Vassar Haiti Project

Lila Meade: I woke up to the cacophony of roosters singing in harmony to the response of dogs protesting whatever impending danger they perceived. This started happening at 3am. I’ve forgotten that sleep is not the foremost conversation when we come Haiti – the rhythm of this country is such that sleep is overrated. Especially in contrast to all I still have to learn. While this is my 19^th trip to Haiti, the beautiful Haitian people keep reminding me of how much I can still grow. It is always humbling.

In less than three days, we sat in our fifth (what is now infamous) debrief meeting last night. The ‘we’ is ten amazing Vassar students, and the one and only Caryn who has loved and supported this project since its very beginning 17 years ago. We now have a cache of over 115 beautifully vibrant pieces of original art that we shall be selling over the coming months in our upcoming art sales. We think of how many lives we’ve touch and will touch through the art. We are so lucky.

Our partners here in Haiti remind me of why we do VHP. Benoit Profelus, a young artist who was still wearing his apron covered in paint smudges when he came running to our simple guest house in Gros Morne to greet us said, “I just couldn’t sleep last night, I am so excited knowing that you are coming today. I welcome you!” Benoit, at the ripe age of 24, has started an art school which now is training 22 young people how to paint and start a livelihood for themselves.

Benoit, I can hardly sleep also. I love you and your people. I am privileged to be welcomed into your heart and to learn from you. Being here in the rural, mountainous part of Haiti is a stark contrast to Port au Prince where we were just a day ago.

Our students are transforming before our very eyes, taking in everything. This group of ‘trippers’ as we affectionately call them (students going on the Haiti ‘trip’) are wide-eyed, open, introspective, and struggling to make sense of the contradictions that are Haiti. I love being with this group as I watch us drink in everything that we see. We’ve figured out that there are probably two of us out of thirteen who are extroverts– so we must allow lots of time for reflection. Journaling seems to be the antidote.

I am moved beyond words watching us work as a team. I am moved beyond words watching Catherine take in the plight of Haitian artists as she interviews them and absorbs their challenges. I am inspired by how each and every one is taking care of each other – and me for that matter. (Thank you Ayumi for grounding me as we worked our way through the art market “Miss! Miss! Miss!”). I fall in love with Andrew again and again as I watch him masterfully navigate all challenges with such strength and gentleness. I am listening and reminded what it takes to make concrete changes in a village somewhere in the depths of the Haitian mountains while concurrently making changes in our part of the world in New York.

And today, we head into these breathtaking mountains where I will get to embrace some of the most loving, tenacious, and caring people in my life. We all can’t wait for the hour and a half drive through riverbeds and unmarked roads that will lead us to the base of the mountain and then the two hour uphill climb to Chermaitre. I hope my crying knees forgive me for what’s about to come. But I know my heart will be singing when we arrive to see our family in Chermaitre again. I just can’t wait.

Ayumi Haremaki: Hassan, Meeraal, and I are busy journaling, trying to take in everything we have experienced.

Laura Yang: I am busy writing down Annabell’s (and everyone’s) quotes, trying to record every delightful moment we have created together.

Jillian Hornbeck: Haiti has been a beautiful and exhilarating time so far which has opened my eyes and has already taught me countless lessons. This country has a vibrant movement and energy, and I am excited to finally make our way up to Chermaitre and see more of Haiti!

Sohaib Nasir: I love hiking. I realized today morning that I misplaced my sunglasses so I am kinda sad. But its okay because we’re going hiking.

Hassan Ragy: Yesterday we drove from Port-au-Prince to Gonaives. Driving through dry, rocky mountains covered in shrubbery, along the sparkling blue ocean lined with coconut trees, over rolling hills and acres of rice farms, through crowded cities and markets, and areas where the only people for hundreds of meters are busy in the rice fields, all with the striking backdrop of the mountains. Haiti is rich, beautiful, and diverse, in its landscapes, wildlife, and its people.

Annika Rowland: This trip has been unlike any I have experienced. I have greatly enjoyed traveling though Port Au Prince and and am beginning to better understand the lives of the Haitians. Today we visit the clinic and hike up to Chermaitre, and I could not be more excited. I know the next few days will be life changing.

Tahsin Oshin: It has been overwhelming 3 days since we reached Haiti, and each day has revealed a different part of VHP and Haiti for me. Travelling with a dynamic group, it has been an interesting and pleasant experience to see Haiti through others eyes.

Caryn Halle: Someone said “One day in Haiti is like a week…” They may have meant this due to Haiti’s intense rhythm, but I would say that is true given how much we have accomplished in such a short time. We are just a few hours from our ascent to the village, and I am incredibly excited to see the changes that have occurred in the village over the last four years, since my last trip. It’s also truly an honor to be a part of this diverse group of students, and to be able to see Haiti through their eyes. There is so much more to learn.

Annabell Su: Ready to go :)