How a Chance Encounter Transformed My View of Haiti and Changed My Life Forever

Have you ever considered visiting Haiti? For many, the thought of this Caribbean nation is often overshadowed by its challenges and struggles. However, for Aleeza, a simple suggestion from a friend in 2010 sparked a life-changing journey. This experience opened her eyes to Haiti’s beauty and resilience, leaving a lasting mark on her heart and perspective.

The Spark of Inspiration

Aleeza's adventure began when a friend spoke about going on a mission trip to Haiti. Up until then, Aleeza had never given Haiti much thought or interest in visiting; the idea didn't initially intrigue her. Soon after, she came across a video that showed the lives of children in Haiti. The images of their resilience struck a chord deep within her. She felt a deep urge to help, but grappled with her finances as a college student.

Taking the Leap

Determined to make her dream a reality, Aleeza decided to auction off some of her belongings. She raised $200, which was only a quarter of the $800 needed for the trip. Undeterred, she shared her story at her church. Surprisingly, her passion inspired the congregation, who generously matched her remaining $600, allowing her to secure her spot on the trip. Soon after, she landed a part-time job that helped cover the rest of the travel costs. By summer, she found herself preparing for the adventure that would change her life forever.

Arrival in Haiti

Upon arriving in Gonaives, Aleeza was captivated by the beauty of the countryside, despite it having recently suffered from devastating floods. The lush green hills and vibrant communities contrasted sharply with the hardships faced by the locals. The trip organizer, Audry, arranged accommodations that somewhat insulated them from the local culture. They were shuttled to and from locations, which limited their interaction with the community.

A Glimpse of Peace

Even within this sheltered setting, Aleeza was moved by her surroundings. One day, while sitting on a rooftop, she felt an overwhelming sense of peace. "With everything going on around me, it was the most peace I had ever felt," she recalled. This moment solidified her desire to return to Haiti, sparking a passion for service and a connection to the people.

A New Adventure Awaits

In 2012, Aleeza was thrilled to seize another opportunity to return to Haiti with the organization Adventures in Missions. Initially drawn to a 6-week program due to other commitments, Aleeza eagerly applied. Although the 6-week program was fully booked, the only option available was a 12-week adventure. With minimal hesitation and prayer, she enthusiastically embraced the challenge, excited to enrich her experience. During her 12 weeks in Haiti, Aleeza fully immersed herself in the vibrant local culture. This time, they stayed in Carrefour, in the lively city of Port Au Prince. The city buzzed with people and energy. Thanks to the program's structure, Aleeza was part of a smaller, more close-knit group than before. Now a Project Leader, Aleeza would be assigned teams to collaborate with. They arrived two weeks earlier than the rest of their volunteer group, all staying together in an apartment complex. This early arrival allowed them to acclimate, making the experience even more personal and rewarding.

Accompanied by a translator and guide, they went to the farmers' markets, flea markets, they would go hiking, and even took public transportation. Now she was way more immersed in the local culture than she was before. During her trips, one day she visited a beach in Petion-Ville. Petion-Ville was a more affluent area in Haiti and where the resorts were located. This area was more gentrified. Beaches were private, so to visit, you had to go through the resort. Petion-Ville was gentrified “in a way that didn’t make sense!” There was such a stark contrast between this area and the other areas she had visited. Something as simple as electricity was a challenge in Haiti. Power outages were a common thing. Companies would have to depend on power generators in order to run their business. There would be nights when 70 percent of the island was without electricity, but when you would look out beyond the hills, the lights would still be on in Petionville.

The Enduring Impact of Trauma

During her visit, Aleeza was incredibly lucky to avoid any major disasters. However, one day, a brief tremor shook the ground, and the locals' reaction was astonishing! People dashed outside, anxious about the possibility of another major earthquake. She vividly recalls the look of fear on their faces. But soon after, the air was filled with a mix of relieved sighs and laughter, bringing a sense of shared relief and camaraderie!

While there, she would learn and practice Kreol by speaking with the locals. One moment that stood out was when she spoke to one of the citizens, and how they were convinced that she was a native, only to be surprised by the fact that she was, in fact, American. Their heartfelt reaction and compliments to her respect for their culture reminded Aleeza of the power of community and hope.

A Lasting Connection

As her time in Haiti came to an end, Aleeza realized her journey was far from over. The relationships she built and the lessons she learned would stay with her forever. She returned home inspired to advocate for the people of Haiti, raising awareness of their struggles and strengths. Through her service, Aleeza discovered Haiti's true spirit. The resilience of the people left a profound impact on her. She witnessed firsthand how the locals celebrated life despite their challenges.

A Life Transformed

What began with a casual suggestion and a powerful video would spark what would later become a transformative experience. Aleeza has visited Haiti five times from 2010-2015. She has even visited during Christmas time and says it is one of the most festive places during the season. Through her time in Haiti, she learned the importance of service, connection, and resilience. When asked what you would tell someone who asked you, "What's it like to visit Haiti?" Aleeza responds, "Haiti is as rich as it is poor!" Rich in natural resources, rich in culture, and rich in resilience.

If you’ve ever thought about visiting Haiti or finding a way to make a difference, take inspiration from Aleeza's story. Sometimes, all it takes is a bit of inspiration to ignite a passion that can change your life.

Whether you are drawn to the landscape’s beauty, the warmth of the people, or the chance to serve, Haiti has much to offer. Embrace the opportunity to explore, learn, and grow. You never know how this journey could transform your life, just as it did for Aleeza.

If you are, however, looking for vacation stays in Haiti, this is what Expedia has to offer.