Youth and motorcycles

Monday 10/22
We were to be picked up by motorcycle at 2:45 yesterday afternoon by the cousin of one of our students to be guest speakers at his church youth group. Eliassant has been trying to instill discipline by starting on time, but... We arrived around 3:15 and about 8 of the expected 50 were there. They drifted in steadily after that, eventually numbering around 35-40. Someone sent a little boy out to buy 2 bottles of water for us. So thoughtful and kind as I know they are not cheap here and these students have no money. 

Eliassaint, left, and his cousin, our motorcycle driver

They began with introducing the 4 officers of the group, followed by a song and an earnest prayer offered, eyes closed, in preacher tones by one of the young men. Then we were introduced, with E. translating. What a rapt group. Betty spoke about the U.N.’s purpose (that had been a recent topic of theirs) and I about mental health issues and treatment. We both inquired about the Haitian experience and some good questions were asked. I’m so sorry I didn’t think to bring my camera. During the discussion period, each student stood to speak, without fail thanking us first for coming to address them and saying how much it meant.

It seems that depression is a real issue, particularly after the earthquake. One girl tearfully spoke of losing 4 college friends and asked what could help her recover. Therapeutic resources here are non-existent. Renate has trained a cadre of mental health workers but until a grant can be secured, there is no work for them because no one can afford to pay. I asked about traditional healers, but as Christians they shun witch doctors. One said they actually can make people worse. Their questions were earnest and I did what I could to underline the power of the human spirit, community support, religious faith, and the brain’s resiliency to help the healing process.

After our talks, they said they would like to sing and dance for us. The group had told E. he had to go first, so he launched into a popular song in English. Then 3 of them got up to sing a lovely hymn, also in English, the theme of which was One Day at a Time, dear Jesus. As at the mass, both men and women sang lustily and tunefully, in 3 part harmony.

Me, whizzing past the camera

I thoroughly enjoyed my first motorcycle experience and can see why people like that mode of transportation. The roads are rutted and broken but the driver drove carefully, took one of the better roads, and even slowed down at the stop signs, which even cars don’t usually do. Of course, there aren't that many 4-wheeled vehicles to begin with.

I learned later that Betty had amused the crowd outside the small church, which is located on one of the same streets as the market, by trying to maneuver her short stature onto the motorbike. Finally, she stood on a curb and managed to swing her leg over the seat.

It was an inspiring and also heart-rending afternoon.