Marie-Ange (Rérétte) Charles - 18 Nov 2003:

Family and friends wonder why after thirty-two years in the U.S. I have not decided to naturalize. My heart and soul cannot forego Haiti. Let me tell you something you may think is crazy: it took over two decades for daydreams and scents of "mangos labiche, korosol, sapoti, , fritay..." to evaporate from my mind. (Forgive my créole.) The United States of America has been more than hospitable to myself and my family, so I can't complain. I enjoy living and raising my kids abroad, but Haiti is my love forever. I just can't let go. Like all Haitians, I pray that the Almighty will touch the hearts and souls of our people. Let's not hate but instead replicate so that we can bring changes to our beloved island. At last, Haiti will again be "la perle des Antilles".