Folks,
You haven’t heard from me in a bit. Forgive the quiet, particularly during this time of upheaval in Haiti following the assassination. For starters, I am totally fine.
During the spring I planned a July trip to Virginia so I could get acquainted with my new – and first – grandchild. I had my plane ticket in hand.
Then the president was assassinated, and the country went into shutdown. Even for Haiti which has seen all sorts of violence and upheaval, it was a time of foreboding. We stayed inside, followed the news as best we could, ate down the pasta in the cupboard. Flights were cancelled, and I had to adjust. There were unsettling reports of violence to Americans.
Fortunately, international flights resumed within a week — limited but still happening. The real problem was getting to the airport in Port-au-Prince. The usual drive was flat out too dangerous. We concocted a scheme whereby some police friends would drive me in the back of a police car pretending they had me under arrest. (This is Haiti — that’s the kind of thing people think up.) But, that fell through. Instead, I got up in the middle of the night and drove up and over the mountains to Jacmel. There I managed to get on a Very Small Plane bound for Port-au-Prince. I had to leave lots of luggage as there was barely room for a couple passengers and the pilot. But, I made it to the Port-au-Prince airport. You won’t be surprised to hear it was a madhouse, crowded with people trying to leave the country. I went through COVID testing and then waited all day for my flight to Florida.
The return trip on July 28th worked out well. The flight was fine. Friends drove me home following our normal route which was manageable because Port-au-Prince had momentarily calmed down. We drove through the Martissant Zone, though, which was eerie. There was no foot traffic, and we saw only a few moving vehicles so we got through quickly. However, many buildings were destroyed, reminders of the riots earlier in the month.
While I don’t usually care to talk about my own circumstances, the constant news about Haiti raises anxieties everywhere. I choose to live here knowing full well what the challenges are. I have dear friends, valuable work, and a deep connection with the struggles and the spirit of the world here. The headlines describe violence and upheaval but here in the mountains, while we are more on edge and vigilant, people welcomed me back warmly, and we carry on.
Please know that Haiti is more than turmoil. It is a place of family, work, and loyalty. And, it is my home.
Michael Anello
Executive Director
She organized a ticket for me on this plane bound for Port au Prince — leaving some big suitcases behind.