus and relaxing, I can get through it. I know that I can and I will.

So, cheers to day one. Cheers to Haiti. Cheers to the delicious little fish I tried that scared me because it still had a head and bones. Cheers to my sunblock dispenser breaking. Cheers to not having the ability to get what I want, when I want it. Cheers to a new, simple, yet exciting life. Cheers to knowledge and to the grace of God for sending me on this journey. Cheers to the Lord for allowing me to make it. Cheers to learning two languages. Cheers to the strength to grab all18 (five) of my luggage all by myself and get them out of the airport. Cheers toy new pet lizard I found in my shower early this morning. I think I’m going to name him Tony. Oh, and cheers to the nice gentleman who skipped me all the way through the customs line. He's the real MVP. ​