Vassar Haiti Project

Vassar Haiti’s Project’s March 2017 trip began on Sunday, with Port-au-Prince as their first stop. This year, Lila and Andrew Meade, the two co-founders of the Project, are accompanied by Jackie Eiting (board member), Manning Wu ’14 (VHP alumna), and ten Vassar students, who cannot wait to share their experiences so far.

Alan: What strikes me most about Port-Au-Prince is the stark difference between what the city actually is and what we, as Americans, have been told about it. If Haiti is in the news, it is almost always negative, it’s death tolls, pictures of devastation, testimonials of the city’s poverty, etc. In reality, Haiti and Port-Au-Prince are more than this. Stepping out of the airport’s customs we were greeted by a band that played the most beautiful music. As we were winding our ways through the busy streets, I was astonished by the endless parade of people selling art, selling food. The beating heart of this city is its citizens, people who are kind, generous and creative. I hope to continue to learn what this great country truly is in the coming days and bring back pieces of its culture to my own.

Christine: From the second I stepped off the plane in Port-au-Prince I felt invigorated. Everywhere we turn there’s a vibrancy, from people performing music on the street to the beautiful, bright colors of the buildings lining the streets. The scenery is breathtakingly beautiful with vast, sloping mountains and tropical palm trees always within view. The people are so welcoming and I already feel at home.

Daniel: “Mwen rele Daniel”. I have said this multiple times since we arrived. The weather is “OOH”. Port-au-Prince is a busy city. Port-au-Prince has beautiful people. Port-au-Prince has a beautiful landscape. The food has been ‘A+’. We were told the trip would not be real till we arrive at Haiti and they was right. There are beautiful palm trees and terraces and the view of the hilly regions where a lot of buildings is so great. I am grateful to be here in person and make tangible memories. My fellow trippers also bring life to this trip and I am glad I came with them. It is interesting and I am sure it will be more interesting. Can’t wait to meet more beautiful people. It’s been thrilling so far.

Gabi: Haiti is as busy as it is vibrant. One of the first things that I noticed when stepping off the plane in Port-au-Prince is the stark contrast between the extremely busy lives that Haitians engage in, noticeable in the crowded streets of the city, and the quiet moments of peaceful greenery spotted in the views off of small terraces. Lila told us that the art that we have grown accustomed to seeing in VHP art sales would come to life during our time in Haiti. I have definitely found this to be true. Not only in the streets, homes, and landscapes of Haiti, but also in the stories that gallery owners have told us about the artists. These stories have put the art that we have been selling over the years in context, enhancing our passion about the artwork and the importance of supporting Haitian artists.

Grace: My first sight of Port-Au-Prince left me in shock. Crumbling buildings, mass poverty, emaciated children and animals roaming the street. Yet, then we turned into this driveway and saw the hotel followed by gallery after gallery. We saw the school children in their crisp and beautiful uniforms. I saw pain and anguish in the art, but also dancing, singing, and pure joy. I was amazed at how the art managed to capture the emotions of the painters, and honored to be surrounded by them. Sometimes I think people see Haiti and get lost in the rubble, the bad stories, the crime rates, the litter and they fail to see the good. They don’t hear the music bursting from the churches. They can’t see the determination and pure will of the people to survive and thrive, despite everything against them whether it be economic, political, social, or verbal. It is because of the determination of the people, the emotion of the art, and the kindness I’ve been shown that I’ve fallen in love with the Haitian culture and people.

Manning: Haiti reminds me a lot of Bolivia, but it is 1000 times poorer. Yet Haitians seem to be content with their lives. We have a saying in China, which says that happiness belongs to those who are satisfied easily. Haitians cannot imagine what life could be otherwise, what they have now is all they know, and I think that lack of comparison is key to their happiness. Having always lived in big cities, I have seen more and I have always wanted more. Nothing seems to be ever enough. I look forward to visiting Chermaitre and transforming my views about how to be happy.

Phebe: So far the energy of both Port-au-Prince and the people has been the most surprising wonder. From musicians in the airport to the chaotic streets, the lively energy encompasses all aspects of Haitian life. Just driving through Port-au-Prince, I have come to admire the chaotic ways of the Haitians and their sense of community as they all pass by and interact throughout the streets.

Sabrina: Haiti is like a wild, passionate love that cannot be copied. Everything is unexpected from people walking in front of cars as they pass by or the random bursts of music and laughter. The people are beautiful with uncontained love and charisma.  I can only hope that I will be able to absorb some of Haiti’s unconditional love and resilience. Port au Prince is slowly being rebuilt to the great city it used to be.

Sam: I have an array of emotions and responses to my first day or two in Haiti. The city of Port-au-Prince is constantly astir, with individuals out exploring, selling items, going to and from school, and assuming the hustle and bustle of everyday life. This creates a consistent energy that permeates all around, and I certainly have felt it in our travels throughout the city so far. Below the surface, everyone with whom I have spoken or exchanged words is kind, responsive, and appreciative, even if I simply say ‘hello’ or ‘thank you’ in Creole, words which I’m sure they hear a lot from tourists or foreigners. I can’t wait to travel to Chermaitre and other places and learn more about the country and its people.

Sophia: Port-au-Prince is beautiful, not for its sites or architecture, as other international hubs are, but for its people. Their resilience and kindness creates energy where, in many other locations, there would be none. Their lives are every bit as colorful as those depicted in their vibrant art. I am so excited to learn more about the people of Haiti and to get to know their varying ways of life as we travel around.

Udbhav: Haiti makes me believe in love. There is something about the streets, the smiles from strangers, the sunsets, the art- that has me floored. It’s a city with blemishes of past crises, but above all it is a city of people- one that is lived in and felt through all its nooks and corners. I can’t keep my eyes off of it.