Project Leogane - Week 1
I've been in Haiti for about a week now, though it seems like I've been here for much longer. The days go by quickly, methodically, and with lots of productivity. I awake well-rested, usually around 6 AM. The sunrise as my alarm clock. When I am hungry that is because it's time to eat and when I am tired, it is time to turn-in for the night. Seemingly and despite being in a disaster area, life is what it should be. Simply, happy and productive!I've enjoyed immersing myself in a totally foreign culture, one of a developing nation. One in which the the power and necessity of community is obvious every single day. Of course, it is the same everywhere, but here it seems very pure. We all play a role in our own communities, wherever they may be. But, it would also seem that so many of our roles are optional at the end of the day. Here, the only things that exist do so because they are necessary and beneficial to everyone. I haven't been here for very long, I could be wrong, but as difficult as life can be in Haiti, things are definitly much simpler too. Of course, that speaks only of the great lack of opportunity offered to the average Haitian, but that is meant for a larger discussion. One that is beyond me.
As for the here and now, I am enjoying my time and this incredible opportunity. I can't emphasize the unique situation that HODR as created. One that is built on an idealistic model. As many of you know, my idealism has caused me great personal difficulty at times. Here, I finally feel content.
I do feel guilty at times, knowing that I am enjoying myself as a result of a catastrophy that has caused grave suffering. My only comfort is knowing that the work we are doing is good, worthwhile, necessary, and incredibly humbling. The human interaction, with my co-volunteers and the Haitian people, especially the children, is priceless and rewarding. I still can't believe I am here. Better yet, I end each day feeling very fulfilled and anxious for tomorrow.
Over the last week, I've mastered the "Bucket Shower", I've once again had to do laundry the old fashioned way with the 1 cycle wash basin paired up with the clothes line. Drying takes no time at all! I've become partially competent when it comes to dealing in local currency. Fortunatly, I don't have to do that very often. I've become comfortable with Haitian public transport options, whether it be the Taptap (a small pick-up truck, flatbed overloaded with people of course) to the Motor Taxi (Motorcycles) which you can hire to take you and 3 of your friends across town over rocky, rubble filled, dirt roads. Surprisingly, the roads didn't really scare me....beside the occasional head-on dual with tractor trailor trucks and the absence of vehicle safety inspections or speed limits, my confidence lie with the locals and the amazing power of the horn. You see, everything is pure and simple here, nothing unecessary at all!
Yesterday, I began my first full week as a volunteer. I finally feel completely settled. I am happy and optimistic. I'm definitly a big fan of clearing rubble. As I've mentioned, the rewarding feeling of accomplishment never gets old, day in and day out. Clearing the rubble of collapsed homes allows the home owner to begin rebuilding, whether it be a permanent structure or a variety of temporary structures being deployed by large NGO's all across Haiti. Structures vary from site to site, most common are cinder block homes sitting atop of concrete slab foundation. Unfortunatley, this sort of structures had very little integrity and did not fair-well during the earthquake, especially multi-level buildings. It is amazing how much rubble a group of 15 people can move in a day.
Rebuilding Haiti will take more then a decade. HODR, in partnering with some of the largest NGO's in the World, will have a large impact here in Leogane in the coming months and years. I couldn't be happier with my role at the moment and I am looking to do all that I can to support HODR in all of it's future endeavors, here in Haiti and abroad.
