I was raised in a family where engineering as a discipline surrounded me, my father being a Mechanical Engineer and his brothers in similar disciplines. It was almost understood that I would become an engineer. This day, this moment, I felt like I was an engineer.
It is Sunday morning, the day we are returning from Cange, Haiti; and it is time to head to the church on the hill. I was not sure what to expect from this Episcopal Mission. I had a feeling the service was going to be in Creole and even noticed many members of the church reading a Creole Bible. Protestant religions represent a small portion of the of the religious base in Haiti where Vodou is practiced by 100% of the population.
After the church service, I was thinking about how amazed I was with the number of people who connected to the sermon. As I was walking out, I noticed these children were running up the stairs to the church, nicely dressed in their church clothes. They brought out their best today, running up the stairs…hand-in-hand…not a worry in the world.
Water…clean water…I do not know what it is like to walk miles upon miles for water, much less clean water. Here at one of the many water fountains in the remote village of Cange, Haiti, people gather bringing their buckets to collect water. They are coming from all over the mountain, some walking miles upon miles in both directions. Once they arrive, they fill up their buckets with water and either carry them in hand by their side, or upon their head. Some walk hundreds of steep steps up and down the mountain, carrying the water.
This is one of the most wonderful #ClemsonMoments I witnessed while traveling with Clemson Engineers for Developing Countries to the little village of Cange in Haiti. Engineering student Ashley Martin was walking down to one of the flat areas in Cange to see what the rest of the group was doing. That is when many of the village children ran up to her and grabbed her hand to walk down. The whole trip, all the children gravitated to Ashley as they used laugher and smiles to replace the language barrier. There are so many moments that have happened in my travels to make me proud of my Clemson degrees, these moments reinforce the broader reach of the Clemson spirit!
Had a wonderful five days exploring Cange, Haiti with Clemson Engineers including David Vaughn, Dr. Delphine Dean and the amazing students. CDEC has helped transform the area providing clean drinking water to the village by leveraging a natural spring, pumping it up the mountain, filtering, then distributing leveraging numerous water fountains. This week proved why I am proud to have two Clemson degrees! It is amazing the work Clemson University is doing in developing countries! I am just thankful I am helping capture the story!!!
Happy 70th to one of the wisest men I know! Thankful for his mentorship, leadership, and thoughtfulness! He taught me how to instead of sharing my thoughts to ask more questions! Questions build bridges, cross boundaries, and establish common space for thoughtful discussion and discernment. Here is to you Stuart Sprague! #HappyBirthday
It was great to meet Lex Cole from the SC Youth Advocacy Program! We learned so much about foster care in SC, specifically the need for more foster parents!
Have you ever wondered what freedom looks like…well here is an opportunity to look right inside where many would consider their passage to freedom. In 2006, I rode in this van from Altar, Mexico along a 60 mile dirt road to Sasabe, Mexico. I was able to join a group of individuals traveling from all over Mexico and Central America to Altar, Mexico; the last stop along their journey before they crossed into the United States of America.
You never know what is trapped inside a smile…it can be a mystery. I am not sure why my new friend did not want to smile for the camera, but she definitely did not lack the ability to smile.
Most people have a perception of poverty based on the outside looking in. Do we as white privileged individuals really know what poverty looks like, feels like, and sounds like?
I met an amazing woman this morning, a strong lady with a powerful story of survival…overcoming all odds. Her expression in this image matches her inner desire to achieve her dreams and #DefyTheLie … she not only survived a abusive relationship, she has transformed her life! I totally enjoy our work with Safe Harbor!
Anderson friends, I hope you pick up an Anderson Magazine! I am a huge fan and thankful April Cameron lets me write a regular article. Here is our latest about Safe Harbor’s #DefyTheLie initiative.
The art of the interview is bigger than the technical expertise of capturing the perfect interview.
