1 Week

So, I've been in contact with the newest volunteers coming down here, and it has really made me think about my experience. The latest questions I got from the girl taking over my position were not simply about what kinds of clothes she should bring, but questions that led to a really long response from me. Probably more than she wanted to know, but it was nice getting it out there. It is something I'd like to share with everyone, especially those with similar questions to hers which were: What made you do this trip to Haiti? Do you think you'll go back to Haiti? and Are you excited to be coming home?

This was my response:

What made me do this trip to Haiti.. hmmm. This is a story I think I've told 100 times! By the beginning of my senior year of college I knew that during the year following my graduation I wanted to volunteer long-term. I had yet to decide where... though another choice of mine was at the Christian Appalachian Project in Eastern Kentucky. I did an alternative spring break there my junior year, and really liked the organization. Then, January of senior year (Jan. 2009) I came with my church group from college down to Haiti. It was an immersion trip, not as much a service trip. It was to learn about and witness first hand Haitian life and culture. We spent about 7 days in Port-au-Prince and two days out here in Jeremie with Bette and HHF. By the end of the trip, the rest of the group reflected how it was a great trip and really eye-opening, but that they were ready to get home. But, all I could think was, I don't want to go home! If it could have worked out, I would have stayed down here from that week on.

I knew as soon as I got back to the US that Haiti had to be the place I would volunteer. I knew the girl I ended up replacing was getting towards the end of her time here, so about two weeks after I was back in the states, I emailed Bette and asked if I could come for a year. And it was decided! I came down in August of last year after having the summer at home, and doing the Kreyol course.

In the very beginning it was hard for me. I had left a boyfriend at home, and my sister had just had a baby in May... so I felt like I was leaving a lot behind. I contemplated leaving early, saying I just couldn't do it. But I knew then, as I know now, I would have regretted that for the rest of my life. It didn't work out with the boyfriend, (though it wouldn't have if I'd stayed home either... I think this trip was a blessing in that sense as well...) and I get to go home and see how my niece has changed and really begin to build a relationship with her. I have learned so much about myself, and really grown as a person during my time here. I've learned to put things in perspective and broaden my worldview on so many levels.

It is not just about your job. As with most jobs, it is what you make it. It's about the relationships you form and all the experiences you gain and the lessons you learn. I liked working with HHF but that with the combination of my life outside was really, really what did it for me.

I was an English major for my undergrad, mainly because I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life and I love reading. I played with the idea of going into publishing, but when I really think about it, it seems like a lot of work, very little pay, and most importantly, I don't see it directly helping someone. When I was little I wanted to be a nurse, but during my high school chemistry class (which I found very difficult) I thought I had an epiphany that I COULD NOT be a nurse because I was not great at chemistry. Well, in the years following that class I have learned that I'm capable of a lot more than I gave myself credit for back then. And now, I'm going back to school for nursing!

I am excited to get back to school, to eat an ice cream cone, take a hot shower, and kiss my newest niece, but I come near tears every time I think about leaving this place. While coming here and adjusting was hard, I think it will be significantly harder going the other direction. I currently live in Manchester, CT, grew up in Coventry. And that's where I'll be for the next few years! If you're from anywhere in New England/Northeast, we can definitely meet whenever you're home again. Let me know :)

Oh, and will I come back? Well.. if home is where the heart is, I'll never be completely at home in the US.