A Journey to Dajabon
9. April. 2010
(c) AFG Creative Productions Group
Yesterday, we went to Dajabon, the border between the Dominican Republic and Haiti. Before I arrived, I imagined it like something from the cinemas. During our arrival, there were many young children running on the side of our bus asking for food and money. It was very reminiscent of all the poor people I have seen in my life. I did not give them any food because I was a bit worried about myself not having enough money to buy lunch later that day (a choice I later regretted). I asked myself, ‘Am I like many other people in the world, viewing the children as bums and not as humans who are need of aid?’ That question still sticks with me.
We started walking in the direction of the market of the free trade zone where Haitians and Dominicans barter. When we turned the corner, I definitely saw something that was only previously viewed in films and I felt something in my heart. Streets and streets full of Haitians, food, clothes and other articles. There were Dominicans throughout the market but my focus was on the Haitians. When we began walking towards the other side of the border, I was suddenly trapped. There was screaming and sweat. My mind went completely white as I witnessed the pain around me. I was frozen and could not move my body. There was screaming and sweat. There were people who were fighting with others. Although I do not speak Creole or French, I have the feeling that it was over food.
As I regained consciousness, I continued walking to the other side into Haiti. There were many people transporting foods on carts and gigantic buggies. When an enormous cart with flour fell over, my heart dropped. There were more fights and arguments. I did not know what to do. If I walked over to help, would they think I was trying to rob them in the end or as an American, would they think I was helping out of pity? I did not know what to do. My mind started going blank again. So I began to do something that I am very good at, I began taking photographs with hopes of documenting and showing the world what I had seen.
Every single one of my peers had similar sentiments that day. We realized that we do not have much to worry about because our lives will never be as hard as others in the world. I cannot imagine what the border was like with the aftermath of the earthquake. Without a doubt, there was more fighting, more tears, more blood and death. I cannot say that what I experienced yesterday will change my life forever, but without a doubt, my experiences here will help me. It was an incredible experience and it is my pleasure to share it with you.
