Reality Check
The experience that I had in Haiti is really hard to put into words, but I’m going to try my best. From the moment we stepped off the plane, it was clear that we were no longer in our comfortable environment. Just like the heat, the surroundings slapped me in the face. As excited as I was for the experience, I was also pretty nervous for what I was about to endure for the next 7 days.
Riding to the PID compound, I quickly realized how spoiled we are in the United States. That was the first reality check I had in Haiti. I can’t begin to explain the feeling that took over me as I looked out the window and saw Haiti. Coming from a country that basically has everything, Haiti was an eye opener. This was the first time I realized how much I take for granted. The roads we drove on were worse than gravel roads in the United States and traffic signs were rare and seemed optional. The houses I saw would not be considered a livable space back home, yet they housed multiple people. I was speechless, unable to put into words what my eyes were seeing.
The first day at the construction site was rough. We worked in the community of Caanan, sifting aggregate and digging a hole for a latrine. The work was hard and not what any of us were used to doing, but the heat was the biggest struggle for me. The temperatures were in the 90s and the humidity was high the entire week we were at the site. Though the work was exhausting, I enjoyed the work site for one main reason: the kids. Beginning the first day of work, the kids were always waiting for us at the site in the morning. I have never been attached to so many kids that were complete strangers, but to say they stole my heart would be an understatement. Their smiles were contagious and for me, the kids kept me going. These kids, from where I’m standing, have nothing, yet they were some of the happiest kids I’ve ever met. With their make shift toys and hand me down soccer balls, they played and laughed as if they were brand new. They live in a culture that is thankful and grateful for everything they have, even if it’s very little. As I thought back to everything that I’ve been upset about back home, I realized how spoiled I am in comparison.
\My week in Haiti was full of reality checks and eye opening experiences. I’ve never reflected on how I’ve been living my life as much as I did on this trip. Dr. McQueen made the comment to us before we left that though we were going to Haiti to make an impact, Haiti was going to make a bigger impact on us. I don’t think there is a better statement to sum up my Haiti experience. I was excited to go to Haiti and help those who need it, but I realized they were helping me more than I would have ever imagined. I have come back from Haiti with a new outlook on the life I have and the things I need. The transition back home has been bittersweet. I’m glad to be back with all my friends and family, but I’ve come to realize how materialistic my life has been. I’ve found it hard to listen to people complain about the little things such as clothes when I have witnessed those who barely have enough to survive. Haiti taught me a lot, but the biggest thing I learned is that very little is needed to make a happy life. I’ve grown up in a society that always wants more and bases a lot off of materialistic things and it becomes hard to not focus on those materialistic things. Haiti opened my eyes to a non-materialistic society and I am forever thankful for the experience that came along with it. Haiti will always have a part of my heart and I hope that this trip was not my last.
Haiti, you impacted me more than I could have ever imagined and for that, I am grateful.