MY HAITI EXPERIENCE :: A VOLUNTEER'S PERSPECTIVE

Xavier Scott's Memories from Haiti

When Haiti comes in one’s mind, he or she might think of a land of great poverty, where children and older men and women beg constantly for money or food, where many women are pregnant with children HIV positive because they carry the disease, epic earthquakes, and where no one helps because their hope runs on odds similar to winning a million dollar lottery. But for what I saw the five days I was there with four other guys close to my age and Mr. Mike Fedele guiding us through tent villages, cities, and small areas, I saw Haiti for what it truly is.  Haiti is a land with brokenness, nothing, and desperation, but somehow the Haitians find joy in this. In their storm they rejoice and praise and are optimistic of a brighter future.

Right from the first step into the Port-au-Prince Airport, I notice a great difference in the structure of buildings. In the United States, buildings are colossal pieces of metal or glass formed in the most complex ways. But in Haiti, buildings are simple and as big as a regular size home in the United States. After moving through the immigration traffic, we were welcomed by a band playing some guitars, rocks and glass bottles, and a large tambu.  Picking up our luggage and getting to the trucks provided for us felt like a few hours. There is so much manual labor involved with workers in Haiti because of limited or no electricity; a major difference from airports in the U.S.

Riding through the city with Simon, Mr. Fedele’s right hand man, was quite an adventure. With no traffic signs or lines and Simon’s extraordinary but insane driving, Alex, Bobby, and I felt like we were going to die at any second. After stopping at a market place, I thanked the Lord I was still in one piece. In order to break the silence, Simon introduced himself to us. With the limited English he presumes to have he says “Hello. My name is Simon. I am glad you all decide to come here.” Five to ten minutes later we arrived at the home that is rented out by Mr. Fedele and picked out the beds we would sleep in for the week. After that, Bobby’s bag of clothes was nowhere to be found, Mr. Fedele rushed back to the airport to retrieve the bag and did not return back until late. The night ended with a birthday celebration, delicious goat and rice dinner, and amazing tambu playing.

The next few days were the same in regards to what we did. First we went to the orphanage owned by Mr. Fedele and gave them three suitcases full of gifts, crafts, and toys. Deyton and Tanner found an orphan their aunt is currently sponsoring, and we saw Alex’s wild side come to life as he became hyped by the music made by everyone. After leaving the orphanage, we loaded on watermelons to give to this tent village. While we were there, I cut most of the watermelon we distributed while Alex showed the Haitians he is able to keep up with them on the tambu. All began to sing and dance, the atmosphere was so great I believe it would never end if we were still there.

Returning home after my first full day in Haiti, I lay in my bed not being able to express what I saw. This went on for most of the trip. Every time we drove by the marketplaces and mountains, it made me wonder why there are not any other Americans or countries helping. Why don’t we see change being effective? But I thank the Lord for sending me and everyone else to be the life changers in this land. After three days of doing similar things of giving food, playing music, and singing and dancing, it was time for us to relax at the beach. It felt great to rest and not worry about anything. For that moment everyone was a Haitian not caring about what went on and having a good time.

The day that hurt the most was the day we had to leave. We connected with the Haitians so well they felt like they were long lost relatives. Instantly they found a special place in my heart that people normally have to wait years to get to. Somehow by their great kindness and willingness to satisfy our needs and our kindness, and willing to have us fellowship with them, it was easy for all of us to love one another like we were a great family.

After this trip I have learned a lot from just five days in Haiti. First of all is that Americans have a long way to go with their moral character. Returning from Haiti to Miami, Bobby and Alex waived at Americans as if they were still in Haiti. The people stared as if they had no mind. The happy atmosphere we felt just about two hours ago was now a black cloud with a great chance of rain. Before this trip I took for granted how great Americans have it here. It was not long until looking at a distance on a valley in Haiti that my wakeup call came and told me to be thankful for all that we have here. Lastly I learned and actually saw small actions made a difference in a person. For example, in the tent villages nothing but smiling faces could be found when a watermelon was handed to a person. A little “bonjuor” brightened everyone’s day that crossed our path.

In the end, this trip has changed my life. I am not saying this just because everyone else is saying it, nor because I am being forced to do so. I am just changed by what I have seen for myself and would love to go on another trip again if I have the chance.

Submitted by Xavier Scott