On May 1, 2009 I returned to Haiti with Team Canada Healing Hands and spent ten glorious days doing what I love: playing with children and taking pictures. I have completely fallen in love with Haiti, I think the re-visit was the clincher. I had such an amazing time and am so distraught by the idea that it could be over a year until I am able to return as there will be no spring trip in 2010, that I am signing up to go in November 2009, and possibly staying on for an extra week if all goes swimmingly.
On this trip I went to three orphanages that I had not visited last year, and re-visited one. I did not make it up to Wings of Hope this year and really missed the drive up the mountain. I worked in the clinic one morning and actually ran into Dorothy, who remembered when I had visited Peace, Love, Hope: Infant Rescue last April; she gave me a thourough update of all the kiddos I missed out on seeing this year! I feel like our trip was very very productive, we put together so many seating systems it would make your head whirl (so much more productive than waiting for DSD approval here!)
It seemed as though, that by having that first experience out of the way, you could really come into your own in Haiti. Having a better idea of the processes definitely helped with my direction on each visit, and it helped to have an underlying sense of comfort...having done it all before. I am really looking forward to returning in November. I find that it is extremely difficult to stop thinking about the children I worked with in the orphanages, constantly wondering how they are doing and what more could be done for them. It makes the adjustment back to your regular job that much more difficult, when your mind is often in other places. It is nice to know that the people I work with and treat are very understanding and supportive of the work we do with this group. I had a client today, who actually remarked, "and to think I was complaining about being able to grip my kayak paddle!" after viewing some of my photos
(in particular this one, a young boy who walks on his hands because of knee contractures)
That is precisely the side- effect that I have difficulty dealing with upon each return, re-finding the empathy for people who seem to be complaining about something trivial (in comparison). A clerk at the Health Centre said to me today, I wouldnt be able to do it, but I am glad that there are people like you, that can do it for me. Sometimes I am surprised at how well I do handle it. There are certainly moments when I am standing in an orphanage, just barely holding everything together, with tears welled up in my eyes...but more often than not...they are tears of joy and hope. I cant describe the feeling of being a part of helping someone move about their world on their own for the first time, or watching someone discovering the art of effective communication, or teaching a skill that will allow for increased independence- in a region where perhaps hope is often lacking. But that I believe is completely false, for hope is something in Haiti that always surprises me. That, and how they always look so immaculately clean and put together! No matter where you go, down the street in Port-au-Prince, into an orphanage, or a small village in rural Haiti...you hear laughter, you see smiles, and you get a big hug. I believe that is part of the charm of Haiti that really draws you in.
Each year I make memories that will stay with me forever. And, it never seems to fail; at each orphanage there is always that one (or more in my case) child that stands out to you and grabs right onto your heart strings!
But, for now, I must return to my Kreyol lessons with visions of the beautiful side of Haiti on my mind. Bonswa!
