speak on it...

It's no secret that I have hang-ups when it comes to public speaking. I know where it stems from, so at least I can continue to work on my insecurities and improve.
I was approached by @beenishfahmed, a journalist who was reporting on the social, political, and personal life of Vodou in Haiti. She was curious about my experiences at Lakou Souvenance, and wanted me to speak on the fact that my people from the Bay - my friends, students and RTL sisters were there to experience the ultimate ceremony where devotees revere ancient, ancestral spirits, that link us to our native homeland. Of course, I had reservations, but you know what? I did it. I just spoke from the heart. It's a process...still learning and growing.
Follow @beenishfahmed on IG. She took some amazing shots during her stay in Haiti. Will keep you all posted when her work is published.
#lakousouvenance #vodou #haitianvodou #deka #culturalexchange #thebaytohaiti2016 #haiti #gonaives #growth #publicspeakingwoes #documentation #raratoulimen

Photo Credit: Jarrel Phillips - participant "The Bay to Haiti" Cultural Exchange Trip 2016

Easter Sunday. The wake-up call is at the crack of dawn. Hours of rituals, salutes, sacrifices, prayers, dancing, drumming and singing for the Spirits. It's now time to get refreshed. The initiates make their way to the pool, pray a little bit more, then proceed to jump in to receive the healing waters at Lakou Souvenance. Ayibobo!

#lakousouvenance #vodou #deka #haiti #gonaives #thebaytohaiti #thebaytohaiti2016 #culturalexchange #raratoulimen #haitianvodou

Photo Credit: Jarrel Phillips - participant "The Bay to Haiti" Cultural Exchange Trip 2016

Where it all goes down. The temple.
The temple at Lakou Souvenance has changed drastically since my first visit in 2007. Now, it looks and feels like a church. Gone are the hard wooden benches that killed your bottom. They've upgraded to pews. We in church for real! The energy inside? On a whole different level. The Vodou is thick and very real. I love this place.
#lakousouvenance #mystik #vodou #haitianvodou #deka #thebaytohaiti2016 #culturalexchange #raratoulimen #haiti #gonaives

Photo Credit: Jarrel Phillips - participant "The Bay to Haiti" Cultural Exchange Trip 2016

Procession to the Mapou | Photo Credit: Christine Joy Ferrer (2016)