Friday, January 17, 2014

Haiti per Kim



January 17, 2014
Day 5 – Cap-Haitian, Nord Haiti

The past five days in Haiti has been life changing.  I thought that my trip with the mission team was to address a need and it was although I actually received far more than you could imagine.  Some respectful observations are that Haitians are family oriented.  One of my most favorite things to watch are the parents taking their children to school each morning.  The children wear colorful uniforms with hair bows and socks to match.  The little boys and male youth were just as impressive walking younger siblings.  Both groups very affectionate toward each other even in the busy seemingly dangerous traffic, the girls often held hands.  The students seem to understand the importance and expectation of school.  The Fathers walk with such a strong gait as they escorted the children with the young men walking in the same fashion.  Haitian Women exude humility and pride at the same time.  The children carry themselves with excellent posture and the great majority of women and girls rarely wear pants.  I have been impressed that roles in the family are clearly established.

Although Haiti may go on record as being poor in finances causing some social ills, there is a since of richness in culture and a zeal for survival and overall standards.  Although there is a lot of work to be done, there is a lot of work being done.

Even though my interactions with the children have been minimal, yet being able to observe them in the school environment and their dedication to learning was an amazing thing to watch.  On a daily basis I have been approached by the curious students who ask very politely in English “What is your name” Do you speak creole or French?...  Yesterday they sang the song “Above All “ and sang “Worthy is the Lamb”  in both French and English, as we listened I was so inspired, it spoke to my heart and I now know that they understand who God is, it is unexplainable.

My take away is that you cannot accept what the media puts out there, the negative is always exploited.  Some places are worth seeing for yourself and Haiti is one of them.  God is dealing with Haiti in a powerful way and I want to be a force in that change.  I will return to the US different.

To my daughter Alanna, friends, family and church family, love you and see you when I return!

Kimberly Allen



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