it's all pretty much the same

Since I've been back to the States, I've been traveling a lot. 8 states to be exact. And I've realized, it's all pretty much the same. Okay, so each place does have it's own "identity"... LA is Hollywood. You think of glamor and fashion. Florida- the beach. Vacation. Where I was at in Michigan... it was all country and farming.  When I drove into Evansville Saturday evening, I looked around-- what makes up Evansville?  A lot of people associate corn fields with Indiana. There are a few in Evansville, but it's really more city. I looked around at the buildings to see what we had.... and that's when I realized it's all pretty much the same. Sure, each place looks a little different, but underneath it all, it's the same. Grocery store, clothing, jewelry, restaurant, car lot and repeat. These places all sell things to us, giving us what we need (and more) to live. People work at these stores, so they can make money so that they too can buy what they need to live. No matter where you live- whether you work on a farm or you make movies in hollywood- you or a family member has a job, so you can make money, so you can buy food and clothes and car insurance and pay for your house.  While those are not bad things, necessities mostly....is that it?? Is that all there is?  Are we left on this earth to simply live and get by?  No, of course not. And I think we all know that. But how often do we actually live like there is a greater purpose?? 

i just love that place.

The June trip for Leve Project was my first time back to Haiti for the first time since leaving on February 11th.  It was a short and busy trip... but I loved it.

When you first visit Haiti, there will be things that shock you. Things that disgust, burden, and overwhelm you. And it's those same things that you will later fall in love with.

The smell of garbage and pollution. Even after many trips there, some people still can't stand the smell. I love it.

The heat & humidity. You've already soaked your clothes in sweat by 10am.

The mosquitos. Okay, so these guys... you don't really ever fall in love with. But you get used to them. Somewhat.

The masses of people. The streets are always crowded. You wonder how there could possibly be so many people in one place.

I love the people. I love the smells. I love the heat. I just love that place.