*Revised version*
Ten years ago I penned a heartfelt post reflecting on the transition of living in the US and moving back to Haiti. It was a casual piece filled with observations about the cultural nuances I’d picked up as a young adult. Despite all the benefits I’ve gained since moving back, one thing had remained constant were the questions filled with perplexity. The questions i’d hear often were : “Poukisa Ayiti?” (“Why Haiti?”) and “Sa’w vin fè?” (“Why did you come back?”). Anyone who has made this transition has likely faced these questions from both strangers and friends; they’ve become part of our FAQs. But in all seriousness, when basic needs go unmet, it’s hard not to question your sanity for even considering the move back home.
As Haitian immigrants, I believe we find ourselves in different groups:
- Those who have chosen to return and build businesses in our homeland.
- Those who move between their adopted country and their birthplace.
- Those who love Haiti from afar.
But no matter where we fall, Haiti is the common thread that unites us all—whether we love it, struggle with it, or both.
Whether you fall into these categories or not, you are all entitled to make decisions supporting the living conditions and wellness for you and family. As a young woman who lived in Haiti, my experiences in terms of personal development and continuous growth in the cognitive department has been everything short of amazing. Although it is a bit hard to grow a platform from scratch by using a blog in Haiti, founding my audience who was willing to understand the purpose of my blog made it worth keeping. Making a life there made me tap into my entrepreneurship spirit. I gained strength in trying rather than wishing. I discovered my purpose. I’ve done some local tourism. I’ve held independent jobs where I had to be left on my own to travel and lead. I experienced my entry level in the corporate world of 8-5. Oh, I’ve finally learned how to operate and drive a car in our crazy narrowed streets…Interesting right? I know, keep following my story.
Even with all those planted seeds, I caught myself in constant comparison whenever I find myself complaining about simple matters that are considered luxury in my country. Basic things that shouldn’t be luxury at this point in Haiti are:
Decent public transportation: Yes Taps Taps are fun to ride whenever you’re on vacation. It adds flavor and color but in this day and age, it’s the worst public transportation that I o know. (Cue the rants about how Zuzu I am here). Owning a car is a dream that many families can’t afford. But if they were able to eliminate the choice of riding ‘taps taps’, they would. From experiences, I know riding the train and buses may be less convenient than the comfort of a car but I know that I will get to my destination comfortable seated…in a seat. I may be wrong but in all the plans made from past candidates, I barely heard mentions for the evolution of public transportations.
Seating comfortably in a seat (Pun Intended) SHOULD not be a privilege regardless of the financial status of an individual. Now if someone decides to choose luxury that’s when they’ll upgrade to owning a car.
Having electricity 24/7: If candidates want to get votes from the population they add this (high) issue to their campaign. They know they will get votes from the population because having power is something some places still struggle to see. Candidates promise mountains and earth to make this dream a reality. Yet our electricity bill confirms that we spend MOST of our time-consuming “BlackAWout” instead. Power is given mostly in the afternoon or at night. Power is taken off in the wee hours of the morning. Often time whenever I am returning home from a long trip overseas, the thought of coming to a home without power during the daylight horrifies me. You’d think this born/bred native Haitian girl would get used to it by now…But No I am not used to it. In fact, the noise of generators in our neighborhood is unbearable because they too are tired of staying in the dark.
Our beloved Haiti has a lot ahead of her. My wish is to witness the powerful transformation of this country going from a 3rd world country to a sustainable one like many 3rd world countries have or do.
All Love
Sophie
That Fille Sophie 
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