Panel of speakers for business seminar (read below)
Started the day with a wonderful smile and well-made breakfast from fellow Penn Stater, Christina Jean Louis. She asked me how I want my eggs, and it's not an easy question for me to answer as I like so many. After much deliberation, "over-easy" was the answer.
Transportation is quite efficient, as it is very rare to find one individual inside of a large vehicle. Individuals usually prefer motorbikes, and even these often have 2-3 people. There are numerous covered pickup trucks that fit 8-15 people at one time. These tap-taps are quite colorfully hand painted and often reflect sayings that relate to Christianity: "The Power of God", "Thank You Jesus", and "Psalm 93:14". This is one area where I see efficiency, but improvements could be made with wireless service, road construction/repair, and electricity. However, all of these are opportunities to create jobs and demonstrate
Witnessed a near conflict just outside the office. I was safely perched in a 3rd-story balcony when I saw two men putting their hands on each other and reach for bricks. Numerous other men (I assume strangers based on my observations) immediately sprang into action to separate the two individuals. There were some tense words and exchanges, but after a few short angry bursts, these strangers were able to diffuse the situation. It was encouraging to see such protection, common concern, and action toward a situation of injustice.
That is only threatening experience I have had this week, thus far. In fact, because there are so many people about, I feel very safe around Port-au-Prince. The media in USA led me to think that this was an incredibly dangerous place. In fact, I find it no different than NYC, Philadelphia, or even New Brunswick. There are risky parts, and much better parts. I spent some time on Tuesday in supposedly the poorest slum in the western hemisphere, but did not feel threatened while in Cite Soleil. I got to talk to some budding entrepreneurs and see the opportunity for redemption.
I spent significant time last night also talking through economics of Haiti with our host, who has incredible vision for Haiti and who feels that he is pursuing his calling by returning to Haiti once he completed his education and a few years of work in the US. He talked about the necessity for empowering classes such as computer proficiency and English skills. He talked about how certain donations and charity to the country have actually hurt business and sustainability. He talked about why the smartest intellect leaves the country. He talks about how Haitians are completely capable, with a little bit of empowerment. He tries to accomplish this through his church, as well as his various businesses. He talked about the miracles in his life, both spiritual and through business. Haiti is not hopeless. Haiti has incredible potential with the investment of a little bit of discipline and vision!
A few of us got the opportunity to take the 2 hour drive from Port-Au-Prince to Gonaive (see route). This trip took us from their busiest city, along the coast, and through the country-side, just within sight of numerous mountains, and finally arriving at their third largest city. It is here we were asked to lead a business and entrepreneurship seminar / conference. We talked much about business, vision, opportunity, discipline, and relationships. There was an appreciative reception from the audience and we only hope and pray that this inspires vision for redemption and change.
There have been many other stories about solar panels, tic-tacs, the Miami Heat, pick-up lines, and late-night karaoke with other house guests and a guitar. So many smiles, and so many opportunities to marvel at His Creation.
For photos to reflect these experiences: https://www.facebook.com/mikepstaub/media_set?set=a.10152902729710591.1073741825.845985590&type=3
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