Journal Entry – Wednesday August 3, 2011
Miscellaneous Musings:
Musing #1 – Haitian toilet paper. It gives a whole new meaning to the term “single ply.” In this case, “single ply” is a wisp of material so thin it is actually transparent. Just out of sheer curiosity I decided to conduct an experiment to see how many times I would have to double over the toilet paper in order for me to no longer be able to see my fingers through it. Actually had to double it over until it was 12 layers thick to accomplish this.
Musing #2 – the term “Third World.” I’ve seen third world countries. I’ve been to third world countries. I’m not sure that there’s any actual designation for a “Fourth World” country but if there were, Haiti would undoubtedly qualify. “Third world” doesn’t even begin to convey it. The daily realities of the living conditions here for millions are so far beyond horrible, deplorable, and insurvivable that I still cannot comprehend what I’m seeing half the time.
Musing #3 – third and final musing of the day: Once you’ve spent a little time in Haiti, you may think twice before using certain common phrases once you go back home. In fact, you may end up eliminating them from your vocabulary entirely. The ones that come to mind for me are as follows:
“I’m starving.” Once you have seen the children whose every rib you can count, and the sea of eyes yellowed from malnutrition, to use that phrase as flippantly as we do becomes, quite honestly, a bit obscene.
“I’m about to die of thirst.” Once you have seen the level of grueling physical labor required by those living in Haiti to find even just enough water to survive, and then carry it back to their families – knowing full well that this water may be contaminated with something that will kill them – well, you get the point.
“I’m bored.” When you see the games that Haitian children will create from nothing more than a handful of rocks, you realize that creativity and ingenuity are endemic to the human spirit, that boredom is a choice, and that we as Americans are, quite honestly, spoiled, self-indulgent, entertainment overloaded brats.
(Ok, I feel better now.)
Complaining about pretty much anything in general. Everything in the world that I could possibly complain about is absolutely ludicrous in the midst of all the blessings and abundance that have been heaped upon us just because we happened to be born in the U.S. Probably a bit of a “glass is half full” attitude adjustment is in order.
