Sounds of Haiti

UUSC is excited to be partnering with the Unitarian Universalist Association on a joint volunteer trip to Haiti for youth and young adults, August 20–27. In the posts below, youth participant Courtney Dufford brings us into the auditory experience of rural Haiti.

• The delicate patter of rain on the leaves across from the terrace where I write in my journal
• Uncontrollable giggling as we play Frisbee with several Haitian children out on the goat field
• The gentle nudge of a mosquito trying to attack me through my glorious mosquito net
• A tiny mosquito, tinier than the ones at home, whispering in my ear as I sit stargazing on the steps of the guesthouse
• Crickets
• Dogs fighting, howling, barking at 11:00 p.m., just as I'm getting ready to fall asleep
• The excited clink of dominoes across the way, conversation, and laughter
• Roosters at 4:00 a.m.
• Cows
• Bonjou! Bonswa! Mesi! Mesi an pil!
• The grate of metal folding chairs just the like the ones at church potlucks, pulled against the floor as we bring ourselves physically and mentally closer to one another to discuss and learn from our work with each other
• Voices: so many beautiful voices united in songs, telling of hope, solidarity, love, strength. So beautiful it brings tears to my eyes. These voices. Haitian Kreyol. English. Raised together to learn and support and embrace one another. To continue to fight for a more just Haiti and a more just world. "Makone faso, makone faso. Continye lite pou Ayiti!"