Today is Valentine's Day and Haiti is on my mind and in my heart. In the summer of 2009 I went to Haiti for 3 weeks and can remember the sites and sounds as if it were yesterday. Car horns in Port-au-Prince beep more than taxis in Midtown, Manhattan! Traditional and colorful Tap-Taps line the streets. The lack of formal employment is not a deterrent for most; as people set up shop on street corners, sidewalks or sell their goods and services via bike or wheel barrel.
Those without electricity use the sun and moon for light and to predict time. Mass is 4 times a day and usually filled with people thanking God for His many blessings but hoping and praying this same God will provide a reprieve from the misery of poverty.
But amidst this harsh and merciless environment is incredible strength and resiliency. Haiti IS a beautiful country; breathtaking mountains, white sandy beaches, amazing art, music, cuisine and warm people. The ingenuity of Haitians impresses me, Haitians have always made a way out of no way. I witnessed a man make copies for people on the street in Port au Prince. Another man, fixed cars on the side of the road in Cap Haitien and women selling their art work in Jacmel. Haitians have an entrepreneurial spirit and its a force to be reckon with!
Haitians know how to get by, they have been doing that since 1804.
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