On Living in Haiti

         I often think about moving to Haiti and working here (Haiti, Notre Maison, etc.) full time.  It has always seemed like a dream that was "out there" somewhere in the future.  More and more, though, I'm thinking what if the future is really now?  What does it really mean to move to and live in Haiti?  Am I ready for it?  Can I do it financially?  What would my life be like living in Haiti?
          Where would I live?  If I wanted to work at Notre Maison/St. Joe's, would I live onsite?  I don't know that that would be feasible because groups are in and out, and I'm not sure that I want to live out of a suitcase forever.  In fact, I couldn't.  I would want/need to establish my own space--make it mine--and the orphanage just doesn't have that kind of space.  If Notre Maison is not an option, then what?  Do I live in the neighborhood?  If I did that, then I would need to really fix up a house, wire it for electricity, buy a generator, etc.  Would it be safe?  Women living alone just doesn't happen very often here.  Would I need to hire someone to be the "guard" on the property?
           Maybe living up in Petionville would be a better option in terms of a house that is livable, closer to more conveniences, maybe safer.  Then how do I get to work?  I could buy a car, but that means more money for upkeep.  Tap tap and motos are an option, but that takes a long time.  And, I would want the freedom that comes with owning a car.  Do houses in Haiti come with washers/dryers, refrigerators, freezers, etc.?  Could I do my laundry by hand every week?  Cooking here at the orphanage is a bit old school, but is that what it looks like in a typical Haitian home?  I'm not sure I even know what a typical Haitian home looks like.
         How would I handle finances?  How do I open up a bank account?  What about a driver's license?  Navigating the legal system might be beyond me.  It would be a steep learning curve to figure it all out.  How would I make friends?  I meet a ton of people who come through the guest house, and relationships develop, but only a few have developed into friendships.  Living in Haiti could be very lonely without real friends.  Making friends is hard for me, and doing it in a foreign language seems daunting.  What about entertainment?  Books in English could be hard to come by.  Go to the movies is out of the question.  Running and biking for exercise and entertainment aren't going to happen.  A gym membership would probably be out of the question simply due to cost, and even though I know Haiti does have gyms, I have no idea what they look like or what they offer.
          And there are the medical issues.  Who becomes my primary care physician?  What about a dentist?  Prescription medications?
          Do I sell everything in the States--the house, the car, the furniture?  If I do that, then I am totally committed to living in Haiti.  If I don't, how can I ever financially afford to support two households?  What about Boo?  He would never make it in this climate, and I would miss him terribly to say nothing of missing my family and friends.  To do this all alone seems too overwhelming.
          My heart wants to do it and be here.  My head wants to want to do it, but practicality rears its ugly head and smacks the heart down.  Today, for some reason, living and working in Haiti seems like nothing but wishful thinking.  Glad I don't have to make a decision now.  But soon I will.