Wait, Why Are You Going To West Africa?

Hiya,
So as you may have already read from my previous post, I'm going to Senegal, by way of Cape Verde. I have been interested in Africa, specifically West Africa for many years. The first country that I really wanted to visit was Ghana. Then I became interested in Benin, because of the connection with Haitians. Most slaves that became known as Haitians were purchased in Benin. I've been told that many of our traditions, particularly our Vodoun practices are derivatives of Beninese vodoun culture. There's also a town in Benin called Ayitine (sp?) which some believe is why Haiti claims that name. I was determined to make it to Africa, it was just a matter of picking a specific country and going with a specific purpose. I figured a francophone country would be the best introduction as I have a francophone background (Haiti is a former French colony), and I reasoned that it would be a great way for me to be forced to practice my elementary French. When I realized that the African Studies department at UMass Boston was hosting a two part conference in Cape Verde and Senegal, I knew that it was now or never. The conference in Senegal was on Leopold Senghor and his legacy. Senghor was the first president of Senegal and he was also a renowned poet. Cape Verde's conference would focus on Amilcar Cabral, a freedom fighter who led the fight to liberate his African country people from the clutches of Portuguese imperialism. Today marks the 40th anniversary of his assassination. I didn't know a thing about either man prior to the trip and I was excited and eager to learn about these two great thinkers who sacrificed so much for the betterment of their respective people and countries.

Map Al Ayiti

08/22/11 10:48am 
En route to Haiti. I’m really excited and can’t wait to begin.  I just hope that the way the program is being run is relatively smooth and professional.  The director seems like a really nice person who I should be able to get along with.  I hope that the girls and the house staff are accepting of me and it is an easy transition.  I am currently wearing cut off shorts and a long tunic, the idea of it was great, but now I am beginning to question my choice.  My outfit is not professional at all, and I hope it doesn't make a bad 1st impression.  I’m also wary about the long ride that lays ahead, because I’ve been sitting on my bum for the past 6hrs and now I’ll be sitting for a couple more hours.  No bueno, I feel like chop suey. (Edited: I don't even know what that means lol)

I feel as if the stars are all aligning in my life.  Professionally that is.  I am very much interested in entering the nurse midwifery field, and I am sure that my experience with the organization will allow me to learn and grow both professionally and personally.  I’m a little concerned about what my schedule will look like.  Although the majority of my time will be spent working at the organization, I do plan on spending time with my family and socializing with my peers.  However I know that I can be a bit of a worrywart so I am going to try very hard to go with the flow.

Mwen renmen benyen nan lanme

A couple of folks from the org and I went to the beach about two weeks ago.  Good times, enjoy the pics. 

M Nan Wout 8/21/11

Check out the long lost video that I made when I was on my way to Haiti.  This was filmed at  either Kennedy or Laguardia; while I was waiting to board my flight.

Foto De Semen Nan

I love this tree/bush the picture does not do the flowers justice.  They are such a beautifully vibrant color.

Pa Touye m

I've entrusted my life to a kid 0_o

M Pa Konn Sa Map Fe La

I had a horrible afternoon/evening on Friday.  It started out fine, I was relaxing and enjoying a beer while watching a local soccer match.  After having a convo about Haiti, Haitians and the state of the country with the director of the org, I just felt so depressed.  I just felt helpless and silly for coming all the way to Haiti.  At the time my decision to commit my time and energy to this project for a couple months just seemed so pointless.  There are so many things that I feel are wrong with Haiti.  Everyone and their uncle has an opinion about what needs to be done for things to change.  The many contradictions that are part of Haitian life frustrate me at times.  The standard of living infuriates me.  The fact that Haiti is a country with a lot of potential, rumored to be mineral and oil rich and clearly a money maker for "benevolent" American corporations/politicians and NGO's doesn't make things any better.  Simply put Haiti is being fucked by everyone left and right and not only are they not using a condom but they are even throwing a  couple of crumpled dollars to her when they're done.  It's a bit early to feel this way in my opinion but it was bound to happen right?

I could of used a nice chilled bottle of wine, cheese and grapes last night along with a good cry and a hot bath.  Of course I didn't get any of the above, but I got to complain and whine to some friends so that was a bit therapeutic.

M Fatige a Lapli Sa!

This rain is super annoying!

Kijan Pou'm Abiye? Update

Yea, remember when I wrote the post about being unsure how to dress?  Well ladies and gentlemen, life has a way of working these problems out for you.  I will be dressed like I do normally in the US (shorts, and summer dresses).  The only time that I will wear my "work" clothes, are when I have to go somewhere "important" or if I have an appointment.  This is what I wore today.

No real work today, aside from chatting with the two main girls who will be staying here longterm about what my role will be and can be, and setting down some rules.

Sa'w Panse

10:02pm 

I am settled into the organization and laying in bed as I write this.  Whenever I come to Haiti, it is never a dull experience.  Baggage claim was so chaotic and it seemed as if I would never get my bags.  When I got outside and found the driver from the organization, I felt relief all at once, because that was a concern for me.  However that relief was short lived.  We got into a minor fender bender that escalated into a huge argument, because the other driver was extremely upset and cursing the organization’s driver.  When the organization’s driver tried to reason with him, it was met with more cursing and the most profanity laced language that I have ever heard from a Haitian’s mouth.  The other driver also stood in front of the truck to prevent us from leaving.  This went on for at least 20-25mins in the blazing mid day sun in the very busy airport parking lot.

M Rive

Hi all,
Quick post to let you know that I made it in safe and sound!  Post coming soon.

Gason Ayisyen

If I had $100 dollars for every time a Haitian woman complained to me about how she hates Haitian men and refuses to date them, I would be pretty well off.  The word around town is that Haitian men are inconsiderate, unfaithful, ungrateful, expect to be treated like a king when they are really paupers, and the list goes on.  I have heard so many stories about how horrible Haitian men are, that I'm surprised I still date them (I jest).  It never made sense to me though, why all Haitian men were lumped together to be held accountable for the actions of their fellow countrymen.  I don't like to generalize too much, and when I do, it's done half jokingly, because I have not encountered everyone in that group in order for the generalization to hold water.  I think that all men act (insert list of grievances), to their respective partners; regardless of their ethnicity.

Pwoveb

"Kay koule twonpe soley men li pa twonpe lapli"
 - A leaky house may fool the sun, but it doesn't fool the rain

Ayiti P'am

Hi everyone!
While brainstorming post topics, I realized there was nothing pressing that I wanted to address. So if you don't mind, I put together some pictures from my numerous trips to Haiti. These pics are a glimpse into the Haiti that I know and love. Hope you enjoy. I love your comments, so let me know what you think or if you have any memories of Ayiti cherie.

Ke'm Kontan

Hi all,
I hope you guys had a wonderful weekend. I was sitting in my room last night, and this stillness and sense of peace came over me. Not only am I excited about my impending trip to Haiti, but it feels like something I am doing and claiming as opposed to something that has happened to me by chance. I'm a big fan of analogies, so here goes one. I see this situation like I'm a sailor and the current has been a little rough and has beat up my boat a bit, along with getting off course. After a bit of fighting with the helm (steering wheel), I've gotten back on course and the sun shines down so well that I can see my destination directly in front of me.

Eske atizana ayisyen se atizana vre?

Ever since I was a little girl, I've loved the arts. I love music, paintings, poems and the theater. However, I've grown to realize that not everyone's art is represented, and not all art is considered art. In the case of Haiti, I've seen people describe her art as "primitive" or "naive" which to me implies that Haitian art is fixed/stagnant and that there will not be any growth or movements to inspire a new wave of painting or the ingenuity to work with different mediums.

*Updated---> Pale Franse pa di lespri pou sa

I'm part of several social networks, including Facebook and Twitter. On Facebook, I'm a member of a Haitian Facebook group. A couple days ago, I suggested that if people are posting documents in French or Kreyol, that they should also provide an English translation or a link for people to translate it themselves. I surprisingly received mixed reactions. Below are screenshots of the convo. That post is what brought today's topic to mind.

 French was the primary and only official language in Haiti for a very long time. However there was a movement to recognize Kreyol as an official language as well, partly because the majority of the population does not read, speak or write French. Kreyol was legally recognized as an official language in 1987. French is the language of instruction in Haitian schools however I think there is often a disconnect because most students are not using the language in their home lives.

Pwoveb

Pye pa gen rasinn, tout moun ka tonbe - Feet have no roots, everyone can fall

This proverb makes me think of Haiti and all that has been happening. "Natural disasters" in other lands also come to mind, although they most likely are not natural, but man made. To me this proverb means that no one is exempt from suffering. I think it is often too easy to feel secure in our privileges where we are separated from the ugliness of third world or developing countries (which ever one you're more comfortable with). We're only exposed to it when we turn our tv's to CNN, MSNBC or Fox (insert look of horror).

Bagay Sa Difisil

Hi all,
This post is aptly titled, Bagay Sa Difisil (This stuff is hard). I am in the process of writing appeal letters in hopes of getting family members, friends, and associates to donate money to cover daily expenses while I am in Haiti. One may think that Haiti is a relatively inexpensive country because it is "poor", however the cost of transportation, food, and technology (I'm going to have to be able to communicate with people somehow) quickly adds up, no matter which country you are in. This process has been an eye opener. I am not comfortable asking people for favors, so you can imagine how difficult it is to ask for money. If push comes to shove, I'll donate blood or an ovary (just kidding).

Men Anpil Chay Pa Lou (A lot of Hands Make the Load Light)- Haitian Proverb

Pic taken from Google

Poto Mitan

*Pic taken from Google