Finding My Way To Haiti For Purpose & Powerful Seeds With Drums In The Suitcase – 63
Sometimes, I find it essential to pause and reflect on the significant moments of my journey. These reflections help me appreciate how far I’ve come and recognize the key experiences and people who have shaped my path. One such journey began unexpectedly with something as mundane as a lawn mower and led to an adventure in Haiti.
**The Company That I Kept in Haiti: A Journey of Healing and Connection**
During my visit to Haiti, I was amazed by the breathtaking mountainous scenery that defines the country. Situated on the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean, Haiti shares its landmass with the Dominican Republic. The rugged and dramatic terrain of Haiti, dominated by mountains, adds to its unique charm.
There’s something powerful about the people you surround yourself with. In my case, the company I kept during my time in Haiti was the perfect support system—spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. The experience was so profound that it even impacted my physical well-being in ways I hadn’t expected.
Let me start with a little backstory. Leading up to this trip, I had been prescribed trazodone to help with sleep. I relied on it pretty heavily, and it became part of my nightly routine. But there was something different about this trip. It wasn’t just the adventure of traveling to a new country for the first time; it was the people I traveled with.
I found myself living in a dorm with a group of individuals whose presence alone provided a type of balance that I didn’t know I needed. The social interactions, the energy, the shared experiences all seemed to fill a gap that I had previously relied on medication to address. The dynamic in that dorm was a dopamine boost in itself, and for the first time in a long time, I didn’t need the trazodone to fall asleep.
Haiti was more than just a travel destination for me—it was a shift in my internal well-being. The people I was with gave me the sense of connection and belonging that my body had been craving, and as a result, I slept peacefully, even without the aid of my usual medication. This was no small thing, especially considering the early mornings we had to face each day. For those who have taken trazodone, you know it requires a certain amount of sleep to wear off, and missing that can make waking up a challenge. Yet, in Haiti, with these people, it just worked.
This was my first time traveling out of the country, and I couldn’t have asked for a better group to share that experience with. They helped me find a balance that I didn’t even realize I was searching for. It’s amazing what the right social environment can do for your mental and physical health, and this trip was living proof of that.
It all started on a day when I was gazing out of my window, realizing that my overgrown yard was in desperate need of a trim. Faced with a lawn too big for my schedule and energy, I decided to seek professional help. I made a single call to 127 Lawn Care, where a friendly voice named Zach Williams answered. He agreed to come over, assess my yard, and discuss a fair price.
Fast forward through the rhythm of my drumming and the joy of discovering where my journey might lead, and it was homecoming weekend in Nacogdoches, Texas, for Stephen F. Austin University. To my surprise, an organization called Any City Music from Lufkin, Texas, came to interview and celebrate my entity, Star Avenue Co.
During this event, I was introduced to Mr. Casey Sizemore, an incredibly genuine person whose support has been invaluable. It was during this event that I noticed a familiar Jeep from 127 Lawn Care. Out came Zack and Becky Weems, a couple who had adopted two Haitian children and had a deep connection to Haiti.
Becky, excited and immersed in the drumming activities, exclaimed, “Oh my God, this is amazing! I want to take this to Haiti!” Her enthusiasm was palpable, and she wanted to bring all of this drumming energy to Haiti. I was taken aback but intrigued.
The night ended, and soon after, Becky messaged me on Facebook. She had been praying about our potential connection to Haiti and had some dates in mind for a mission trip. The dates were in the near future—just a couple of months away—and I didn’t even have a passport at that point!
I reached out to Zach, who reassured me that we could sort things out. We met up, made plans, and I began the whirlwind of fundraising. With the help of a local T-shirt shop, I set up donation buckets with my logo and QR codes. The shop generously donated these buckets, and I managed to collect the necessary funds in record time.
The journey began with a flight to Miami and then to Haiti. The adventure was surreal—from the breathtaking scenery as I disembarked to the rough but exciting ride up the mountain to our lodging. The experience was humbling; we were treated with incredible hospitality, and I managed to bring along six or seven hand drums, stuffed with clothes, for drumming activities and workshops.
Haiti’s mountainous scenery is one of its most striking and defining features. The country is situated on the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean, sharing it with the Dominican Republic. Its landscape is predominantly mountainous, which gives Haiti a dramatic and rugged terrain.
Key Features of Haiti’s Mountainous Scenery:
- The Massif de la Selle:
- Located in the central region of Haiti, this mountain range includes some of the highest peaks in the country. The highest point is Pic la Selle, reaching about 2,680 meters (8,790 feet). The Massif de la Selle is characterized by its steep slopes and lush vegetation.
- The Massif de la Hotte:
- To the southwest of Haiti, this range features prominent peaks such as Pic Macaya, which stands at approximately 2,347 meters (7,700 feet). The Massif de la Hotte is known for its diverse ecosystems, including tropical forests and endemic flora and fauna.
- The Northern Mountain Range:
- Extending along Haiti’s northern coast, this range includes the Chaine de la Selle. It has several notable peaks and contributes to the country’s dramatic topography. The northern mountains are also vital for their role in controlling local climate patterns and water resources.
- Scenic Beauty:
- Haiti’s mountainous regions are known for their breathtaking views and natural beauty. The high elevations offer panoramic vistas of valleys, forests, and the Caribbean Sea in the distance. The landscape is often dotted with terraced hillsides and small, picturesque villages.
- Ecological Diversity:
- The mountainous terrain supports a variety of ecosystems. In the higher elevations, you can find cloud forests and endemic species of plants and animals. The lower slopes often transition into tropical forests, contributing to Haiti’s rich biodiversity.
- Impact on Culture and Lifestyle:
- The mountains have significantly influenced Haitian culture and lifestyle. The rugged terrain has historically isolated communities, leading to unique cultural practices and traditions. Additionally, agriculture in Haiti is often practiced on terraced hillsides, adapted to the challenging topography.
- Challenges and Conservation:
- While the mountainous scenery is stunning, it also presents challenges, such as soil erosion and deforestation. Efforts are being made to address environmental issues and promote sustainable practices to preserve Haiti’s natural landscapes.
- Haiti’s mountains are not only visually captivating but also play a crucial role in the country’s ecology and culture.
My time in Haiti was filled with memorable moments, drumming activities, and writing workshops. It’s a journey that words alone can’t fully capture, so I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves.
Reflecting on this part of my journey, I’m grateful for the unexpected turns and the people who made it all possible. Thanks for being a part of this adventure. Peace and blessings to you all.
“Healing Through Creative Thinking“
Healing Through Creative Thinking!
by 
by