Rachel Zimmerman

There's an advertising campaign by Coke in Haiti stating 'jwi moman an' which means enjoy the moment. That's where I'm at right now. I want to embrace every single moment and yet my heart is breaking. It's crazy how much you love things when you know you won't have them anymore... I am less than fourteen days away from moving to the US from Haiti. This still feels impossible to me even though I have been processing this decision for a long time and am currently grieving. I'm soaking up every single moment. The sunsets, my friends, their children, church, locals, culture, traffic, last minute moto rides, the fact that I am finally speaking Kreyol pretty well. I love it all. And yet, I'm leaving it. How can this be? It makes no sense at all... I keep telling God that. And yet it's time. It's time to move. It's time to transition ... for now. And I feel like I love so many things about my life here. It feels impossible. How in...

An unwelcome character has been knocking on my door since June  Frap, frap, frap!! Hello? I respond, wearily.  Hello Rachel. It's time , he whispers. I slam the door in his face and tell him he's crazy and I'm not ready. Over months, he keeps knocking. And each time I answer, we speak a little bit longer. Gradually, I find the courage within myself to face the dreaded words - re entry, transition, leaving. How could I leave this beloved country? When will I be back? Why now? I'm just getting good at this thing. And yet the Father of Time continues to knock gently and speak tenderly.  Finally I ask: Father Time- will I make it?  Will this whole transition be okay? What about all the people I love and care for? You'll be okay. Better. stronger. But not until you rest, heal, re-integrate.  I have good plans for you. I am preparing you for something great. I love all of my children. I love all humankind....