http://www.rocksoutofwater.net Tim & Leah's Reflections on Life in Haiti Sun, 25 Nov 2007 19:11:47 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en By Nick Caistor Port-au-Prince, Haiti Haiti was the first country in the Americas to abolish slavery, when it won its independence in 1804 after a struggle led by Toussaint Louverture. But thousands live a life of near-slave labour because of poverty and social breakdown. Jeanette is walking up a hill in Petionville, a ... http://www.rocksoutofwater.net/2007/03/21/haitis-hidden-child-slaves-article-bbc-news/ Another event during the month of January was the annual fèt, celebration, at the Catholic Church in Meno. It was a really big event for my host family because it was their youngest daughter, Kitkit's, first communion. I still don’t understand all that went on, but I ... http://www.rocksoutofwater.net/2007/03/11/fet-meno/ Above: TT participants and translators, Anna (far left) & Tim. The last two months have flown by and we finally have time to sit down and update the blog. We had a very busy January, filled with planning for a transformational travel (TT) group, receiving the group, ... http://www.rocksoutofwater.net/2007/03/11/finally-a-post/ Besides the morning mass, there were a few other Christmas day activities that took place in my community. One being painting the house! Tim and I both think it’s funny that Haitians tend to paint their houses or buildings, fè kay bel, on the actual day of the ... http://www.rocksoutofwater.net/2006/12/29/christmas-painting/ This year, when I think about Christmas day, I won’t remember the food because it really wasn’t any different than the beans and rice I ate the day before. I won’t remember the presents because I didn’t unwrap anything. And I won’t remember celebrating with family because they aren’t ... http://www.rocksoutofwater.net/2006/12/29/christmas/ Last weekend all of the apprentices and Anna, our colleague who is working in the Dominican Republic, gathered together for a retreat. We had a relaxing time talking and hanging out at the beach. One of the highlights was hearing a talk that touched on the history, culture, ... http://www.rocksoutofwater.net/2006/12/11/a-retreat/ Over the past month I’ve been trying to spend as much time as possible in Meno. Splitting my time between the city, Jacmel, and Meno has worked out nicely as Tim’s schedule has slown down considerably and he’s had time to journey up the mountain for a few visits. About ... http://www.rocksoutofwater.net/2006/11/29/life-in-meno-2/ It seems hard to believe that 5 years ago I began my own apprenticeship in rural Haiti. I still vividly remember those first days and all of the excitement and nerves. Those same feelings came back to me over the course of past few weeks as I installed ... http://www.rocksoutofwater.net/2006/11/07/meet-kim-cara/ Click Here to view photos from Leah's Host Community, Meno. We also have a new mailing address which can be found on our Contact page. This address is for letters only. We are not able to accept packages at this time. http://www.rocksoutofwater.net/2006/10/21/photos-posted/ In late August I spent quite a bit of time thinking about culture shock as we were approaching our first trip home to the states. How would I feel driving on smooth roads, dining at tasty restaurants-and having hundreds to choose from-and popping my laundry into a machine, walking ... http://www.rocksoutofwater.net/2006/10/18/culture-shock/