Haiti | July 2013 | Blog 5 | Off to the Gym with Chris.

Saturday, 7/13/2013

Yesterday morning, I had just finished stuffing myself with an extra portion of oatmeal when I overheard that “the guys” were headed somewhere. My curiosity was naturally aroused as, after all, I am a guy. Marckens, who lives with Pas and Mommy Pas, told me that he and the rest of the guys at the house were headed to the gym. I was in. Let’s just say that I need all the extra muscle mass I can get.

Ana, Chris, and Marckens in Pastor's kitchen. 

As we set off down the dusty street, I couldn’t help admiring the cool morning breeze. I knew it was only a matter of time before, whether from the heat of the day or the exertion of my workout, I would be sweating so much that people would start commenting about it. That has happened every day, by the way.

Anyway, back to my story: we turned sharply into a narrow alley, descended several flights of uneven stairs, and found ourselves in a garage-sized space between buildings filled with an eclectic mix of workout equipment. On the ground, next to a rusty (but completely functional) bench press, sat an old car axle, perfect as a bar for squats or dead lifts. 

As we joined the already large group of men who were working out, I was struck by how this brief experience captured the essence of Haitian culture. The all but unannounced trip to the gym, the use of an obscure and unassuming space as a gym, the utilization of old car parts as workout equipment; all pointed to the spontaneity and creativity of the people of Haiti. Nothing seems planned, but it all works out just fine. Superficial appearances are recognized for what they are. And nothing is wasted. I mean nothing. It’s only a shame that the rest of that car was nowhere to be found...I could have used the A/C to cool myself down.

- Chris Rowekamp