We have frustratingly been set behind again today by the threat of storm Emily, and were not able to go the colleges today as hoped. We  brought equipment back to the hotel to work on until we are all able to go back tomorrow. So, I thought I would talk today of some things that I have observed since I have been in Haiti.

The perception that I received of Haiti from the states has been very different from my actual experiences here. Obviously it is a very different type of culture and there are different foods, ways of dressing, and a different language. However most of the impressions I received before leaving were that Haiti was a hostile country, and that the people we would meet would not want us here. Stories of people being kidnapped or heckled have been blown up to appear as the forefront examples of how things exist in daily life. Although I knew all of these things I tried to keep an open mind when I came here. Everyone I have met are examples of quite the opposite of everything I have heard. The students from the University of Haiti were very friendly and excited to meet us and find out what we were doing. They have a ton of self respect and passion, they are all dressed nicely even in the 90 degree weather where I would wear shorts and a t-shirts, most of the students are wearing button downs and pants. I have felt under-dressed ever since I got here. The people of Haiti are not defeated by their circumstances but rather proud in their culture and land. I have so much respect for the country after having been here for only 6 days.

Also, when I came I was prepared for intolerable amount of heat, and flock of mosquitos. The weather has been really nice since we’ve been here, the temperature has been in the high 80’s and it has rained only twice. The country itself is so beautiful. I only wish that we could have traveled farther outside of PAP to see the less inhabited areas of the island. I was talking with Brian about how big the leaves are here, as many of them are larger than my body because they grow year round and aren’t hindered by winter months like NY is. My favorite edible that I’ve had since being here is the juice. Fresh juice. Real, fresh juice. I don’t think I will like our manufactured juice anymore when I get back to the states.

I truly hope that we can finish our work at the college tomorrow, as it is our last day. We were set back by customs and by the threat of storm Emily. However we have been doing all that we can to allow us to jump in and finish the physical work needed at the colleges. After talking with and befriending students at the colleges, I would be so upset if we let them down by not accomplishing what we told them we are here to do. This is more then a one time endeavor however, so whatever we can get done is a building base for our future relationship with the college. I am sad that tomorrow is our last day to work here. It has been such an amazing experience so far and I have learned so much, I would love to stay for a much longer time. Well I have to be up at the crack o’ dawn tomorrow so goodnight!

Nina