In my life as a Christian, thoughts of being a missionary
has always appealed to me. Being able to serve God and man, see a foreign
country, meet new people, and live within their culture allures me. In my
fantasies, going to a different land every year sounded great.
Now, here i am, back in Haiti. Being here again has allowed
me to connect with most of the Haitian people that I got to know from last
year. When I first saw them when we got here, last Saturday, they still
remembered me!! “Chris!! Chris!!” greeted
with hugs and affection as if I am some family member!! Words are really too
small for me to express how overwhelmed with joy that I was and am to be with
them!!
I came here to serve them and they have served me far more
than I could ever serve them. Haitians are leaders in hospitality. I commented
to my friend, Steve, that I loved the bracelet that he was wearing. He began
taking it off to give to me. Most would say, “Oh, thank you.” Steve took it to
the next level. He was willing to give it to me without even caring about it!!!
I am learning that Haitians love to do things for others with no expectancy to
be blessed in return, but, I really didn’t want to take it from him. Thing is,
I know that if I would’ve asked him for his pants, he’d probably give them to me. I really wanna
spare him the embarrassment, so, I’ll not be asking him for them…..lol!!!
If I had no family and friends back in the United States, I
could just live over here!! I feel so welcomed. I sit among them. We play
together. We eat sugar cane, together. We laugh together. There’s a big
language barrier, but, with the love of Jesus, that barrier is nothing. Love is
the language over here!!
In Haiti, most of these people have nothing. I am wealthy,
compared to them!! Yet, they are rich in love, tenderness, and just being
together!! If you don’t love people, this place is NOT where you wanna be.
Everybody is elbow to elbow……lol!!! Whether it’s riding in the back of a truck
with a dozen people, walking the streets of Cap Haitien, or worshipping in
church with a thousand people.
Working at Vacation Bible School here, being with so many
Haitian people has taken my life to the next level!! These people know how to
love. I NEVER had a free arm, this whole week!! Kids were hangin on me and some
of the others on the team, the whole time!! They always want hugs and
affection!!
Sure, I’d love to serve in other places, but, now, I feel
that if I don’t come to Haiti, that I am neglecting my Haitian friends!! God is
doing a wonderful work over here with them.
-- Christopher Watrous
Chris, you fit in so well with Haiti. I'm so glad this trip happened for you again. Enjoy God's country!
ReplyDelete-Kelsey