Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Marquise and I on the bus




Delay

We missed our flight, and I cried because that's what I do when I get frustrated. I am trying my best to keep a positive attitude while I am here in NYC but it isn't as fun as I imagined. Marquise is doing her best but there are some things I just don't like about being here.

We now leave on Saturday, same time. I was soo excited and ready to be there, but like everyone keeps telling me, everything happens for a reason.

However, there are some things I just love here. I love the people Marquise has introduced to me (all Haitians). They are loving individuals and they want to please you. Marquise keeps saying, "That's Haitians." Grandma is my favorite because you can tell she has a kind heart, a wise soul, and is the mother hen of everyone. Her presence brings grace.

Grandma doesn't speak much English but she taught me how to say "I am hungry" in Creole. It was a precious moment because although we can't have a conversation, we exchanged words the best way we could.

The other thing about Haitians is that they are very sexual and affectionate people. They love to take pictures of themselves, and the conversation of sex comes up often. I like that about Marquise, because she is sexy and she knows it, and doesn't care to show it. She isn't afraid to be herself. I think I am going to learn a lot from her. ;)


I love to say this... Bonswa! - good afternoon

More soon and much love!


Sunday, June 24, 2012

First stop, NYC

It has only been one day and I have had such a hospitable experience. Everyone Marquise knows is so kind and generous. She said, "that's just how Haitians are."

We arrived at the Manhattan bus station around 3:30 p.m. and her friend picked us up...late, so it made for a long day. (I got really excited to be in Manhattan because I have been obsessed with Mad Men lately, and for some reason my heart got excited and nervous, like I was going to meet Donald Draper. =] )

I don't know why sitting on a bus is so exhausting, but it might be the fact that I have no room for my legs and I felt claustrophobic. I'm just glad to be here. It has already been such a great experience, seeing the many different buildings all around me, watching the people, trying to make strangers smile with my own. I just love that fact that NYC is so diverse and everybody is free to be without judgement.

I went to the Bronx for the first time yesterday and I wasn't really sure what to imagine. There is trash everywhere, and people stare at you. There is also constant honking of the horn, which is expected. The driving is insane and I don't know how drivers do it. It is unsettling watching them, yet I still feel safe.

I've already had two Haitian meals, and I am learning a little bit of Creole each day.

Pase yon bel joune translates to Have a beautiful day!

I guess we are going to a Haitian festival later, which is exciting so I hope those plans don't change. A beautiful man Marquise knows invited us. I am fond of him and his gentleness. It also helps that he is very handsome.

I feel like it was such a gift to meet Marquise because she has already exposed me to so much, and I know there will be more to come.

One last thing. Marquise has already taught me how to dance (to Haitian music), and if you didn't know, dancing is one of my many favorite activities. The Haitian dance style is sensual yet simple, and I will totally fit in when we go out in Haiti. I love to move my hips to the beat.

Bonjour!

Andie

Monday, June 11, 2012

Feeling normal

I have come to the conclusion that for the past year I have been excited, and then it turned into being nervous, and now my stomach is in knots. Is that okay to say?

Yes... but I feel as if I can't be prepared and that is daunting. Daunting is my professional term for afraid. I haven't figured out exactly what scares me. Is it because I feel unprepared? Is it because I will be out of my comfort zone for some time? Whoa, the language? Who will I communicate with, or how many people can I actually have a conversation with? I live off meeting people. I think there may be a way to communicate.

I want the Andie back that was so excited she had to share her upcoming goals with everyone she knew and met. I feel that I'm at a loss with myself, and yet it feels normal to me. Maybe because I know that everything will be fine.

WHATEVER!!! What can I expect, when now all I can think is ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING. No if, ands or buts about it!

I wish I was more artistic and able to give more character to my blog. Anything is possible in due time...

<3 Shout out to my girlfriends, my sisterhood girls. Thank you for making me understand that it is okay to have a special occasion for my awesome accomplishments. You ladies are a part of my backbone. =]

Andrea