Reflections Upon Visiting Haiti, June 2004 by Nick Wilson NOTE:  Nick Wilson graduated recently from St. Vincent College, Latrobe, PA where he majored in mathematics and economics. He has made four trips to Haiti including two with student groups and two with PIP executive director, Dr. Rich Gosser.  This summer he is working as an intern with Partners in Progress before entering graduate school at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA. His career interests are in public policy and international development.  It has always been my thought that you needn’t walk far in Haiti to meet an exceptionally amazing person. As I walked down the streets of Haiti this past trip, which was my fourth, I was reminded of this yet again. In the eyes of each person that I passed, one could see the perseverance and resilience needed to simply survive a single day of Haiti’s current state. Each person that I passed had freshly witnessed a political uprising, a military coup, a UN occupation, devastating mudslides and even an earthquake.  Add to these events the daily rigors of most Haitians lives, such as crime, disease, malnourishment, poverty, and economic instability, and a story is strung together rivaling the depressing words of any poem by Edgar Allen Poe.  However, it is simply considering that point that causes me to be wonderfully inspired by the Haitian people.  Despite the bleak circumstances of the island nation, most Haitians make it a way of life to be happy and amiable. I am often left in awe because of the undaunted optimism, sheer hope and unfaltering will of Haiti’s people.  It seems that the Haitian people are consistently looking forward to brighter days and believe in their hearts that they will come to pass.  Furthermore, they choose to focus on the positive aspects of their lives such as family and friends. They make time to laugh together and to talk with one another. Even for a foreigner like myself, most Haitians freely offer a smile and warm greeting.  I have come to believe that to be truly Haitian, one must smile as often and unknowingly as other people blink.  This past trip, given Haiti’s beleaguered state, it was difficult to understand how life had not beaten down the Haitians that we met. After only visiting for two weeks in Haiti, I felt tired and worn.  It seemed nearly irrational to me that these people could face each day with such a fresh air about them and then simply wake up the next day and do it all over again.  It is acutely inspiring for me to witness and something that I have since strived for. Furthermore, as hinted above, I am profoundly affected by the Haitian peoples gratitude and appreciation for one another. It never fails that when I arrive back in the United States, I occupy more time in my schedule with family and friends as I am reminded of my great fortune to have them in my life.  Understanding the force of will and optimism innate in every Haitian, there is surely substantial hope for the struggling democracy of Haiti.  The people there do not know how to give-up, nor do they know how to become discouraged.  It will be a long, arduous road for Haiti’s recovery, but then again, such are all roads in Haiti.  The Haitian people amazed the world in the past by winning their independence from Napoleon against overwhelming odds and can certainly overcome all odds once again. The Haitians are the right people for the job.