Saturday In Haiti

In Haiti people follow the sun instead of an alarm clock. That probably has something to do with the fact that there is no system of electric here. Those who have electric have generators and often, because they are so expensive, they turn them off most of the day. They go to bed early and rise with the sun. So, our days have begun early here. “Here” for the last few days is the Caritas Retreat Center outside Le Cayes. It is spacious and there is an air of hospitality. Certainly it is lovely with the scent of jasmine all around us from the plants that line the driveway. It is also really hot, hot, hot!


Today our team worked on developing the curriculum for the unit we are writing for CRS which is about emergency response. We spent time talking about the people we met over the last week—CRS staff and beneficiaries alike—and decided how to translate at least some of this experience for our colleagues who will teach the content without the benefit of this Haitian adventure. I think we made a good start on our plans and really focused on the process of improving the quality of life for people especially after a natural disaster like the earthquake was here. Certainly people need the basics—food, water, and shelter. In the long term they need just as intensely the ability to get a job, care for their children, and achieve a sense of independence which fosters self-worth. Many of these attributes are accomplished with the help of others within a community. I have been proud to discover that in Haiti one of the most important communities working to achieve a better quality of life is the Catholic Church here in Haiti. The Church often works with CRS on the process that is development. This process should continue until people are self-sufficient but sometimes it only continues until the funding disappears. (This issue is clearly one that must be addressed through advocacy efforts….soon!)

Our afternoon and evening was spent at a beach where we swam and ate. What a different Haiti that was from what we had been experiencing. The water was warm and turquoise blue, the meal was delicious, and the company grand. Meeting the other Catholic educators that are here from Arizona and New York has been a delight. They are kind, dedicated, and zoned in on the mission of their schools and the Church. I am proud to be in their company!....Kathy