In reflecting on my experience walking extra, I was struck by the daily tasks of life for a Haitian. I decided to include photos to share my observations with you
This Royal Palm tree has had portions of its trunk hollowed out to create space in which to hang maize to be dried where animals can not get to it. This tree was behind where the truck was parked, but I did not even notice it until we returned from our hike.
As we walked along the road, we drew small crowds occasionally. This little group of children came to their "gate" to say good morning and wave to us.
Many people were in the midst of their daily activities. Some took breaks as we passed to speak briefly or just stare. Some people carried in their arms, but typically loads would be placed on their heads. We passed women and children carrying buckets of water a couple times. People of all ages were walking "alongside" us, many quite faster. The girl in the above photo paced herself with us instead of going quickly about her day. At the point where she would veer off, she waited for all of us to pass her before running down her own path.
The men above are working diligently to widen the current path into a road which could be passable by large trucks in hopes that they will be able to receive a relief distribution of some nature. The road is just soil and rocks filling in the low spots. Their efforts were quite evident and yet the path was still rather uneven (what else can you expect though).
When we left the demonstration forest, these two youngsters were approaching us on the path and stopped to sit in the shade of the "picturesque" erosion tree.
The love of bright colors is seen in clothes and kays (houses). In the tiny front yard of this home, the family has used a tarp to create an enclosed space. Given the conversations I have had with many others, chances are this family now sleeps under this tarp tent each night instead of risking an aftershock indoors.
Men work vigorously together to create trenches in the side of the mountain for irrigation and plant security from the rains and subsequent erosion/mudslides. I observed the men timing the swings of their picks to hit the dirt simultaneously. I noted similar actions with each working group we passed.
A young man riding a donkey. He came up the mountain behind us as we returned from the demonstration forest to the truck. He appeared to be heading home, as he stopped as a house. However I could not deduce where he had been or for what purpose.
Children are often the most interested and excited to see a group of blans walking. We did not receive as much attention on our hike out as we did during the walk in, but there were a few stragglers.
One of the things I have quickly learned is that if children are willing to pose for a picture, they love looking at the image on your camera afterwards. These two children had followed us a short distance to watch us in our progression. I stopped briefly to show them the pictures I had taken of them to which I was rewarded with even more smiles.
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