Denied

The idea of a visa is a rather remote concept for me (unless, of course, it refers to shopping and the need for credit). If I want to travel somewhere, I can, for the most part, book a ticket, take my passport and go (I realize this is not always entirely true, but I definitely have the option of leaving the US should I wish to do so). Which is why it is somewhat difficult for me to grasp how very challenging it is for a typical Haitian to obtain a visa to merely visit the US (I am not sure if travel elsewhere is any easier, though I sincerely doubt it).

One of our translators, a very bright and truly exceptional twenty-five year old student who also works for Family Health Ministries in various capacities (often traveling long distances to complete said work… in all honesty I do not know how he manages to do it all), was invited to a conference in Washington, D.C. I am not entirely sure what the conference was about, but I think it had something to do with young leadership and world poverty. Anyway, I remember thinking he would be a wonderful voice to have at this conference, as he is motivated, articulate and would likely have a lot to contribute. Plus, it was a wonderful opportunity for him: all expenses paid, a unique experience, etc. Although I had heard from some of the Americans living here that obtaining a visa (particularly if you are a Haitian who is young, male and single/without any children) is nearly impossible, I remained skeptical. And yet, when our translator went to the embassy regarding procurement of a visa for this conference, he was swiftly denied: despite having a job and family here, the fact that he is single and has no children indicates (at least to them) that he really has no reason/incentive to return to Haiti. Thus, he would not be permitted to leave.

I found this all out yesterday, when he stopped by the clinic. I knew his meeting in Port-au-Prince was on April first, and I had thought about him at that time, wondering how everything had gone. When he told me the news (and the embassy’s reasoning) he was visibly upset… I just felt so bad. It seems so silly to me. Yes, the government should worry about losing someone like him: bright, innovative and hardworking. But, at the same time, this was an experience of a lifetime, one that might better enable him to actually make a difference here at home. I don’t know, for lack of a better phrase, it just seems so very unfair (I know, I know, thank you captain obvious).

On a lighter note: The power went out a good 25 minutes early last night. Big deal, right? Well, of course, for the first time since my stay here I forgot to bring my head lamp into the bathroom with me while I was taking my shower. Granted every time I had brought it with me, “just in case,” I didn’t need it… until last night, of course, when it was still sitting on my headboard. Luckily, I was nearly finished, doing one last rinse of my hair (milk pitcher in hand secondary to water pressure that is the equivalent of someone spitting). Still, it was quite difficult to locate my towel/not kill myself as I made my way to my room in the near pitch blackness.

As I wasn’t yet tired, I worked on finishing book number eight by candlelight. I love carrying this oil lamp around… makes me feel so medieval. Though perhaps if I lived in a castle, it would be a little cooler (literally and figuratively)…