The Good News

photo via Christy Stewart

The Gospel is Jesus, the Son of God, living here on earth, dying for our sins, and then raises from the dead. As humans we are born into sin and once we repent God will show us grace and accept us into His family. Then as Christians we try to love God and love others. Most of you reading my blog know this and believe this. That's great! But is that it? Are we really living like we believe the Gospel?

This is something I have been learning about since last December when I was in Haiti. I read a lot more and talked to God a lot more there than I did before and sadly more than I do now. I was reading Ezekiel and saw what our lives look like without God. In Ezekiel 16: 1-14 God tells the prophet how when Israel was born there was no one to take care of her. She was dirty and alone. But God loved her and she become His. Do we ever stop and think of how much of nothing we are? Or about how nothing we do can be good enough for Him and He loves us anyway?

In The Cost of Discipleship Dietrich Bonhoeffer writes, "grace is costly because it calls us to follow, and it is grace because it calls us to follow Jesus Christ. It is costly because it costs a man his life, and it is grace because it gives a man the only true life. It is costly because it condemns sin, and grace because it justifies the sinner. Above all, it is costly because it cost God the life of his Son."

Recently this topic has been coming up again. The sermon series we just finished covered Hosea. God asks Hosea to marry a prostitute to show the people His love towards them. Through His loving discipline He showed grace. Why do we think we can accept God's grace and then go back to living our lives? How can we call ourselves Christians when we keep putting our trust and hope in ourselves?

Trusting God

Psalm 62:8 trust in him at all times ye people, pour out your heart before him.

During my time in Haiti I learned a little more about what it looks like to trust God in every situation. One Thursday night I read Acts 10 where Peter is called to Cornelis's house. He obeys God, goes and speaks. I felt like Peter. Just go with the flow because God says go. The next morning I was told we are going to church. I still don't know what was special about that day that we decided to have church. 

We sang, someone gave a message and, we read Psalm 104 and 37. In these chapters God says don't fret, trust him, he will provide everything. Later that evening when I was recording in my journal what had happened that day I wrote, "All I did today was worship. I have the best job." 

Around four months of being in Haiti I wrote this, "Because I have surrounded I have peace. I do have worries, but not that you [God] won't work everything out. I worry mostly about the outcome of everything you work out for your plan. But I have no other choice but to obey. It is the best way. And obeying right now means just going with it and trusting you will speak through me. The way you work is amusing to me. It's because it's the craziest way to do it that I know you are the one in control."

Living with kids

Me and Ronyka

Abed and Me

During my time in Haiti I lived with two children. Abed is a year and a half and Ronyca is five. I got to watch them grow and learn new things in the six months I lived in their home. Here are some short stories of our time together.

After Abed got comfortable having me in his home we would make faces at each other; sticking out and curling our tongues.

One time when Irma was getting water for Abed there must have been some water in the lid of his bottle because when she popped it off water went all over his face. He didn't cry though and she didn't notice, which was the funniest part. No one else saw.

One Saturday afternoon Abed was bouncing a phone and hit himself in the head. He laughed at first then realized it kind of hurt. He started to rub his head and look around to see if anyone else noticed. We made eye contact and I just shook my head. He stopped and shook his head too and went on playing.

Pop comes in glass bottles. (There are plastic bottles and cans but glass bottles are cheapest because you trade in your empty bottle for a full one.) After I was done with my 7up one evening I started blowing over the top of it. Abed and Ronyca thought it was the best thing. They were both laughing for awhile. Abed tried to blow too. The next time I had a 7up and the kids were around I blew over it at different intervals while I was drinking to make different pitches in sound.

I was sitting on the ground eating a bowl of rice and peas when Abed tripped over my foot. The rice and spoon in my hand went flying everywhere when I tried to catch him. He wasn't hurt. It was really funny and no one else saw. I got a broom to clean up the rice.

Ronyca was running and throwing herself onto my lap with her arms around my shoulders. Abed wanted to do it too. He tried but isn't quite tall enough so he just ended up running in between my legs. 

Vonnie was giving Ronyca a bath. She opened a new package of soap and threw the package on the ground to pick up later. Abed picked up the trash and put it where the trash is supposed to go.

Ronyca uses toys to put on make-up like she sees the women in the house doing. We pretended to wash clothes, eat, wash dishes, ride in a boat, watch a movie, and take communion together. It took me a while to figure out we were taking communion. It doesn't matter what culture you are in, the kids watch the adults to learn how things are done. The same way the kids watched and learned I did as well.

Ronyka, Me, and  Goneas

Sometimes after church Goneas would come over to play. She is around Ronyca's age and goes to Agape school so she knows me. One day the four of us played soccer in the main room. Goneas used my flip flops to mark where the goal was. I was the goalie and the three kids kicked the ball away from each other to try and score.

It's not about you

My walk leaving church

Last May I went to training before becoming an apprentice in Haiti. The other 20 or so people there were interning for the summer in a few different countries. One of the girls, Courtney, spent the summer in Kenya. When she started school again in the fall she started a blog for one of her classes talking about her time serving in Kenya. In October I read what she had to share. God told her, "Don't you see, none of this has to do with you? All of what you are participating in is about Me and furthering My kingdom. You can't be effective here unless you realize that you are nothing without Me and that your identity is in Me. You are not your clothes, your past, your hair, your story, you are simply my dear child." I did not want to hear this at the time. Isn't my story who I am? I thought I was in Haiti to be an example of Christ so lives would be transformed. Even now I have to remind myself that this, what I'm doing with my life, isn't about me. It's not even really about anyone who is watching my life. I am living a small story compared to the one God has written. The one where he and his kingdom are at the center. 

Dancing at the Christmas party in Mirebalais

During my time in Haiti God taught me who I am and that it's not prideful to own these characteristics. He revealed to me the image I had created of myself for protection from other's judgments. Once I was able to see and believe God's truth about me I was able to love others better. I am not as concerned about what others think or how they react to me. Now that I am confident in who I am I can see where God wants me to love and serve others.

If you know me, you know I like to read. I read a lot in Haiti and one book was called True Community by Jerry Bridges. In this book the author talks about the different ways Christians live. We should be abiding in Christ. This means instead of asking God for help to get through the day because of his power I should ask him to get me through the day because of his power. God and I are not equal working on a problem together, he is doing everything, and I am just the physical being here on earth the work is being attributed to.

Romans 15:18 God did his work through Paul. Paul acknowledged he does nothing on his own. 

Phil 2:13"For it is God who worketh in you both to will and do his will." 

Isaiah 26:12 "Lord you will ordain peace for us, for thou also has wrought all works after us."
Rms 8:28 and 2 Tim 1:9 I am called to do this right now, not because of my own works but because of his purpose and grace. It doesn't matter what I can do, I am called to do what God asks.

I noticed that the youth I became friends with want to evangelize to everyone they see and think that all Christians think this way. I am learning from them to tell my story so God is praised but it's not about me. It's not about them either, is it? The point is Christ.

Saying Good-bye

I am getting on a plane tomorrow morning. I said good-bye to the kids in Mirebalais and they gave me pictures they drew. We had snacks and a party at Agape on Friday to say good-bye to the kids there. For my last time teaching all 25 of them crowded around me just like to first day of school, except this time they all knew the English words for the things I pointed to in the books. 

Some of the girls at church gave me hair clips. I said good-bye to the congregation and Martin translated for me. I told them how much I would miss them and how thankful I am for their kindness and generosity. The ladies from choir presenting me with a gift. I also received something from the youth group. This afternoon two of the guys from youth that I have become closest with, came over to say their good-byes. Martin and his family came over for dinner and we had a feast, including cake! 

This was under the best circumstances I could have had for being immersed in a culture. I had a month before school started to learn how things functioned around the house; like cooking and laundry. I was able to meet with some guys for language learning. Once school started I felt comfortable around the teachers because they were some of the ladies I lived with. I was able to understand the kids a little and not feel completely overwhelmed. I’m glad I was here for six months to see change take place. A couple of houses on my street were built. I was able to see Abed learn new things and Ronika become more comfortable playing with me.

Thank you for taking this journey with me. I know it was because of your prayers that I had such a successful time here. I will be speaking at a few Sunday school classes and churches when I return. If you are available to sit and talk for 5 minutes or 50 I would love to share more with you in person if it’s possible. I am certainly not done processing everything God had taught me here. I plan on still posting more about Haiti and what I am going to do with my life when I get back home. 

A glimpse of Haiti

 These are a few snapshots of my time in Haiti.

Milande is very creative. She makes bracelets and belts, arranges flowers for weddings and Christmas, and crochets. One day she taught me how to make a bracelet, all without saying anything. I just copied what she did.

While talking with a couple of the guys they learned I like art. Agenor asked if I would draw a picture of him. I did but that is not what I’m best at in art. I think they liked it.

We pass the same people every day on our walk to school. They have gotten used to seeing the white girl. Sometimes the kids like to reach out and grab my hand as we pass each other. One day I was holding Ronyca’s hand and a woman asked if she was my daughter. Apparently she didn’t think that was unreasonable and I had the realization I am old enough to have a five-year-old.

I got to watch two houses be built on my street.

Rode in a taxi with Martin. It looked like any other car. There was a young man sitting in the back with me. He had a rose. I wondered where he was going.

Passed a guy on the street who said he didn’t speak Creole, only English. He asked me where I was from and then said congratulations when I said America.

One day at recess one of the teachers brought a CD player. First the kids were dancing solo to show off their moves. Then we danced to “We are the Children.” The kids partnered off each boy with a girl.

Roynca posing as I take a picture out our back door.

One Saturday I helped Asmene, Milande, and Carline decorate a church for a wedding. We hung ribbons and flowers on the pews and draped fabric in the doorway. We laid a long piece of fabric down the middle of the isle for everyone to pass over. As I was helping I understood most everything they asked me to do. Not just from their pointing and hand motions, we actually communicated with words.

Martin baptized nine people in the Caribbean Sea

I saw a boy, maybe 10 years old, leading a bull down the street. 

Celebrating the New Year

New Year’s Eve there was a night service at church. We arrived around 9pm. We alternated between singing and someone sharing what God did in their life in 2013. At five minutes to midnight we sang and praised God to ring in the New Year. We exchanged hugs and said, “Bonne Année.” Then for two more hours people shared what God did in 2013. It was a good time of remembrance and celebration looking towards the future. I got up and spoke, telling everyone I am thankful God called me to Haiti at this time and thankful to everyone who welcomed me like part of the family.

New Year’s Day is also Haitian Independence Day. There was a slave revolution and in 1804 Haiti became the first black republic. The French settlers and slave owners apparently ate a lot of pumpkin soup. The first thing the slaves did after declaring independence was eat pumpkin soup. Now every year all over Haiti that is what is eaten to celebrate Independence Day. It’s delicious. It is a pumpkin broth with potatoes, carrots, cabbage, and other vegetables.

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.

Kids to Kids Around the World

Each kid from Rachel's school that sent a pair of shoes wrote their
name on the bottom. The kids held up a sign with their own name
thanking the child in America for the shoes.

This week a team from Ohio came to deliver shoes to the kids we work with. When Rachel’s mom came back from her trip to Haiti, Rachel wanted to do something to help the kids she saw pictures of. For her birthday she asked for shoes for the kids of Haiti. In the past three years she has collected 2,500 pairs of shoes. With her mom, brother, and friend, Rachel came to us to give those shoes away. Her dream of collecting shoes is now a Non-Profit Organization, Kids to Kids around the world.

I got to join them as they gave shoes away at Agape school, Agape church, and Loving Hearts Home. It was defiantly a different experience being the one already here welcoming the missionaries. I’m glad I got to be a part of what they are doing.

They also brought backpacks with school
supplies for each child.

Early Mornings

"Some people associate Sunday morning with God. One of the things I associate with God is a sunrise." -Donald Miller, Through Painted Deserts

The entire time I have been here in Haiti I have not once set an alarm to wake up in the morning. I have just woken up at 5; it’s not because of the noise or the sun shining in my window; somehow I wake up to spend time with God before the day starts.

This morning I woke up and was grabbing my Bible and journal when there was a knock on my door. This is very unusual especially at 5am. The only other time they have had to knock was around 7am one day when we were going to church and I didn’t know it. I opened the door and there stood Carline ready to go to Mirebalais. I quickly put on my skirt, put my laptop in my bag, and followed her out the door.

Let me back up a few days… we usually leave for Mirebalais after church on Sunday. So I packed my bag Saturday night. But yesterday, November 18^th, was a National Holiday. It was the anniversary of the Battle ofVertières, so there was no school. Sunday night Carline told me we would be going to Mirebalais around noon on Monday. Noon came and we couldn’t go because public transportation was taking the day off too. She didn’t tell me we would be leaving to get there before school started Tuesday morning but when I saw her at my door I knew.

As I was following her up the stairs, in the dark, to the street I thought about how I wouldn’t be starting my day reading the Bible and was worried how I could be ok. Then I thought, I get to see the sunrise! As we rode I worshiped God while watching the sunrise above the mountains and we got to Loving Hearts at 7am, an hour before school starts.

(Sorry I didn't take any pictures)





Worshiping Together

When the electricity comes on a night it is a celebration. The lights flicker once or twice and then stay on for several hours. We say, “Wé”, “Mesi, Jezi” and “Halleluiah.” Then we plug in our phones to charge and set up our chairs in front of the TV to see what is on for the night. But if it starts getting dark and the lights haven’t come on yet someone will get the oil lamp, light it, and set it on the table. Last night was one of those nights. We were sitting in the dining room with Ronika and Abed running around getting out energy before it was time for bed. Abed lifts his hands and says, “Halleluiah”. At least that’s what we think he says. He is only 16 months old. Asmene, his mom, starts singing “Broken Halleluiah”. Since it’s in English I join in, but neither of us know all the words so when we finish we look at Abed and he raises his hands and wants us to sing again. And again. And again.

As we were singing I was thinking how awesome it was to be worshiping God together. Because we are all God’s children. He doesn’t just love me because I came here. He doesn’t just love the ones who do all the right things and have all the right answers. He doesn’t just love the ones who have an eventful, redeeming story. He loves all of us. He loved us all before we did anything, before we had a story to tell. Sometimes having electricity can hinder these moments.  

Prayers: Because of your prayers I am able to sleep at night even though it is noisy, I am safe, I am healthy, I am learning Creole, I am willing and don't get too embarrassed when asked to do something out of my comfort zone, I am the closest I have ever been with God, and I have a desire to pray for others. Thank you.

Learning in School

At both schools now, Agape in PaP and Loving Hearts in Mirebalais, we have separated the kids into three classes. There are around 20 kids in Agape with six teachers, and 50 kids at Mirebalais with five teachers. I like that we have split the kids so there are not as many surrounding me and I can go faster with the older ones who are picking it up. I also like that there is routine in the day. Both schools start the day by raising the flag and singing the National Anthem.  

At Agape I start with the oldest kids; 2^nd through 4^th graders. They have already mastered colors, letters, and how to greet each other. We have worked on numbers up to 20, I write the day of the week and date on the chalkboard in English underneath where it is written in French, and I just started animals with them. Then I move to Kindergarten and 1^st graders. They know the words for the colors and can sing the alphabet song but don’t comprehend what the English word they are saying means.  After lunch and recess I work with the youngest kids; 3-5 year olds. They have the shortest attention span so try to switch up what I do when I see they are getting bored. I think they all understood numbers 1-10 this past week.

 In Mirebalais I start with the youngest kids. We have been working on the colors and I just started the alphabet. The middle and oldest kids know the alphabet now and can say 1-100 with help. This is the first year of school for a lot of the kids at Loving Hearts.

At first Carline told me what to teach the kids but now I am starting to plan what to teach next. This week I am going to try and teach the kids to make a sentence describing the color of an object. Ex. The hat is yellow.  

Sisters in Christ and fun times

Anna came to visit me! For those of you who don’t know Anna, we became two of four best friends our freshman year of college. Anna and I took our first trip to Haiti together…and 2^nd…and 3^rd. Well the third, she was here for two months and I visited her.

It was such an encouragement to have her here. I got to introduce her to all my new friends and family and share with her what life is like here. It was good to have another American who loves Haiti to talk with and process through some things with.

She brought some things for me with her. I thought it was just going to be a few things from my parents but I also got two very encouraging notes from two amazing sisters in Christ. I have been overwhelmed recently with the amount of love you all, brothers and sisters, have been pouring out on me. I know you are faithfully praying for me and I thank you so much!

Anna is visiting some other missionaries in Port-de-Paix now and will be back with me for a couple days next week before heading back to America.

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Ronika is the little girl I live with and sometimes her friend, Gonies, comes over with her mom. The last time she came over the two girls handed me paper, a pencil, and some crayons. They first pointed to the placemats and asked me to draw the picture of the wine bottle, grapes, and cheese.  I did and they were impressed. Then they started pointing to things around the room for me to draw. Each time I was finished they would say, “Bravo.” That’s what we tell the kids at school when they do something well.

After the page was full of drawings they would erase a couple so I could draw something else. It was fun to be creative without the pressure of approval or permanency and they got to have fun just being silly with me.

Back to Mirebalais

After church on Sunday we headed back to Mirebalais. LovingHearts orphanage and school is in Mirebalais, depending on traffic, about 2 hours north of Port-au-Prince. School started Monday with about 50 kids, including those from the community. We split up into two groups putting about 15 kids in the younger class. Carline and I taught the kids how to say Good Morning, how are you, I’m fine, what is your name, and my name is. The kids also learned the name of their school and about the five senses. In the older kids class we learned the English words for body parts and I taught the alphabet. I stood at the chalkboard and pointed to each letter as we said it. I felt like a real teacher.

After school, some of the girls decided to do my hair. They took turns combing and braiding different parts. We played hand clapping games. I’m slowing learning the words to the songs. Carline found some coloring pages for me to paint to decorate the house. I let the kids choose which color I painted each object. I learned that where I would choose a similar color to what I think the object should be, red for tree trunks for example if there was no brown, the kids just pick any color they like. We ended up with pick leaves and lime green hair and it was beautiful.  

Instead of Martin picking us up today to come back, Carline and I rode in public transportation. It was a 15 passenger van that runs back and forth between Mirebalais and Port-au-Prince. We were the first ones in the van but only had to wait about 45 minutes for it to be full, so that’s not long at all.

First day of school!

We had 12 children at school. School is in the church building. Everyone arrived and was talking at their tables excited to see each other again and start a new school year. We started the day by praying and singing songs to God. We split up the younger kids from the older ones. Carline and I took the four younger ones. We sang “Good Morning, How are you? Very well thank you, and you?” in French and English. Then we practiced shaking hands and using the phrase in a conversation. Carline sang some other songs with them as well.

After eating and recess all the kids come to one table and I taught them colors in English. There was a song in one of the books Carline has and she gave me legos to point to and ask what color each one was. The kids seemed to be understanding and not just repeating after me. We also sang the Good Morning song with the older kids and added, “What is your name? My name is…” and everyone went around the table to introduce themselves. The kids learned other things today from the other teachers; they aren’t just learning English. Overall it was a great first day of school!

One month

I can’t believe I have been living in Haiti for a month! School doesn’t start until October so it is still summer break here in Haiti. It has been good to watch and learn before being tossed into a busy schedule. A couple of the guys from the church have stating working with me on my Creole. They say I’m getting better. I can read and pronounce the words but it is still difficult for me to hear and understand when anyone is talking.

I am so thankful for the home that I am in. I am defiantly building the closest relationships with these ladies and kids. We teach each other English and Creole phrases as we cook, clean, and hang out during the day. My favorite times are playing games like hide and seek, London Bride falling down, and hand clapping games; I think because the language barrier disappears and we just laugh.

Every Saturday when the electricity comes on we iron our clothes for church in the next morning. Then on Sundays we leave for church around 7am. I join Carline in children’s church where we pray, sing, memorize verses and have a Bible lesson. There are probably 40-50 kids every Sunday. Then I attend the main service. Either I look over the shoulder of the person next to me or borrow Asmene’s song book to sing along. There is a full band (keyboard, bass, drums) and singers leading the worship. When Pastor Martin speaks I can usually figure out the passage we are in and read it for myself but afterwards he explains to me what he talked about. When church is over everyone shakes hands and says, “God bless you”. I usually get back home around noon to eat and prepare the next meal before youth group at 3.

The youth is college-aged people. I’ve enjoyed going and meeting more people my age. The youth group is in transition right now from one president to another. So we are splitting up into groups to plan different parts of the Sunday night service. Every 2^nd Sunday the youth leads. Agenor sits next to me and translates what is going on. The first Sunday that I went they asked me to speak so I talked about what the tattoo on my neck means. In Haitian culture if you are a Christian you don’t have tattoos so I wanted to share why I have some. The word on my neck is makrothumia. It means the spirit which never loses patience with, hope for, or belief in. I explained how in Acts 7 Stephen was being persecuted and stoned but he still shared the story of God. In his last words he doesn’t hate the people but prays God has mercy on them. I shared that I always want to have this spirit of patience hope and belief.

If we aren't Facebook friends I have made my photo album public so you can see more pictures!

What have I been eating in Haiti?

Most everything is fresh, bought every morning. Haitians have four meals a day. A light meal when they wake up, something heavy before going to school or work, another heavy meal when they get home around 3, and then another light meal before bed. I like all the food. The hardest part is adjusting to the timing of eating. Most everything is cooked in several pots over a fire. A casserole can be made by placing the dish inside the pot and treating it like a Dutch oven, putting charcoal pieces on top.

Here’s a list of some of the things I’ve been eating:

Avacados-zaboka-they are as big as your hand!

Eggs-Zu-hard boiled and omelet

Mangos-mango

Sugar cane

Coconut- drank the milk and then ate the inside 

Labape- I’ve never had boiled peanuts but this is what I would imagine they taste like

Bananas- bannann-can be eaten out of the peeling, boiled, or fried

Spaghetti-espageti, and other pasta noodles

Fish-pwason

Chicken-poul

Crab-krab

Rice-diri

Beans-pwq

Corn- mayi-corn on the cob and mashed corn with beans

Potatos-pomdete

Breadfruit- mashed with an okra sauce is called Tom tom ak kalalou

Carrots-kawot

Onions-zonyon, Green peppers, and Green onions are in almost every meal

Keneps

Chips-Doritos, Pringles, and Cheetos

Bread-pen

Coffee-café       

Tea-te

Juice- ji-we squeeze our own lemons, limes, passion fruit, and oranges

Milk-let-comes in a can and you add sugar

7Up and Fruit Champagne- comes in a glass bottle

Also, I drink a 5 gallon jug of water a week