A New Kind of Diaspora

Over the last year, many, many people have spent time in Haiti as a future parent, aid worker, or mission volunteer. I am among one of many diverse people who now have an emotional connection to a place that might have not even registered on their consciousness a few years prior. One question I have that will be fascinating to see answered is how these new social connections make an impact. It's not just about me, there is a whole web of people connected to me who are now invested in the welfare and future of Haiti. How many of us will change the course of our life or others' lives because of our time in Haiti?

I would love to hear from my readers on how you found my blog and your interest in Haiti. Comment on this post or send me an email at cristinagarmendia@gmail.com.

Also I have several unfinished blog posts that I could be motivated to finish:

The Diaspora and Remittances
Self-Reliance
Streetscape as Public Space
Gender in Haiti
A Cushion from Catastrophe
Cultivating Democracy in Haiti
Rural Sprawl in Haiti
The Politics of Language

Port-au-Prince, I love you.

I unexpectedly returned to the US from Haiti almost 2 months ago. I'm honestly still mourning from saying goodbye to this amazing country but I thought I should write. On one of my last nights, I and two dear friends climbed up an iron latticed door to the roof of their house in Delmas to watch the sun set over Port-au-Prince. We lugged up lawn chairs and deliciously ice-y sodas purchased from a street-side cracked foam cooler. The breeze was cool as we talked about the many names of Haiti. Potoprens, Port-au-Prince, PAP. Cap-Haitien, Kapayisyen, Okap.