A More Complete Update

June 14, 2011

It’s morning. I’ve been running and had two cups of Haitian (strong) coffee. I feel energized and as close to normal as I’ve felt since I’ve been here. I’m taking advantage of my refreshedness to write a (hopefully) much better update.

The Compound

In my past updates, I’ve talked about the “compound;” this is the place where I have been spending most of my time in Haiti. It is in the city of Croix Des Boquets, set off the main road in a small community of people. The compound is surrounded by a wall that is left open most of the day, but closed at night. It is cement with exposed windows (some have metal bars, but most are just gateways to the outside). I have my own little “room” on the second floor of the compound. It too has an exposed window and no complete walls so my normally naked self has had to cover up. There are four other people living on the second floor with me; we each have our own rooms, but have to move in and out of each other’s rooms to get around. My area is super organized, with every article of clothing having it’s own special place on a makeshift shelf in my room. I sleep in a tent that came equipped with a sleeping mat and sheets and I have a bright green insect repelling sleeping bag that I snuggle into each night. We have running water so I’ve gotten to shower every day (that’s more than I shower at home). We also have filtered drinking water, a huge perk in a cholera ridden country. Although I am living with far less amenities than I have at home, I feel really lucky to be here. At the compound, we have far more than most Haitians have.

The Food

I love the food. We are given three meals a day at the compound; it is primarily traditional Haitian food, but once in a while we’ll have a sandwich or french fries. I’ve eaten a lot of rice and beans and vegetables. Most night with dinner we have cabbage salad; it is made with cabbage, carrots, vinegar, jalopenos, and pepper. It is my favorite food here. For breakfast, we usually have an oatmeal type food, eggs, tomatoes, and bananas. I love bananas here; they taste like a solid smoothie that doesn’t induce freezer burn. The tomatoes are also a vast upgrade from tomatoes in the States. They are succulent and sweet; they have the savoryness of a vegetable, but the tartness of fruit. Amazing. I am well fed here, I feel spoiled.

The People

Everyone, especially the children, love the “blan.” Blan means white in Creole, so I am “blan, blan, blan.” Many people have told me, “I’ve never seen anyone like you.” I know most of them have seen Americans and white people because there has been such an influx of aid offered in Haiti from around the world. Regardless, they are curious about the new “blan” in their community. While waiting for the “tap tap” (an open endedish truck, comparable to America’s mass transit system) a young boy rode his bike by us and made kissing lips at me. En route to the tap tap, a young boy (probably two years old) ran up to us and said, “Hi, I love you, I love you.” Last night, we were walking home from the internet cafe and a group of children ran up to me, speaking in Creole and touching my (very dirty) hair. I took my camera out of my bag and a photo shoot ensued. Soon, two older girls with a child came to join the fun. I took pictures of them and then they insisted on taking pictures of me. In English, they knew how to say, “Hi, what is your name.” In creole, by heart, I know how to say “bell” (pretty) in Creole. So, we knew each other’s names and we could agree that the pictures we took were “bell.” This morning, while running, one young girl latched on to my shirt and another on my arm and ran with us for a bit. It makes me wonder what the “blan” means to these beautiful Haitian children. I think the same way I am attracted to them, they are attracted to me, fueled by an inherent desire to connect with difference.

I have loved my time here and I am grateful there is lot of time left. I wish everyone could experience this with me. I hope my updates serve as a taste of my experience. Until next time, love and peace to you all.