One Year Living Alone in Port-au-Prince: A Journey of Independence, Solitude, and Unexpected Kindness

July is a meaningful month for me. It reminds me that I have been living alone in Port-au-Prince for one year. When I look back at these twelve months, I realize that this experience has been one of the most challenging, but also one of the most transformative chapters of my life.

Living alone in a city like Port-au-Prince is not just about having your own place. It is about learning how to face life differently. It is about making decisions by yourself, taking responsibility for everything, and finding the courage to continue even when things become difficult.

One of the hardest parts of this journey has been the distance from the people I love. During this entire year, I have never had a visit from a family member or a close friend. There were moments when I wished someone would simply knock on my door, share a meal with me, or ask me how my day was. Sometimes, the silence of an empty home made me realize how much we often take the presence of our loved ones for granted.

But this experience also taught me the beauty of independence. For the first time in my life, I learned how to cook for myself. I discovered a new side of me in the kitchen, trying recipes, making mistakes, learning step by step, and realizing that I am capable of doing things I never thought I would have to do alone.

I have to admit that I am still learning — and I still don’t know how to make the perfect sauce pois (Haitian bean sauce)🤣. But every little progress feels like an achievement. Cooking has become more than just preparing food; it has become a way of taking care of myself and creating a sense of home.

I also want to thank Jean Bernard, who has always encouraged me to cook and reminded me that I am capable of learning. His support and encouragement have made this journey a little easier and more enjoyable.🙏

Port-au-Prince has not always been an easy place to live. The challenges of insecurity, uncertainty, and daily struggles can sometimes feel overwhelming. There were days when I felt exhausted and wondered if I was strong enough to continue. But every challenge came with a lesson.

One of the greatest surprises of this journey has been the kindness of strangers. People I did not know became sources of encouragement and support. Some offered advice, some helped me when I needed it, and others simply reminded me that humanity and kindness still exist, even in difficult times. Their words and actions gave me strength when I needed it the most.

This year has taught me that family is not only about blood relationships. Sometimes, unexpected people can become part of your story and make a difference in your life.
Living alone has allowed me to discover my own strength. I learned that loneliness can be painful, but it can also become a place of growth and self-discovery. I learned to enjoy my own company, create my own routines, and appreciate the small victories of everyday life.

After one year in Port-au-Prince, I am proud of the person I am becoming. I am stronger, more independent, and more grateful for every person and every experience that has been part of this journey.
This city has tested me, but it has also shaped me. It has shown me that even when we feel alone, we are never truly alone. Sometimes, support comes from unexpected places, and sometimes, the greatest discovery is realizing that we are capable of more than we imagined.

🎊🎉🎊🎉🎊🎉🎊🎉🎊🎉🎊🎉🎊

Here is to one year of courage, resilience, lessons, and growth — and to the many chapters still waiting to be written.