17986: Alexandre: RE: Burnham, Ray , Corbett and Chin

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: Jonas Alexandre <alexanj1@yahoo.com>
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Burnham raised a very interesting and courageous question, I think the
volunteers who go to Haiti for a short while to paint and build do help.
Those
who raise funds or volunteer long term in empowering the Haitian people
are
doing even better. I think it is rather the natural progression.

To support Ray's comments about Beyond Borders' Transformational Travel
program, I think when the visitor/volunteer (specially the youths)
"experience"
Haiti, he/she gets as much out of the work as the Haitians do. BB
encourages
this with the Apprenticeship for Shared Living program. As a former member
of its US Board ten years ago, I saw many foreign nationals' lives changed
due
a short stint in Haiti.

I think the greatest gifts gained on both sides are the sincere
relationships
and friendships that get developped, specially when made in respect and
dignity. The average Haitian deep down is "ashamed" to receive free help
from
total strangers, (though many of us are reduced to such a state due to the
latest economic deterioration). Though thousand times poorer than the
visitor, the Haitian peasant often wants to give something valuable in
return.
Thus, the surprise of many visitors when they're offered one of the few
chickens on the small farm after a visit.

However, more importantly, it is the spirit in which the help is carried
out
that counts the most. If done in humility, integrity and because of the
love of
God's children everywhere, then, the rewards are eternal!

Jonas Alexandre, MBA, MIS
Mgr., Customer Sales Operations
Wyeth Pharmaceuticals
Colelgeville, PA