Inspiration for today’s post came early in the morning…
5:30am in the morning, to be more precise. A few members of our group joined
others staying at Mont Joli on a trek to the mountain’s peak which began in the
dark at this hour. Those who joined mentioned that parts of it were tough (all
of it was hot and humid) but the effort was worth the reward. Seeing the sun rise and the span of the land
below was a spectacular view.
Much of the work that Haiti and its partners face in the
struggle against social injustices is long-lasting and difficult. We have heard
of these struggles over and over, and the time and patience that is often
required before the benefits of such rewards are reaped. Today, for example, our
larger team split into various groups for differing purposes, though each of us
experienced this recurring theme.
Some of our group members travelled to Haiti’s Northern Public
University. During our meeting with the university, UPNCH, much of the
conversation revolved around how to overcome the English language barrier, and
provide online ESL course within a Haitian context. It was recognized that
starting with small, manageable opportunities and building a foundation from
this was necessary. Having said this, it was difficult for us to conceptualize
and identify what these concrete first steps might be. The end goal would be of
obvious benefit to the students studying tourism at the university and their
future success, but the work in understanding how to collaborate productively was
difficult.
Similarly, two of our members returned to Regina Asumpta to
deliver professional development workshops for local educators. Though one of
our principals was not feeling his best throughout the day, he knew that his efforts
would benefit the students and educators of Regina Asumpta moving forward.
Lastly, Pastor Caleb escorted a small group from our team to
his rural hometown of Pignon. Though the drive to this rural town was rocky and
long, they boasted about the amazing experience they had today, and returned to
our hotel glowing.
Often, outcomes of true worth are only achieved through
diligence, and devotion. At dinner tonight, we debriefed the discomfort and
frustration experienced in these situations.
In fact, the frustration we endure in the struggle to achieve our goals
makes the reward all the more worthy. In the end, though struggles will always
lie ahead, there is a consensus amongst our team, and amidst the Haitian
community, that pushing forward is a battle we are willing to fight.
By Jessica Vorsteveld
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