The place was mostly filled with ex-pats as customers, but one Haitian sitting near me spoke English quite well. He asked where I was headed. He commented that Deschapelles is nice and HAS has a great reputation. We chatted on many things from realestate to healthcare. He has visited the States many times, so he is probably more aware or in-tune with the U.S. than I am with Haiti. He knew that this was not my first trip to Haiti. Still, he felt a bit of a need to lecture me.
I know what you are thinking. You are hoping for a warning from him about voodoo or tempting the spirits....or going out at night...goats blood and what not.
He said, "You know about the greeting, right?" (picture this is Creole) to everyone on the street and everyone you meet, you say Hello. How are you? Good afternoon. How are you? I am fine...and you. Thankyou. You are welcome. and on and on and on. "This is the first and most important thing" he said.
He continued that "Haiti is a series of small communites. We are all living, working and depending on each other. Before I can ask a man to help me change my flat tire or borrow a cup of sugar, I need to first welcome them into our community. I need to look at them and include them."
"I have been to NYC. Where you walk down a street and look at no one. Talk to no one. That is not a Haitian community."
I know that what this man says is true. Everyday at work here in clinic in Deschapelles, every employee personally addresses every other. They literally walk around and say good morning and how are you to everyone. And THEN the day can begin. THEN each person has been recognized, cared for, welcomed and included in the lives of others. THEN they can begin again to work together and empower humna potential. I think I need to try a little more of this, myself.
Saw Madame Bebe today. So great to see her. The banana fritter queen looked great.
Bon Nuit
ChovBlanc
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