Contradictions are even worse when we get home.
Kevin and I have returned from our travels. We stayed one day beyond the rest of the
group- in case anyone had trouble getting out of the airport. As it turns out, the airport in Port au
Prince has become surprisingly efficient (for Port au Prince) and the
departures went smoothly.
Immigration and
Customs in Miami were far worse! After
two hours, three passport inspections and three security lines, we RAN to our
connecting flight, backpacks bouncing. We arrived breathless, sweaty and just
in time to get on board. To top it off, the
big man in the seat next to me on the flight intruded into my space, snoring
loudly, and passing gas! I kid you
not-it was one bad flight!
We left Haiti and are back in the comfort of the first
world, with its first world comforts.
First world problems seem so pointless. A hot shower felt better than
ever this morning. In Haiti today, young
girls are walking miles to get water. I
bought tomatoes and fresh Romaine today from amidst an abundance of fresh
vegetables in the produce section. The Haitian
peasants’ tomato fields are dead of drought.
My cats are soft and well-fed, purring to have me home. The ribs are showing on the cats creeping
into the dining hall at La Kay. Extreme
contradictions. I let go of
contradictions and enjoy my shower, my tomatoes, and my cats. Re-entry is a
challenge.
Yesterday, still in my program-leader hat, I sent an email
to our group about the challenge of re-entry. This is a continual process of
integrating all the contradictions. We need
to be patient with ourselves, not to wallow in guilt. We need to continue to
enjoy our lives, and yet to live with a new awareness. Our experience in Haiti shatters our racial
and cultural assumptions, the divisions we saw in the world. We establish connection -we cross a boundary. Beyond the contradictions and the boundaries
we humans have created is a universal human experience and human connection. I believe this. I continue to struggle with the
contradictions, and to seek integration. This is why I return. I am so grateful to share the experience, and
the struggles, with others.
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| It's hell in the tropics! |
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| Home from Haiti |
Carla, I always enjoy your blog entries. The flight home reminded me of some hellish ones. I applaud your efforts and help with the Haitian people. It would appear that you have your purpose in life and, for that, I believe your work will be rewarded albeit a slow pace. I wish you well in your future return trips to Haiti and hope that you chronicle for a book!!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Paula,
ReplyDeleteJust seeing this comment now. Thank you SO much for your kind words and thoughts! I feel humbled. Carla