Christmas in Haiti

Monday was the party at Agape for the school kids and the kids in the Sunday school class. We arrived early to decorate and when the kids were arriving we danced to music. Once everyone was there some of the kids went up front to perform a song or recite a poem. They have Christmas songs but I didn’t recognize any of them as being translated from English. Santa is Pere Noel (Father Christmas) here. After singing we had snacks and then presents. The child had each drawn a name at the beginning of December. Carline picked up each gift and the child who bought it went up front and said who it was for. That child came up and said thank you with a kiss on the cheek. This is a normal gesture. When we greet each other we shake hands and touch cheeks.

Tuesday we went to Mirebalis for the Christmas party at Loving Hearts. The kids were all dressed in their nicest clothes and excited to see us. After decorating we all sang songs and danced. Martin passed out the presents we brought and everyone played with their new toys until it was time to eat. We had a special dinner and got pop. We had to leave after that to get back for the youth party.

Since the first week I was here I have been hearing about this party on Christmas Eve that the youth throw. Lienka and I dressed in our nicest dresses (think Homecoming dance). We left the house around 9:30, which is usually when I am falling asleep, but I was excited. We arrived at church and were escorted to our seats. A group was already up front singing. The president welcomed everyone. Then a group performed a skit. It was the story of Ester so I knew what was going on. A group of girls did a dance. A couple of guys rapped and sang. The finale was a fashion show. The clothes were designed by some of the guys in the youth group. As the models/my friends walked down the runway the song “I’m a Barbie girl” played. These models didn’t just walk out turn around and walk back. They stopped several times to pose for pictures. Everyone was cheering. I’m so glad I got to be a part of it. The clothes were really well designed. I would wear some of them.

We had a meal of rice, chicken, and pasta. They set up a projector and we watched a movie. It was a Haitian made movie but I mostly understood what was going on. During the movie we had popcorn and later on cake. We got back home around 4:30am.

I had scheduled to Skype with my parents and sister at 7am Christmas morning so I decided to stay awake a little longer and sleep later. It was great to talk with them and see them opening presents. We had a good signal and the electricity stayed on so we could talk for a long time! After we said Good-bye I took a nap until 11am when I Skyped with more of my family!

Here on Christmas day it is a day of rest and that’s what we did. There was a Christmas program on TV and they were singing Christmas songs in English so I sang along. We had some visitors so I met more of the family. Hope you had a wonderful Christmas!

My first Haitian wedding

This weekend we went to three weddings. Friday we made two potato sides to take to the reception that night. Carline let me borrow one of her dresses and Asmene did my hair. Everyone was running around all day getting ready for the wedding at 3. We arrived just in time to see everyone walk down the aisle. The bride and groom sat down up front along with the best man and maid of honor. The preacher spoke. There was exchanging of vows and then rings. We sang and prayer for the couple. They signed the marriage certificate as a part of the ceremony. The preacher proclaimed them husband and wife, they kissed, and everyone cheered.

We took lots of pictures. The reception was in a banquet hall. It was very beautifully decorated. Members of the wedding party gave toasts. A couple people sang songs for the couple. There was good food. We left before the cutting of the cake. I think they told me it wouldn’t be over until around 1am. My first Haitian wedding was a great experience!

Saturday, there were two weddings, one right after the other. The first one had purple decorations, which were then torn down and gold ribbons put up for the second wedding. The second one was actually a 50^th wedding anniversary. I did learn that if a couple wants to get engaged the man’s parents go to the woman’s house. The woman’s parents call her and ask for these parents are here for her. She will say yes then leave. The parents will then discuss the arrangements for a wedding.

I had a busy weekend and it doesn’t look to be slowing down any with Christmas coming in the next few days.

Pignon

This past week Jim, the Regional Director, came to visit all the NMSI missionaries in Haiti. He saw the orphanage in Mirebalais and came to church with us on Sunday. It was good to have him here; to show him what I am doing and talk through things. I learned a lot more about NMSI and what they do. He traveled to Jacmel and Gonaives during the week.

 

This past weekend I went with him to Pignon. Mioche is the missionary living there. Pignon is quieter than Port-au-Prince and a lot easier to walk around. I joined some ladies from the church making paper beads for jewelry they send to the US to sell. They taught me how to make the beads. We visited the school and church Mioche has started. There is an American missionary couple running an orphanage just down the road from Mioche. I got to meet them and see their place. It was a good weekend seeing more of Haiti and meeting more people doing God’s work.

We got to fly back through MAF, Missions Aviation Fellowship. It was a five seat plane. I was reminded of how beautiful Haiti is from above.  

Skirts I've made

I've been making skirts and a dress this summer getting ready for Haiti. I got the idea for the elastic from this blog.