Our First Moments in Haiti, shared through the eyes of Michelle Beavers

June 18, 2014

As our first day draws to a close and our senses are full from all of the awakenings today, our group gathered to share our thoughts.  Since the majority of our group is on it's first pilgrimage to Haiti, our conversations evolved from the theme of culture shock.

The first moments in Haiti almost made us feel as if we were entering a resort community.  In the breezeway toward customs, a group of Haitiian musicians gathered to play and sing in their native tongue.  The Caribbean tune offered the first glimpse of the friendly culture to surround us over the next week.

Our next experience occurred as we exited the airport.  A sea of dark-skinned people hovered around the entrance, eager to offer their assistance and services. Because our driver was pre-determined, we walked past the group, my eyes focused straight ahead as if my destination wouldn't be there if I looked away. For me, it brought humility.  A reminder of the times we avoid eye-contact with the homeless on the street or the pan-handler standing on a corner.  I wonder, what am I afraid of seeing in those eyes?
How long can we continue to look away?

Late in the afternoon our group took a walk into Port Au Prince.  Once again we began with our blinders on, passing folks quietly in the street.  Shortly, Ryan broke the ice and greeted a local with a Bon Jour.  Immediately the ripple effect evolved right before our eyes.  Barriers began to dissolve, smiles emerged from the locals, replies of "Bon Jour" and eventually a "Bon Swa", reminding us we were not as familiar as our limited Creole had afforded us to hide behind.  We are guests in a country that we are uniquely different from, not only because of the color of our skin, but the language and the poverty as well.  I am drawn to knowing, although very different, these people are just like me, they have hopes and dreams, they want the best for their families, I am curious to learn more about our similarities and differences.
How can we help the people if we do not know the people?

Our walked continued, the streets were lined with street vendors, struggling to sell any of their goods, which included anything from fruit to clothing to household items to personal toiletries.  The road beneath our feet was rocky.  At one point I looked up and away from my downward stare, watching the careful placement of my feet, only to trip on the rubble or garbage that lined the streets. Recalling these images later through our nightly reflection, we have come to the realization that poverty is only one symptom of the many struggles the people of Haiti face.
What is the cause and symptoms of the struggles in this country?

As we say good night, we are filled with anticipation for tomorrow's itinerary. Our hearts heavy in trying to understand the world we'll live in for the next week; our eyes are open wide in awe of a people living a life so very different than our own; and our hands open to walking alongside those with whom we seek to build a relationship with during our time here.