28th April
2012
I’m writing this at 4:36 PM on Saturday, April 28. ELEVEN days from right now we will be in Haiti.
Please share your current thoughts….on what you have been reading and research and learning in the class…and how that impacts what you anticipate experiencing 11 days from now.
After watching the presentations, it made me excited and ready to help, but also hearing that they do not fully get everything that we contribute disturbs me. Also, seeing the conditions that they are faced with everyday make me think deeply about what we think is important compared to others. Along with that, the presentation that Katrina gave yesterday on culture was a good way to make us think about how different cultures have a way of doing things. Still after hearing everything yesterday, I honestly can’t wait to help the people that need it the most. Listening to the story about Tim’s friend that is joining us, and how she continues to travel back, makes things seem more reassuring.
While in class yesterday for three hours i thought i was prepared to go to haiti, which now i am having second thoughts about it because all the things that i heard from the expericances that Dr. Eller was talking about. Its only 11 days untill the group deparats from the lovely US and travel to a whole diffrent culture of life that I have to prosition myself for the change that i am aboout to see while out there in Haiti. the presantations that were presented also gave a big deal of why i am feeling this way about going dont get me wrong I really wanna go but at the same time i know its gonna be an eye opener to see thing and people in this living condition. I am excited to go to to help out, and be apart of the hope that the people in haiti feel will soon be back. 11 more days of count down and we are going to see a whole diffrent way of how people live and things they do to survive these harsh conditions.
I can’t wait, I am ready to go. I want to absorb the whole experience.
As time is drawing closer, I am excited to leave and go lend a helping hand but I am also getting nervous. I am not afraid to go, just have been thinking more about all the crime and the rapes that have been going on in the tent city. It is very frustrating to think about as these poor woman and children have been through so much and to think that they have to worry about thie crime going on around them is sad. I would say my emotions towards the situation have truly kicked in. Being in class, I realised more so that they have so many things that effect their daily lives that they have no control over. The government issues and the garbage story was very interesting. Sad but very interesting. I am really looking forward to departure……
Hi everyone,
The book we are reading has been enlightening and frustrating. To see a country that has has suffered and endured so much tragedy is heartbreaking; however, this has helped me to understand the country and its people. I also must remember that due to cultural differences, there are times that might be confusing and frustrating, and I must be patient, open, and understanding.
I wasn’t able to attend the session but after reading the assignment for this week I wonder what they really think of us Americans. Do they see as helpful or as a threat?
I am excited and nervous at the same time. I do know one thing – that for 8 days I am committed to fully living in the Haitian culture and doing whatever I can to leave Haiti a better place than it was yesterday.
I am thrilled to have this opportunity! I am ready to work my butt off, and give all that is needed! I look forward to getting to know all my travel companions, to meet other people in Haiti, and experience their culture. The more information I read, makes me more sure of my destination. I have never doubted where I should be! I hope I live up to what is expected, and am more concerned about bringing the right things with. It is not like being on vacation where you can just run to the store and get what is needed! This has been a special experience already…..even though I do not like being on Skype…..:)
Yikes! Just over 6 days now!!
I was really bummed we were having technology issues last Saturday. To be honest, I’m feeling a little nervous about the trip; I think a great deal of that anxiety is coming from the fact that I’m a little secluded from the group because I live in Madison. However, I’m confident that feeling will subside the moment I’m introduced to everyone! This past week, I have been really focusing on what brings true happiness. Preparing for this trip has really helped me clear my mind and focus on the things in life that are meaningful. I am so excited to absorb the Haitian culture and to meet and help the people who need us the most.
The last couple of weeks, I’ve learned so much about Haiti! I really enjoy the book we’re reading, as you can’t fully understand something in the present until you understand its history. It’s been a real eye opener to see the struggle Haiti and its people have gone through year after year. As much as I want to say I’m doing this out of selfishness, I have to be honest, I know I’m gaining a whole new perspective and understanding that is benefiting my growth as a human being. I can only use that growth to continue to help people who are in need.
Three days left and we are packed. Yeah. With everything else that has been going on in our lives, I have not had much time to think about the actual trip. Packing today certainly made it real. I thought I was going to pack really light, which I think I accomplished pretty well in regards to clothing, but then I started packing all the possible medications we could need and I found my suitcase to be full. Guess that means it’s time to quit. I did have room to fit in the donations what we are bringing, so it’s all good. It is different trying to pack for Haiti than for any domestic trip we have taken. We can’t rely on just stopping at Walmart for any unforseen items we need. I only have about 20 pages left to read, so I am anxious to finish that. It has been a very informative read, but also very frustrating. The book doesn’t seem to offer much hope for the Haitian people. I am under the impression that our help will be well received, but am a little nervous as well. I am excited about experiencing their culture for a week. I am sure that I will learn a lot and hope that we can have a positive impact.
Hey everyone,
We have about 2 days before we start on the journey to Haiti. We have been reading a book about Haiti and its history. I have been learning a lot but I believe that I am going to learn way more from the experiences that are ahead of us. I am really excited to meet everyone that will be apart of our group and all the people we will be helping and coming in contact with down in Haiti.