Today is my first anniversary in Haiti. Happy Haiti to me!
Last week I was in Guatemala where our big boss asked me point-blank if I planned on extending my contract past my June 16, 2012 end date. I'd been trying not to think about that, so I dissembled.
In truth, there are some wonderful things about living and working here, but they have been overshadowed by two things:
1) The few good friends I have here are all (ALL) on their way out. Yes, I know this happens everywhere to everyone and we all bounce back. But my life in Haiti moves in very tight circles and it's really hard to meet new friend candidates. I'm doggedly pursuing any and every friend possibility. I can't afford not to.
2) My work is plagued by one combative, aggressive, defensive, difficult co-worker. Walking on eggshells around her, triple editing e-mails to ensure they are sanitized of any words that could [even when read in reverse and in Ancient Greek] give offense, and mimicking the reasonable and calm tones of TV hostage negotiators for the past year is exhausting. Exhausting.
But then, on the eve of my first year in Haiti, guess what happened? She resigned! She resiiiiiiiiiiiigned!! I wish I could say it had something to do with me, but she has been widely advertising her displeasure with PSI since 2009. I am so, so relieved.
O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!
Haiti Year Two starts today!
Last week I was in Guatemala where our big boss asked me point-blank if I planned on extending my contract past my June 16, 2012 end date. I'd been trying not to think about that, so I dissembled.
In truth, there are some wonderful things about living and working here, but they have been overshadowed by two things:
1) The few good friends I have here are all (ALL) on their way out. Yes, I know this happens everywhere to everyone and we all bounce back. But my life in Haiti moves in very tight circles and it's really hard to meet new friend candidates. I'm doggedly pursuing any and every friend possibility. I can't afford not to.
2) My work is plagued by one combative, aggressive, defensive, difficult co-worker. Walking on eggshells around her, triple editing e-mails to ensure they are sanitized of any words that could [even when read in reverse and in Ancient Greek] give offense, and mimicking the reasonable and calm tones of TV hostage negotiators for the past year is exhausting. Exhausting.
But then, on the eve of my first year in Haiti, guess what happened? She resigned! She resiiiiiiiiiiiigned!! I wish I could say it had something to do with me, but she has been widely advertising her displeasure with PSI since 2009. I am so, so relieved.
O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!
Haiti Year Two starts today!
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