Back in Haiti

Saturday Feb 18 2012

I’m not exactly sure where to start. I’ve found myself in Haiti once again and am finding it hard to pinpoint exactly what the goal, work, and reason is. All I know is I want to be here and Leah was going, so it seemed like an obvious decision! So just Port-au-Prince for now. We are in Cite Soleil for a little over a week’s time trying to build some bridges for what will go on this summer. Also, it’s my introduction to Cite Soleil and I am thankful that Leah has paved the way already in previous visits. Our first day in was yesterday. As I said Leah has paved the way with previous visits with getting to know a certain neighborhood through painting murals (Caitlyn) and doing camp with the kids. She’s connected with a community leader who has a lot of vision that is a breath of fresh air and is exciting to think we could actually be a part of it. But, going in is overwhelming and humbling too, to think that I could actually do something here in this short time. I won’t kid myself… But so far this time has just been spent being there, getting to know people, being present, and trying to understand what life means for the people who live there. Assessment.

And of course I’m putting on my nurse goggles to see how I can weed my way into health here too. My conclusion: I don’t know yet. I’m hoping I can do some home visits and talk to more of the women just to somehow see life through there eyes and meet them there. And maybe that’s a lofty goal. Yes, it is. And I actually don’t even know what that means but I’m praying Jesus somehow guides me to something small and attainable I can do. Again, it makes me feel so small…

At any rate, it’s so good to be here… in my homeland, ha! Despite the massive mosquito bites I keep getting, including the one on my eyelid; yes I definitely woke up to an eye swollen shut this morning! Always looking my best here in Haiti.