wow. I can't believe it's been 3 months since i've updated...blogger didn't even recognize me. it's also hard to believe that i have been in haiti for almost 5 months next week. so much has happened. in shelter, as a whole, we've gotten over 2,300 shelters up. 2300 families out of the rain. to be honest, it's had it's good days and it's rough days. working with the community is a blessing, but then it's equally difficult.
haitians are different from africans. extremely different. haiti is close to the states and thus have always had support come in country...and quite easily too. this is where it's difficult being a development worker. you see the people who come over for one week or two meaning well, but then haiti becomes the example of what happens when you have people who aren't development minded staying longer term.
so, the result is having beneficiaries who expect things to be handed to them. it's difficult to explain to them why we're trying to get them to dig their own latrines or to clear their own houses- cause other people have done it for them in the past. and because they receive so much, in relation to Africans, they just want more and more and more- just because that mentality is all they've ever known.
that's probably been the biggest challenge, but i'm definitely learning a lot and i'm surrounded by some really great people who are incredibly patient with me as they not only work alongside me but also live with me. going through frustrations and successes together as well.
well, next time i'll include some pictures, but alas, i am still alive. no worries.
til next time (which hopefully won't be as long).
patty
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