Taylor Ariel Pettway
Spelman College C'2013
Psychology Major/ Creative Writing Minor
Mobile, Alabama
tpettwa2@scmail.spelman.edu
Departure to Ayiti - #1
I feel as if I have nothing profound to say. I’m really speechless. Here I am in a terminal, preparing to depart to Port-Au-Prince, Haiti. I never been anywhere out of the country, not to mention my 2nd plane ride since I was 7. Here WE are. It feels surreal, almost a dream that 28 individuals would give away one of the staples in a college student’s life to give of your light and receive others. This may be the semester that I can stand at the end and say that I was proud of myself. That I finally did something worth telling someone about. I’m here to be an open vessel for the Lord, and as I prepare to leave Miami and embark on what may beone of the greatest experiences in life, I am thankful for this opportunity.And, I’ll see you in Haiti...Journal in Ayiti - #2
Even if I had the most extensive dictionary in history, I still would not be able to describe the place I am in right now. I am in peace. No. Not at. In. After all the documentaries, all the websites, there is nothing that can really prepare you for what you’ll experience. Empty your mind of everything you’ve ever been taught about Haiti.
Now, imagine, because that’s all you really can do, a place bubbling over with beauty and nuances of life everywhere. It is not in just the water or the red snapper, pork, rice, eggplant, and rum cake we ate, but it’s in the people. They shine of beauty and laughter, and I am humbled to be in the presence of such an optimistic people. I still don’t understand how a little, ol’ girl from Prichard gets an opportunity like this.
Don’t get me wrong; Haiti is a developing country. But, the land bounces with the opportunity to make the best of its situation. Vibrancy, music, cuisine, the essence of Haiti is engulfing me.
Everyone keepsasking, “What’s wrong?” and saying “Wake up!”, but I’m only trying to allow myself to sit back and thank God for the deliberate actions and blessings He puts into my life. As I sit here under this Haitian moon, I am reminded that it is everyone’s moon. We all share a connection with each other that surpasses words, a connection that declares, “We are one, and in order to maintain our oneness, we must make sure that our brothers and sisters know that we understand, too.”
Thank you in advance for all the newmemories that I will create. Thank you for your grace, mercy, and safe travels.
Thank you for each other. Tomorrow.
Good evening, Ayiti.
1st Haitian morning
Journal in Ayiti #3 - Moment for Life
Culture. Imagine being immersed into an unfamiliar culture. Not just around the block or another set or another state. Another country. Today, culture is what happened. I watched and ate sugarcane cut and shucked by a vendor on the street. I, along with the Mobile in me, pulled out my pocket knife and ate it in the middle of a Haitian street. I looked on as Haitian men facilitated an actual cockfight to the death. I took pictures of a Haitian sunset. I was in the middle of the center.
I think my thoughts are all over the place because I’m feeling so many different things at once. I’m so thankful for each moment, for all these beautiful souls who I have the pleasure of sharing this experience to the beautiful souls I have yet to meet while here in Ayiti. I learned to appreciate the value of time. One day here seems like three. It makes you think about what it is that really consumes our lives every day and if it is really worth it. I’ve learned to be an observer and to get to know everybody. Having intimate conversations with everyone is teaching me so much. It’s absolutely breathtaking how diverse a room full of Black people, a White man, and Puerto Rican woman really is.
This is euphoric. I feel like I’m going to wake up any minute, and this is all going to be over. I really just want to walk down a strip in the city. No cameras (because everybody and these DAMN cameras is turning into a pain in the behind. I mean, it’s my first time out of the country to, but damn!). No collecting around each other. I want to connect around the people. I want to stop looking at the little boy who is still who has been working since he was five sell small Ziploc bags of water. I want to buy one from this little boy and smile at him, and he smile back.
But, until then, I will enjoy and be thankful for where I am right now. I don’t even like this song, but it came on tonight, and I felt it.
“To live doesn’t mean you’re alive. I wish that I could have this moment for life.”
Journal in Ayiti #4
I’m not articulate. I can’t put together words how I wish I could. Maybe it’s because I don’t know many. I’m not sure. Sometimes, I think I may have a genius moment, but most of the time, I feel like I don’t make any sense. If it is one thing Ayiti has taught me, this place has taught me that your actions speak louder than anything you could ever do. I probably say that because I don’t know much Creole, but also because I feel like I’ve been being rewarded, and I hadn’t done my school work yet.Today was on several different levels. From completely relaxing with one another to connect with the kids in soccer or playing “Simon Says” or dancing or the conversations that I’ve had, each day in Ayiti continues to unfold treasures that we will carry with us forever.(note: This is relatively short because I didn’t do anything much this day, and I feel asleep with my face on the keys trying to type it last night.)