Wherever You Go, There You Are

We are loving life in the Haitian countryside. Things are considerably different here than they are in the capital city. We are able to walk around without worrying, so it’s been great to feel like we are drinking in the sights instead of “hiding out”. Today we spent the morning at the school Cara’s parents started 25 years ago. Mark and I were blown away. The school, the students, the classrooms, the academics, the teachers – I am not kidding, this school exceeded American standards on ALL FRONTS. They are doing something seriously right here. The school goes from Pre-K all the way to high school. I have never seen such compliant and eager-to-learn kindergartners, and reading the essay of the graduating seniors brought tears to my eyes. This school not only gives them an amazing education, but builds a solid faith, teaches them English, prepares them for college, and instills a pride in their own country. Every senior had a unique plan for how they would someday make Haiti a better place. Inspiring.

Jafta got to spend the morning as a “guest student” in Cara’s kindergarten class, and made some fast friends. It was seriously tempting to think about him growing up in this school. After lunch we took a little tour of the village. It was cracking me up seeing a very pregnant Cara drive her big truck around Haiti and barter in Creole at the market like a true local. Jafta once again made his way onto a fishing boat, and we took a ride across the river and got to see lots of families having their daily bath. Then we took a stroll through the market, and Mark got to drink Coke out of a glass bottle (this is always the highlight of any 3rd world trip for Mark).

This evening we had dinner with Cara and Tom, and talked about Haiti, and books, and movies, and what it would be like if Mark and I lived here. It was one of those nights that makes you evaluate your life and what is important, and challenges you to think about your comfort zone and what the bigger picture might be. The good news is, as Mark and I talked afterwards, we agreed that we are truly in a contented place in our lives. And that is a good place to be. Because wherever you go . . . there you are.