Consumerism and the Disparity Between Socio-economic Classes

It always amazes me when I witness someone consuming something for the sake of consuming. Okay, I'm not excluding myself; I'm sure there have been a multitude of moments when I have done this without even realizing I am doing it. Which is probably why I am seeing it happen in my world. Karmicly speaking, I suppose I should be doing something to counter-act this so I can change my perceptions and not see this anymore.


I thought I was living a life of conservation, preservation, re-using, reducing, and recycling, but since moving to Haiti, these things have become rather challenging. 


Anyways, today I realized how convicted I feel when I under appreciate the blessings in my life. For example, a tub of hummus costs $6. Not a big fee for something so yummy and wonderful and healthful. But when you put that figure aside the $5/day minimum wage here, you realize how spectacularly luxurious that is. I try not to live a life of excess and appreciate the things I am able to have in my life. It really annoys me when I see other people just busting through their resources like they are sure they have an unlimited supply. 


But when I look around here I see so many people living that way. Some from privileged, some from a sense of "who knows what tomorrow brings, let me enjoy today" I begin to wonder, do I have it wrong?

Jonathan U

I know I posted about him on my Meet the Children page already, but as I was going thru my pictures to find something to post this weekend, I kept scrolling thru these pix. This kid has such great character and personality. He has such a thirst for knowledge. He is our newest kid, only here since October 30th, but he completely bowls me over! I just love him to pieces!

taken from my balcony

Another make up post...

Here are some pictures of the kids opening presents from Christmas.


Thank you to Rhema Hospital for providing boxes full of goodies, Karine Kraus for providing the stuffties, Caroline Mudge of Send Out Cards for the lipglosses, Pat Hill of Bodhi Seed for the pens, and all of my other contributors who donated the moolah that went in to getting all of the kids watches, candy, toys, clothes etc. We had a fabulous time opening gifts and playing with all of our new stuff!


Flickr slideshow: Christmas 2011

Kony 2012 and Why I Want to Stay in Haiti

(Republished from Rager's Rages, Rants, and Ramblings post)


In the beginning, my dream was to go to Africa. I mean, doesn't everybody at some point or another have a vision of themselves in the Motherland doing something, whether it be missions work, humanitarian aid, or even just a safari? My initial interest was sparked after seeing the animated film, Hugo the Hippo. It turned me on to Zimbabwe and the political strife of the region. Later, as I started seriously thinking of what type of work I would do in Africa, I realized I wanted to work with children. I looked into several options.  For a few years now I've been looking into positions with assorted NGOs and charities in Zimbabwe such as the Zimbabwe Project,  a Canadian orphan care organization. But as I do not have a Master's degree in the areas they require, I had been unable to catch a break. I guess true experience and expertise in a field doesn't mean squat when you have shareholders to answer to. 

The Hardest Things

One of the hardest things about this place, is that when you see something that needs to be done, you can't just do it. This is not a culture where efficiency is accepted and appreciated. On the one hand, you have to follow an unwritten code of pleasantries. There's this way they have of constantly blowing smoke up one another's asses that seems to be the order of the day. Anybody that knows me even just a little knows that this is not a skill I possess. On the other, nobody has respect for you unless you are the boss. It takes one square move by your superior to effectively neuter you in the eyes of the masses. There's no coming back from that. If they have determined that you have no power, or they perceive that you have no power, you are pretty much useless here. 

Social Butterflies

I said "My, my" like the spider to a fly

"Jump right ahead in my web"

Well, we had a crazy busy weekend. Friday we spent the evening car shopping. Then we had friends over for drinks. Saturday we went out clubbing and up to the mountains to see the sights. Sunday we spent at Hotel Montana. The social scene is definitely picking back up like it was before the holidays. 

I am a member of an expat bloggers web forum and through that I routinely meet new people down here. Some are locals, some are foreigners and some are Americans. I've had pretty good luck so far and have met some really great people this way. 

Day Trip To Okay - Kanaval

Day Trip To Okay - Kanaval, a set on Flickr.

Tuesday we drove to Les Cayes (Okay to the locals) for National Kanaval - Haiti's answer to Mardi Gras. We spent the afternoon at a public beach and then headed in for the Kanaval parade in the evening. It was a day of AWESOME! Being able to get out of the city limits and see so much of the mountains and the ocean and the province! Ah! Of course, in retrospect - the decision not to carry my camera into town for the parade was not the best, I missed out on taking some spectacular pictures, but considering the vastness of the crowd, I'm not that mad about it.