Day 2: G R A T I T U D E
The other day we were discussing gratitude and over and over again, the workshop kept coming into the conversation. When our artisans reflect on the things that they feel the most grateful for, one of the first and foremost things they will say is that they are thankful for their jobs, and the community that has been built in the workshop.
“I love spending time in the workshop, we all feel like an actual family. There have been times that have been so hard in Haiti, but over the years at the workshop, I have learned how to adapt to the changes that are out of my control and are difficult and get through them,” - Abraham, one of our leather artisans
This has indeed been such a hard year in Haiti, and for our workshop as well, but as we started to reflect on gratitude more as a group, this theme of the workshop kept making us reflect on all of the wonderful and meaningful memories we have created together here.
During one of our English classes, our students talked about specific moments that were especially special to them over the years at the workshop.
“For me,” Carl said, “the thing that is most special to me are the birthday parties that we do every month. I love how we get to show how important everyone is here. Other workplaces don’t do things like that.”
“Something that was amazing for me was when we had a business seminar. After that I started up a business of my own- selling phone minutes and bottled beverages, that has changed my life in a pretty big way.”
Another student, Sandy, went on to talk about how incredible it was to have savings from Sere Pou Demen that ended up covering an emergency c-section for her sister, and the group continued to reminisce about all of the trips we have taken together-to the mountains, to the beach, and the fun afternoons we have had together celebrating different holidays and the movies we watched together after work.
As the conversation continued, I had this overwhelming feeling- because at that moment I was seeing a small fulfillment of our vision unraveling before my eyes.
Our artisans were talking about the workshop- and the way they are thankful for their job, but their answers didn’t end with that, with the fact that they simply have a job and source of income to get through life day by day. But they were talking about the incredible ways their lives have changed through their jobs, and all of the things that they have learned along the way.
“I have learned to be encouraged and to focus on the good. I have learned the importance of looking forward to things when things are hard.”
“I have learned to always believe in myself and to be confident in the effort that I give- because the people that discourage you aren’t the ones that are going to make my dreams happen, I am.”
“I have learned responsibility and how to be a person that others can depend on.”
Reflection is key in ensuring that your life is filled with thanksgiving. Life, so often at times, can feel so dark, but when we remember all the good, all that we have learned, and the ways in which our lives have changed and transformed, you start to realize that even when it is dark, there are also lights, and life suddenly starts to feel like the night sky- both dark and beautiful, and you are thankful for both.
-Written by Courtney Sanon, Social Programs Coordinator at Haiti Design Co.