Haiti Mission Possible: Day 9

Sunday, July 4, 2010 - After our presentation yesterday, we took the evening off and went to a nearby beach where we spent the night. Licia & Lori (Real Hope for Haiti ministry heads) suggested we take a little time to enjoy some rest and relaxation at a nearby beach; they thought we’d worked so hard yet had only been exposed to extreme poverty; they wanted us to see that Haiti had much more to offer aside from the devastation and scarce resources prevalent in the media. I was hesitant about leaving the center and village for an overnight trip at a resort because I didn’t want to indulge in excess while so many people I’ve seen all week had been struggling just to get by. I guess I felt guilty because I’d get to go and enjoy something the majority of them will never have the chance to partake even though it’s so physically close their own town.

Ultimately, I joined the rest of the team and we spent the evening at the beach. We stayed at the Kaliko Beach Club; the accommodations were nice, and though guest services were a bit shaky, the beach was beautiful. Although I was hesitant, I’m happy I could actually take a shower, wash my hair and properly groom after 8 days of not being able to do so. I woke up this morning feeling physically refreshed, but my heart and mind kept drifting back to Cazale. I didn’t complain about the housing arrangements we had at the ministry; most Americans would find the accommodations less than ideal, but to the Cazale villagers, I was living like a king. I had access to a generator for electricity; I had convenient access to clean drinking water; I had a bed with a mattress to sleep on and a flushable toilet to use. The basic necessities we covered, yet I kept asking myself, what would I do if I had to live like this forever; could I really do it or am I able to do it because I know I’ll be enjoying the comforts of home in just a short while? Why can’t we live in a world where everyone has access to basic essentials needs? Why can’t we live in a world where the difference between the “haves” and the “have nots” is not so drastic? I know everything can’t be perfect, but I was so conflicted as I sat on the sand taking in the beautiful beach.

When we got back to the ministry, the ladies had prepared a traditional American barbeque meal for us to enjoy. I almost forgot it was the 4th of July; but I’ve never felt so blessed more than now to call the United States home. I am so grateful for the many freedoms we enjoy and the governmental process (though frustrating at times) that will ultimately always protect and provide for our basic needs.