Less Chatting More Working

The last two days have been physically challenging, however it has been a rewarding and eye opening experience. We started some of the work projects both in the community of Merger and here at Haiti Arise. Friday we had an early start, leaving for Merger at 5:45 am and experienced a very adventurous Haitian method of transportation in a tap-tap truck. It was good to leave the comforts of the compound and see the real Haiti. In the community of Merger we got to meet Sammy’s family and see where they live. We witnessed where the people get their water and experienced walking up the steep, rocky, and washed out hill. We couldn’t imagine having to do that every day while carrying jugs of water; we were struggling to merely walk the hill. We were working with the Church in the area to build some much needed washrooms for their congregation. We made an assembly line and were passing buckets of sand to make cement. It was hard, heavy work in the hot sun, however everyone was cheerful and having a good time. There was a true sense of community between us and the Haitians. Everyone was willing to help and we came together to successfully move two huge piles of sand down the hill, within a couple of hours. The ride back to Grand Goave was hot and uncomfortable. From the back of the tap-tap we witnessed the everyday life of the Haitians, and the struggles that come with it.

On Saturday, we started off the day by visiting the Haiti Arise goat farm. It is a very successful program put in place to help teach youth how to raise and care for a goat. It was incredible to hear how this carefully thought out program is improving the lives in the surrounding community. On the way back from the goat farm, we saw a Voodoo tree. It was the most beautiful tree that we have ever seen, with a thick interlacing trunk, strong sturdy branches and a green luscious canopy that provided shade to all below. It was heartbreaking to see that this grand creation, God’s tree, had become a place for Voodoo worship. We also saw roosters in individual cages, set out in the scorching sun to aggravate and prepare them for a cock-fight. We spent the rest of the day painting washrooms for the school at the Haiti Arise Children’s village. The ten of us and a Haitian named Vladimir worked to add a sharp, fresh white look to the cement building. Despite Vladimir’s physical disability, he had a very hard work ethic that was amazing to see; we had a hard time keeping up with him. We are looking forward to returning to Merger to be a part of the drilling of the well and are excited to see the blessing it will be to the community.

Bondye Beniw, (God bless)

Aleena, Erin, Isabelle, Jasmine, Jenna, Veronique