Gloire de Dieu!

Life in Haiti is indescribable. I truly cannot explain the feeling here- but I wish I didn’t have to leave. At our place, hosted by Conscience International, it is paradise. Everyone is so nice and friendly, willing to help us with whatever we need at the time. We are surrounded by palm trees, fresh fruit, chickens, roosters, and pigeons. The girls in our group have the privilege of staying in a luxury suite compared to the typical Haitian housing; we have a large room with bunk beds and two private bathrooms with running water- all things that Americans often take for granted. And naturally, the food is amazing.

This is not to say that the devastation in Haiti isn’t there. Of course there is still much progress to be made, and although it’s hard to understand, sending money or clothes or shoes is not the solution. I see now that in order to help the Haitian economy, you must insert yourself into the community, or nothing will be done. What good is it to encourage a people who yearn to work and earn a living that accepting charity and begging is the natural way of living?

Our time in Haiti so far, in my opinion, has been amazing. Of course with me being a semi-germophobe, the sweat and dirt isn’t all that pleasant, but over the past few days I have learned to not only accept the grunge, but to also embrace it. The sweat and dirt are testimonies of God’s strength given to us to endure each day. They are also medals of God’s glory that can be showcased to the Haitian people, to let them know that yes, we are Americans, but through God even the laziest of people can be used for His purposes- and His purposes are to spread His love to everyone and help those who are in need.

Our mission wasn’t to build a rubble house. Like always, God’s plans go way beyond something that affects just one aspect of life. As a group of 14 people from 11 different churches, we are Christian individuals coming together to form a bond and unify our faith. We are people working beside Haitians and creating everlasting relationships with them. We are stepping out of our comfort zones to be the hands and feet of Jesus and show our willingness to be humble servants. Together we are viewing a different culture to see how God really wants us to live our lives- not with fancy cars or flat screen T.V.s. It is seeing the Haitian lifestyle that makes you see how material items are truly unimportant. It is the love the matters. It is the relationships that matter. It is God who matters. When He comes first, the stress will leave you and all your worries will fade away.

I’m looking forward to the rest of this week. The generosity I have felt from our hosts cannot compare to anything else, and when it’s time to go I will have a hard transition back to American life. I can see how people can easily fall in love with Haiti. But I will be sure to enjoy the last couple days while they last, because this whole experience has been a true blessing.

Gloire de Dieu- parce que ici en Haiti, c’est la vie!

Glory to God- because here in Haiti, it’s the life!

Shout out to my church, family, and journalism friends. I love you all!

 

Yours,

Olivia Porath- Chilson Hills Baptist Church