paradoxical realities

Monday, March 29, 2010

During a conversation this evening with Nicole, Mike, Leanna, and Alexis, the young women were sharing with us some observations they had made during their time in Haiti. One of their comments reflected my own personal thoughts about life here. Life here can be seen from two vastly different lenses at any given moment. Dichotomies appear to be everywhere, yet merge into a reality in which people live. Nature itself represents these elements which play out in the people's daily lives.

Beauty and harshness. Vibrant and deadly. Joy and pain. Alive and survive.

One can look around and see all of this. Some people choose to only see the good. Others can only seem to see the bad. The reality of life in Haiti is both. Interwoven, together, always present. For me, the idea comes down to a matter of perspective. I cut out a quote yesterday from a magazine that essentially said no matter how bad things get, I am grateful to know that I can always focus on the positive. It seems to me that is how many Haitians approach life.

I am still in awe of the vast richness of colors everywhere I go. Even the dirt seems to be more vibrant and life-giving, but that same dirt creates mudslides when mixed with rain that takes lives every year. Similar statements can be made about the water and mountains. The children I see every day could get minor cuts that turn into severe infections that result in loss of limb or life because adequate medical attention is not available or affordable.

Beauty and harshness. Vibrant and deadly. Joy and pain. Alive and survive. Just to name a few.