Personal Narrative: My Life In Haiti

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I had been flying for only a few hours, and I couldn't wait to step off the plane, grab a Starbucks, and start a great adventure in Haiti. When I caught my first glimpse of this country I quickly realized that I was in for a rude-awakening. I had gone to Haiti hoping that somehow I could "change" the world, starting with this small country, but the exact opposite happened. Haiti changed me. What I saw in the week to come was nothing less than heart breaking. I saw an oppressed people and a country in bondage to a corrupt government, yet a glimmer of hope shone. I began to realize that these people were not enslaved to their unfortunate circumstances but rather took on each task at hand without complaint. Although this country has very little, …show more content…

Our third day in the village was one I'll never forget. It was 9 am and already 90 degrees, but we were ready for a day of tree planting. I was digging in the dirt, when suddenly, I felt a slight tug on my pants. I turned to see the sweetest boy reaching up to me with wide arms, desperate to be held. His eyes screamed to me a need for love and attention. I looked into his eyes and knew they had seen horrific things but still he possessed a beautiful, youthful joy that transcended circumstance. As I lifted him closer to my body, I could feel his heart beat against mine in almost the same rhythmic pattern. He curiously played with my hair, tugged on my ears and communicated with me in ways other than by language. We were connected, not by race or social class, but by love. By afternoon, it was time to leave the village and move to the next. Tears streamed my face and confusion set on his for he did not know why I was leaving. All I could do was kiss his cheeks and hug him harder. He chased our canter all the way out of his village and I waved and cried until he was out of sight. I never knew his name but his face is ever burned in my heart. I had been living selfishly, constantly consumed with myself. Hypocrisy was common to me, because I lived it every day, but that day changed my

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