RIP Churchill Fullerton

So so sad. A friend who I lost contact with and wish I had the chance to reconnect with before he passed. Thinking of you Churchill. Thank you for the memories.

Devastated.

I came across this article today about the occupation of Haiti...

http://www.globalwomenstrike.net/content/haiti-occupied-country
Do outside forces operating in Haiti cause more bad than good?

Strange things: Children of Haiti

I was lucky enough to be invited to the screening of 'Strange things: Children of Haiti' by a good friend earlier this month, as part of the 5th I WILL TELL International Film Festival. The theme - forgive and tell. The film documented the life of a few young men living on the streets of Haiti. I was immediately engrossed in their journey. These young men exemplified street smarts: savvy and resourceful, having to get through each day. No schooling, absence of family in some cases, their brotherhood giving them strength. According to the film, street kids are called 'sanguine' in Haiti which translates as 'soulless' in Creole. Ironically, What I found particularly interesting was that despite their plight, they conveyed strength, big dreams and were wise beyond their years, something a school book could never teach you! Moreover, recounts of their revolutionary history rolled off the tips of their tongues, and lived within them. By the end of the film, some of the boys had started the path to their dreams and some has fallen off...What really touched me was their resilience through the adversity that had been thrown at them throughout their lives and I left the room with hope for them all. One issue that arose was the difficulties in some of them adapting to the traditional school system. The structure that it required, juxtaposed by their chaotic lifestyle. It really made me think just how important it is to be creative in the way that we approach teaching children. One size does not fit all!

I find it disconcerting that the write up on the film, a reflection of the theme of the festival, states "Sometimes, for your own sake, it is better to forget the past and keep your eyes focussed on the future." What does this actually mean? From my perspective, the young men seemed to draw strength and pride from Haiti's fascinating history and showed determination to change their lives, away from their past. I don't believe it is better to forget the past, for me it gives me the push to be proactive and inspires and motivates me to fight for my dreams. To live and not simply exist.

Much props to the director, Alexandria Hammond and the team who put this together. Those beautiful young men drew me into their lives and were far from 'sanguine'. In fact they were inspirational in many ways. The film was raw, emotional, and touching. It made me reflect on my own experience in Haiti this year. It was great to see the astounding natural beauty of Haiti again and the vulnerabilities, strength and spirit of the Haitians, particularly the young people. I hope to attend the 6th instalment of the festival next year.

Where is all the money that was raised for Haiti?

When I was in Haiti back in June, well over a year after the earthquake, I quickly realised that there was still rubble everywhere, makeshift tents, flooding of stagnant water, lack of clean water - all in all nightmare-ish conditions. This forced me to ponder many questions, most patently - why hasn't more been done to help the Haitians in an effective way? It seemed glaringly obvious that the money raised worldwide either hadn't reached Haiti or was not put to good use. Both of which are reprehensible!

How the World Failed Haiti - the title of this article pretty much sums up how I feel about Haiti. On further reading, I found this article very informative regarding the present dire conditions, that I witnessed first hand, and ultimately the failed promises suffered by Haitians.

"This May, the U.S. Government Accountability Office reported that of the $1.14 billion allocated by Congress for Haiti last year, only $184 million has been "obligated." "

I often hear talk of Haiti being unfixable. A lost cause. However, it's often unclear to me whether this is in reference to the country itself (mother nature) or its peoples. To me, Haitians exemplify strength. Think Haitian Revolution (1791-1904) - its legacy still lives on in the people's spirits. I have faith in the people.

Is Haiti really unfixable or a place that some don't want to be fixed? 


Beyond the effects of the earthquake, have you ever questioned why Haiti is in this condition today?

I continue to write this blog because I feel that it is only right that I share my experiences in Haiti and thoughts since I have left. I wish to contribute to the discussions on Haiti.

Haiti should never fall off OUR radar.

Rest in Peace Chris Zahuta
Chris passed away on Sunday 17th July 2011 in Leogane, Haiti.

Haiti in 10 Pictures

All photos taken by moi! :)

Back in London

I miss Haiti! Feeling a bit sad this week, when you experience something that unusual and humbling and return to your comparatively cushty life in London your whole perspective on life changes. I miss the people, watching the sunset/sunrise and the art. In some respects, I feel nothing is impossible now. I also learnt that I can't 'save the world', but I'll still try :). A contradiction, I know! But this is how I feel right now and am finding it hard to fully express what's going on in my head.

One more day...

Wow! I am leaving tomorrow, feels like I have been here longer than 2 weeks. I am now in an area called Thomassian, a beautful place in the mountains. Spectacular vistas up here and it's nice and cool too. Must be very high up as my ears are always popping! I am staying with a wonderful family, who have really welcomed me into their home.Yesterday, I visited Jacques fort, which was created in 1805, a year after independence. Haiti has such a unique history I really look forward to reading The Black Jacobins by CLR James on the plane home. You can still see the aftermath of the earthquake in PAP, especially the damaging effect on the infastructure and some people's living conditions. To my surprise, in the Petion-ville area I have also seen a different way of life, whereby people live in glorious homes and lead a good life. This is not to say that this area has not been affected by the earthquake too. It seems to have affected everybody's lives in some way. The rich/poor divide however is like no other that I have ever seen. More photos of my experience in Haiti to come...

Reflection

I helped to paint murals in school 10 today; really enjoyed it and to my surprise found it very therapeutic! I couldn't face doing rubble today and wanted to engage in an activity that was indoors. The sun is HOTTTTTTTTT!!! There is a little boy who always comes by the school when All Hands are there, his name is Stevenson and he is just so adorable! Nice and quiet on base today, feeling very relaxed this evening. I made it to paradise beach on Saturday - it stayed true to its name and was most certainly paradise! Beautiful clear water, - a mix of tropical blue hues. Omelette and fresh cherry juice for breakfast. Lobster on the beach for lunch. Does it get better than this? I look a mess, am fairly dishevelled, and quite frankly have been this way for the past 2 weeks  - dirty clothes, paint and dirt marks everywhere, but I feel alive inside! I have never been anywhere that is like Haiti and don't suppose I ever will. As my time in this beautifully chaotic island comes to an end, I am reflecting on the highs and lows and savouring the fact that this experience is truly unique and one that I will never forget. The local volunteers in particular have made me feel so welcome, and I will return to London having made some great friendships. Who knew that I could be a part of something so great, I truly believe that All Hands do a great job and I really respect the fact that they are phasing out international volunteers so that local volunteers can replace them and therefore Haitians themselves can help to shape and progress the projects here.

Glazed Eyes

Besides working on the hottest day so far, I visited a local orphanage this afternoon. Happy, smiling faces greeted me, it was very touching! I focused in one child in particular wearing a red top, as I walked into the bedroom area, who looked like me in my baby pictures...it was very surreal. I went to take the child's hand and in response she gripped tightly. I looked into her big brown eyes and she looked at me with glazed eyes; her eyes did not register me but her touch did. It was painful to see, it was almost as though she has lived a long and arduous life, well beyond her years. I can't even imagine what she has been through. She looked no more than 1 years old. Whilst all the other children were engaged in play, full of laughter and playing games, she sat there in her chair nonchalant to her surroundings, but somehow I knew that she welcomed me. The only thing that stopped me from crying was having to pick up all of the children in turn so that they all had the chance to play with me. Being new is always a novelty! I went up to all of them and kissed them on their hands, they were just so sweet and full of love despite the bad experiences that they have had to endure. It was really difficult to leave...

It didn't rain today!!!

For the first time since I got here, I haven't had to work in the pouring rain! Only this time it was replaced by the baking SUN. My cold bucket shower this evening never felt so refreshing, and I am loving them! I have worked real hard and have the blisters to prove it!  Don't even talk to me about mosquito bites!! I shovelled rubble all day at a new site, which I have worked on twice now - a home that was destroyed in the earthquake, very tough to see. I was able to break up the rice n bean meals today with an egg sandwich made by a local lady on the roadside not far from the base - delicious! As I look at my surroundings I realise just how grateful and inspired I am from this experience and the Haitians most of all. And this time away from my reality at home has fuelled my motivation to continue with my studies and other projects that I am involved with back home. It's a great feeling. Anyway, off to bed now morning meeting at 7am. Night folks!

P.S. I can honestly say that I have NEVER worked this hard (physically) before! Wow, I have amazed myself...

Sledgehammer!

I spoke too soon, it's been raining non-stop! After 2 days on the rubble site @ Basou I am slowly but surely perfecting my sledgehammer technique...Surprisingly it's quite refreshing to engage in this work under the pouring la plie (rain), especially with such a positive morale that the team emits - and singing Creole songs- which never fails to spur me on! I find this work in particular very satisfying and it's about time I did some manual labour! I have used muscles that I didn't even know existed lol. I can't express enough how beautiful the people of Haiti are; but don't take my word for it, come and see for yourself! Everytime I see the buildings that have been damaged and the destruction that the earthquake has left behind it really makes me reflect on how grateful I am for the life that I am able to lead. Every piece of rubble is poignant to me. I cannot even begin to describe what it's like to stand and work on a site knowing that this was once a building in tact. What is so beautiful about Haitians to me is their deeply wonderful spirit, their friendliness, their humility. I really enjoy conversing with the locals and trying to learn Creole. I am so glad to be here.

Tonight I have had the opportunity to sample the local rum at Joe's Bar next to the base where I am staying with All Hands Volunteers. I am going to sleeping GOOD tonight :)

Off to Jacmel tomorrow to explore the area and hang out at the beach. Sunday is the day off for everyone here.

Every little counts!

Thankfully, it hasn't rained today and I'm not feeling too damp either, although I don't want to speak too soon lol. However, this is rainy season! Just completed my orientation, all went smoothly. Had a walk nearby the base to familiarise myself with my surroundings. All the locals were very friendly and I said Bonjou to people who I passed by and vice versa. A totally different experience to London!I have contemplated how much use I can be in such a short period of time; however, as corny as it sounds, I have come to realise that every little bit of hard work really does count. The work should be measured in what is actually done and its impact, and not just the amount of time spent. So, if you are thinking about getting involved in some disaster relief work in Haiti or any other country for that matter, don't be discouraged even if you only have a week to offer. You will make a difference!

I'm really looking forward to engaging in my first project this afternoon...rubble clearing! Will update later :)

Exhibits A & B - local scenes in Leogane
Exhibit C - my (fairly) comfortable abode- the bottom bunk!

Day One: Inappropriate Clothing

I'm often told that my clothing is inappropriate for the weather lol - you know who you are! Well this time, my hoodie and jeans came in handy for the tropical climate of Haiti, as it was actually rather chilly today. This was a fluke on my part of course! Now that the evening has set in, it has become warmer and the rain has subsided...hopefully the pools of water I have to dodge in order to reach my bottom bunk (my home for the next few weeks) - that is pretty much exposed to the elements- will drain away tomorrow. My entry into Haiti started with a bang! I managed to get through the haphazard baggage claim and was quickly accosted by some friendly workers who helped me with my very heavy and numerous luggage items. Note to self: never pack more than you can actually carry! I waited in the pouring rain for the driver. Sounds more dramatic than it actually was and at least I was under a canopy! It was a culture shock - surrounded by only beautiful black faces, various welcoming expressions. The locals don't quite know what to make of me. I felt comfortable. Eventually, I located the driver and hopped into the back seat of the beat up car. All seemed well and then I saw the rows of blue dilapidated tents - yes people's homes. It made me sad – something that will always stick with me. It was humbling. On the way to Leogane, we passed the ruined National Palace - a scene from one of those disastrous blockbuster disaster movies, only this was very much REAL! Port au Prince was vast, but not bustling - most likely due to the heavy downpour! Lots of colour - reds, greens, yellows and blues stood out to me! Around 2 hours later we arrived to our destination. The destruction that the earthquake has caused is overwhelming, having seen so many pictures on the news etc, it's all come to life now. However, it almost feels as though it’s not real. Truly surreal! A plate of rice and beans nourished me after a long day of travelling. My first cold bucket shower was refreshing, to be honest I had to psyche myself up at first, but it was all good in the end even though it was in the dark. I feel most welcomed by the other volunteers (local and international); there are around 60 of us in total. Now I just need to brush up on my Creole. Will complete the night with a cuppa – a treat in this neck of the woods! Orientation tomorrow...

London - New York - Leogane

In NYC overnight. Will be in Leogane, Haiti tomorrow morning! Not quite sure how to describe how I'm feeling right now, but one thing I do know for sure is that I'm looking forward to what lies ahead. The first time I have ever travelled on my own and it's been ok so far, if a little lonely! Only have time for a few hours sleep so off to bed now...night!

Do you know who this is?

Toussaint L'Ouverture

Well to be honest I didn't until recently. He is a truly inspiring Haitian figure and someone we should all learn about, as well as his cause.

Why Haiti?

Why not???

Ever since the earthquake hit Haiti, I told my ma that I would go to help out someday, somehow. It took a long time to find a suitable organisation - it's strange how effortful it can be to find such opportunities, but I finally stumbled upon All Hands Volunteers. Felt like I was job hunting! Some people have tried to deter me from going, but most have been incredibly supportive with some words of caution, which is all welcomed! However, what's most important is that this is the right choice for me. And nothing can really prepare me for what I will see and how I will feel whilst there.

Just read a really interesting short article, A voluntourist speaks out: a first-hand account of helping in the wake of disaster. Nice to hear about someone else's experience of volunteering with All Hands Volunteers in Haiti, and finding out what may be in store for me. As Terry says in the article, what appealed to me about All Hands is that I make my own way there and in return they will provide food, shelter & support. Better get my tent ready! Can't wait to get stuck in...

On a more practical note, if you too are thinking about volunteering you have to bear in mind that the cost really does add up - flights, vaccinations, suitable insurance, equipment...

Countdown to Project Leogane...

4 weeks until I board the plane. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the name, Leogane is a small coastal town just outside Port-au-Prince in Haiti, and one of many places affected by the devastating January 2010 earthquake. I can only hope to be useful and will work real hard to make my contribution to the projects that All Hands Volunteers have set up - a non-profit organisation that I will be volunteering with who provide disaster relief. As clichéd as it may sound, I hope to make a little difference.

I have no expectations. I feel a mixture of nerves and anticipation.

A lot of negative things have been said about Haiti and it's people. For me, Haiti conjures up thoughts of strength and resilience. Beyond the news reports, I want to see - for myself - the state of Haiti and what life is like for Haitians now; and then feedback on my return through this blog.

I would like to say a big THANK YOU to family & friends for their support and donations!