My home parish is about a 10-minute drive from my house. It is easily accessed on well-paved roads and also relatively close to a shopping center with a grocery store, drug store and other amenities.
This could not have been farther from the truth in my recent journey to the dedication of a school and church in a community called Molas. We changed our vehicle to a sturdy 4X4 in Gros Mornes and headed for the hills, literally! At a certain point in off roading through waterways and rocky terrain, we left the car at a coffee grower’s home and continued to make our way to Molas on foot. Four hours each way, up and down mountains, crossing brooks, navigating narrow pathways on the edge of cliffs...it was quite something. It really gave me a glimpse into the life of Haitians so far removed from medical care and needs which we take for granted.
In the midst of my struggle to climb steep hillsides and brace myself on rugged terrain, I marveled at the ease with which Haitians of all ages scampered, if not ran, by me, some barefooted. Ah to be that agile again!
The scenery was absolutely breathtaking, the way all of Haiti must have been long ago. Though people commented on the decrease of trees each time they visited, I was still captivated by the splendor of the lush, green landscape and the clear streams.
When one needs to hike 4 hours for a dedication, all the necessary accoutrements must come as well. Picture an entourage of people carrying vestments, beverages, musical instruments and other paraphernalia. Of course, the musicians were not only carrying their instruments, they were playing them! Talk about a joyful noise- a full band leading the procession with great hymns. The music only needed to stop briefly when a particular donkey was frightened by the sound and refused to pass.
We arrived at our inspiring destination and spent a delightful night in the cool mountain air, completely absent of mosquitoes. The next morning, following the adornment of balloons and loving handcrafted banners from the sponsor church, Holy Family, Chapel Hill, NC, everyone assembled at the school for its dedication. We all then processed to the church for it dedication. The service was wonderfully celebratory, filled with lots of music delivered by various singing groups, and capped off with the confirmation of 22 people of varying ages.
Following a quick lunch, it was time to begin the hike back to the car. Though concerned that my right knee might act up after all the travel of the previous day, a bamboo walking stick served to lighten the strain. Before I knew it, we were back in our vehicle, making our way to Gros Mornes and then on to Port au Prince.
I am sure there were those who wondered whether the “Blanc” was actually going to go the distance. While certainly challenging, I felt incredibly blessed to be able to share in the experience of those two days. I hope to have it again during my assignment, whether back to Molas or another part of the North. It is important for the Haitian people in all parts of this country to know that they are loved and valued. And it is important for those of us who have easier lives to be made aware of life in places far more remote. While there are decided challenges that those communities face, there is also a joie de vivre in the simplicity of their lives and the value they place on their families and caring for one another. The new school and church will add important hope and solidarity to the already rich village of Molas.
My home parish is about a 10-minute drive from my house. It is easily accessed on well-paved roads and also relatively close to a shopping center with a grocery store, drug store and other amenities.
This could not have been farther from the truth in my recent journey to the dedication of a school and church in a community called Molas. We changed our vehicle to a sturdy 4X4 in Gros Mornes and headed for the hills, literally! At a certain point in off roading through waterways and rocky terrain, we left the car at a coffee grower’s home and continued to make our way to Molas on foot. Four hours each way, up and down mountains, crossing brooks, navigating narrow pathways on the edge of cliffs...it was quite something. It really gave me a glimpse into the life of Haitians so far removed from medical care and needs which we take for granted.
In the midst of my struggle to climb steep hillsides and brace myself on rugged terrain, I marveled at the ease with which Haitians of all ages scampered, if not ran, by me, some barefooted. Ah to be that agile again!
The scenery was absolutely breathtaking, the way all of Haiti must have been long ago. Though people commented on the decrease of trees each time they visited, I was still captivated by the splendor of the lush, green landscape and the clear streams.
When one needs to hike 4 hours for a dedication, all the necessary accoutrements must come as well. Picture an entourage of people carrying vestments, beverages, musical instruments and other paraphernalia. Of course, the musicians were not only carrying their instruments, they were playing them! Talk about a joyful noise- a full band leading the procession with great hymns. The music only needed to stop briefly when a particular donkey was frightened by the sound and refused to pass.
We arrived at our inspiring destination and spent a delightful night in the cool mountain air, completely absent of mosquitoes. The next morning, following the adornment of balloons and loving handcrafted banners from the sponsor church, Holy Family, Chapel Hill, NC, everyone assembled at the school for its dedication. We all then processed to the church for it dedication. The service was wonderfully celebratory, filled with lots of music delivered by various singing groups, and capped off with the confirmation of 22 people of varying ages.
Following a quick lunch, it was time to begin the hike back to the car. Though concerned that my right knee might act up after all the travel of the previous day, a bamboo walking stick served to lighten the strain. Before I knew it, we were back in our vehicle, making our way to Gros Mornes and then on to Port au Prince.
I am sure there were those who wondered whether the “Blanc” was actually going to go the distance. While certainly challenging, I felt incredibly blessed to be able to share in the experience of those two days. I hope to have it again during my assignment, whether back to Molas or another part of the North. It is important for the Haitian people in all parts of this country to know that they are loved and valued. And it is important for those of us who have easier lives to be made aware of life in places far more remote. While there are decided challenges that those communities face, there is also a joie de vivre in the simplicity of their lives and the value they place on their families and caring for one another. The new school and church will add important hope and solidarity to the already rich village of Molas.
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