Carol Knarr - Storyteller and Drama Specialist

 

I had never experienced poverty prior to this trip. Children, crippled by their parents, begged hoping to collect one dollar a day, an average day’s wage. Homeless gathered boxes or shreds of wood creating shelter only to have it washed into the bay with the rains that flowed down the mountain through the streets of Port-au-Prince.

 

Yet, those are not the images that remain fresh as I tell the folklore of Haiti. The stories of Haiti are filled with humor and trickery. As I tell The Monkey and Papa God, I see the woman who carried five chairs stacked on her head on her way to market. I see the small bananas I bought at market in the monkey’s hands and smell the strong odor of Haiti as the monkey sniffs the road where the woman's honey jar has spilled. 

 

I remember the crowded conditions riding the Tap Tap to town as a man with two live chickens sat next to me, another with baskets across from me, more holding onto the outside standing on the truck’s bumper and even more standing so close to me I could not breathe. I know just how the little girl in Tap Tap feels as her anticipation of riding her first Tap Tap turns to fear as too many board the truck making her feel unsafe.

 

Not since 9-11 have I watched the news so closely as I have since the earthquake hit Haiti. Buildings I entered are rubble. Streets I traveled daily are unrecognizable. 

 

As I watch the coverage of Haiti, I no longer ask what I can do to help. I can offer to bring awareness of Haitian folklore and help to raise money for Baptist Haiti Mission and other organizations by working with those who wish to bring hope to Haiti. 

 

If you are interested in hosting an event, contact Carol Knarr for remaining available dates for the Haitian Folklore Storytelling Concert at www.carolknarr.com.