Today was a busy day filled with sweat and satisfaction. We
had our service project at APF in Fondwa. All 10 of us along with some Haitian
volunteer, helped clean up the area that contains what is left of the APF
Center post-earthquake. The area was filled with rubble and garbage: wrappers,
bottles and even personal items like a pacifier and shoes. The personal items
were a sad reminder of how the earthquake destroyed lives, and not just
buildings. (Fortunately, during the earthquake, no one died in the APF Center).
It’s unbelievable to think that all of that rubble and garbage was sitting
there for two years. Also, under some of the rubble, Becca found a tarantula! I
was shocked (and scared!) because I had never seen an animal like this in the
wild! Also even though our group was sweating from the scorching sun we had a
fantastic time spending the day together and being able to volunteer.
We were given the opportunity to pull out some tree stubs
that were blocking the path way. Tis action was symbolic because our trip is
focusing on tackling problems at the roots.” After a few hours of cleaning the
APF Center, the sisters at APF cooked a delicious meal for us including:
chicken, fried plantains, rice, beans, and picklies (which is like a spicy
coleslaw—it’s a group favorite!). At
lunch we were introduced to another American volunteer group from Philadelphia
and were able to discuss the implications of international volunteering.
After replenishing our bodies, we met with a few young school
boys. Dressed in their blue and white checked uniforms, they played “Hot
Potato” with us. Despite the language barrier, we were able to convey the rules
of the game through non-verbal communication. It was fantastic to be able to
interact with the young boys firsthand. The excitement of the game attracted
the attention of the older high school students. Finally, a combination of our
guide, Edmond’s persuasiveness and Becca’s French skills, we were able to
interact with the students. After the shyness disappeared, the group was able
to disperse and engage in more intimate conversations with the students.
Some of us were speaking in French, some in Spanish and some
in English. Many of the students were shy about their English speaking
skills—but in reality, they shouldn’t have been because they were great! Most
of them spoke three languages, we were blown away! I’ve never met so many eager
and bright students in my life. Their devotion to education, their
compassionate spirits, and their motivation are all so admirable. These are
qualities that we, Americans, can aspire to integrate into our lives through
our education. These students serve as our role models, our teachers. After
saying our good byes and thanking them for spending time with us, they embarked
on an hour-long walk back to their homes. Again, that speaks to their
dedication to learning.
We return to the APF Center to help the Philadelphia group
with the remainder of their project. When we got back they were sifting rocks
and sand that would later be used to make cement and transporting dozens of
cinderblocks from one end of the Center to the other which was about 60 yards
away. Today, we left the APF with a great deal of inspiration, hope, and peace.
I am so grateful for me amazing experience thus far and all of the knowledge I
am gaining from the local communities.
--Julia B
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