A Walk

I enjoy going for walks, and find that going for a walk here is a complicated issue. Being fairly new, I'm still trying to find out what is safe as a single female "blanc". There are precious few "blancs"on the street..., well none, actually. Listening to a female worker from another NGO recently talk about their airtight personnel security procedures, I realize why. They are virtual prisoners, with strict curfews, monitoring and rules, such as transportation only using company vehicles. MCC workers are completely on their own, and often travel as locals do (unless you manage to book one of the few MCC vehicles).

Comforted by the knowledge that there have been no abductions of 'blancs" since the earthquake, and stir crazy from sitting at a desk all day, I've begun venturing out for a walk to the store on my own.

Walking to the store is a far cry from a walk in the park. The streets are crowded with vendors selling everything from cell phones, to perfume, fried chicken, and toothpaste. Piles of garbage are the delight of pigs, goats and dogs roaming the street. Rubble from cleared property waits patiently for removal in the middle of the street. Vehicles battered by poor roads pull up on the sidewalk to have their tires changed. Ornamental plants for sale cheerily adorn a flattened building. Graffiti on any and all available walls plead for assistance or call for the return of Duvalier (previous ruthless dictator). This is my neighborhood. I return to the safety and calm of my home with relief and renewed perspective.

Staff Retreat at the Beach

Standing on a floating dock, I stare down into the clear aqua water at a Haitian beach - an unreal world in an unreal world. I struggle to find myself in the beauty and solitude of this new Haitian context. Closing my eyes, I dive into the water, imagining myself diving off the dock into the lake in north western Ontario, my summer morning ritual. Once again I feel grounded, connected with a part of me I still recognize.

We just came back from a few days at the beach with our international and local staff - all 70 of us. We were a noisy, boisterous bunch. There was alot of laughing, singing, and playing - a much needed release for those who had lost family members and homes in the earthquake. We even managed to take advantage of the beautiful setting to slip in a wedding. Considering they had been married for 24 years, there was no question about commitment!

Weekend Outing in the Mountains

I had a glorious day today up in the mountains with a wonderful young couple, Ben and Alexis, who also work for MCC. We drove up winding roads lined with rock faced walls tumbling with flowers and vines, and beautiful homes hugging the steep landscape. Yes, there were plenty of potholes, tap taps and garbage along side the road to remind you that you were in Haiti. Nonetheless, I was very impressed with the beautiful countryside and home of the elite, as I understand. After about 45 minutes we got out and climbed right up to the top of one of the mountains, where we sat in a cow pasture under some stately pine trees and enjoyed watching the clouds race up the moutainside and swirl up into the air when they reached the top.

At one point on our walk, I found a small cross on the path, picked it up and put it in my pocket. Ben informed me that it may be a gift to the spirits. I laughed it off, until my camera mysteriously disappeared, and I hastily tossed the cross back on the path. I also found the small child's coffin alongside the path a little disconcerting - also a possible voodoo symbol. Not sure what to think of it all, this I believe - as a Christian, I have a personal faith in the greatest Spirit of all. You can not ignore the spiritual world in this country. This was not going to spoil my day!

So no pictures today, and not until I can find a replacement camera. Instead, I'll direct you to some great pictures on Ben and Alexis blog. Check it out at the link on the side!