Journal Entry, January 2nd, Haiti

Since I started packing the other night, I've been thriving.  I still don't know what to do with my life, but I know it has to involve adventure.  I am going to do the things most people will not do. Just like Fluer has done.

(Fluer was the other person I sat next to on my flight down to Haiti.  She works in Haiti for the French Red Cross and was on her way back to Haiti after some scheduled time off.  After working in accounting for 8 years, she realized that it wasn't making her happy. She didn't want to be like the rest of the people around her who were also unhappy, but were unwilling to do anything about it.  But Fluer did.  She started working for non-profits in France and, for the past seven years, has been working on humanitarian development projects.  In addition to the current year she is spending in Haiti, she has spent extended time in multiple African countries.  Traveling from job to job, she will work on a project for a year or two, and then when her contract is up, she goes "home" to France for a few months until her next gig.  She sold her house to accommodate her lifestyle, so when she goes home, she stays with friends and family.)

the drive out of Port-au-Prince

Not only am I impressed by what she does and has done, I truly respect her willingness to take the path less traveled. - I really could not have sat between two better people for me.  I mean, look at Dr. Rony (the Program Coordinator for Medishare who happened to be the other person I sat next to.  He is from Haiti but had gone on a trip to see his son in Montreal).  He sacrifices time with his son and family in Montreal in order to make their life better and to make the lives of people in Haiti better.

Driving out to Thomonde, I felt at home.  I'm not sure if this is where I am meant to be, but I know this is the type of work I need to be doing.  Breaking stereotypes.  Tearing down barriers.  Opening people's eyes to the world of possibilities that exist for everyone to make our world a better place.  Because we all have the potential to do amazing things.  And we can do a lot more than we think.

~ Thomonde, Haiti
Jan 2nd, 2014