Its almost like a dream. Where we there? Time went by pretty slowly last week, long hot days without much more relief than shade and some warm water. But here I am, at home in a comfy chair. Dinner is in the oven, the TV is on, I have a cold drink, Danielle and Monica are doing homework, and Felicia is at work. It looks like it might rain, but that's alright, we will be warm and dry inside for the night, playing on the Internet, watching a movie or listening to music. Probably pretty similar to what is happening at your house tonight.
However, if you where in Haiti, tonight would be a bit different. Likely you are in a shelter of some kind, not a house, and you have the ground as a chair. You probably had some rice today, and your kids spent the day fetching water from the well, and playing with whatever they could find...a stick, rocks maybe a ball. Hopefully one of those strong tropical storms will not pass through and run like a river along the floor of your shelter. Tomorrow, the same as today, you will quest for water and food and do it all over again.
But you have something most people don't, even in the US...amazing faith. I saw it last year, so I knew I would see it again, but again I was amazed. It such a stark contrast to what I am accustomed to seeing. Here, we hide our faith to some degree, we are almost ashamed or afraid to show it. Some want it out of schools, and taken from buildings. It's almost cool to be complacent about faith, and radical to have it. There are more bumper stickers denouncing it than pronouncing it. A "God bless you" as a response to one sneezing may receive a scowl rather than a smile and a 'thank-you'. Not in Haiti...no way. They are not ashamed of it, they rely on it, and they want everyone to know the good news.
"No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light."
One day as we sat on the stairs of a PID house next to the ones we where working on, a boy sat next to Bob on the adjacent stairs to me. Not unusual at all to have the kids sit with us, or hold hands, or want to be carried. They aren't just friendly, they want to be friends. They all ask "what is your name"? Then offer theirs. When was the last time a child you had never met grabbed your hand and walked with you, or held up their arms so you would pick them up, just so they could get closer and spend a few minuets with you? It's humbling.
Back to the story, the young boy and Bob on the steps. They talked about school, family etc. At a brief pause in the conversation, and the boy said confidently, yet inquisitively, " I believe in God. Do you"? Can you believe how awesome that is? The boy was witnessing to us! Such a strong faith at such a young age. Where did he get that? He is not alone though, the country of Haiti has an amazing faith that they flaunt wherever they can. The Tap Taps exclaim 'Jesus is Lord', and vehicles everywhere are adorned with the owners favorite verse. Its so comforting to walk amongst people you can almost be sure share the same faith. People you don't know will pray with you without question, and folded hands close the chasm that separates our earthly world from theirs. Democracy and wealth from Hypocrisy and filth.
A lot of Haiti's trouble has been as a result of a corrupt government who blocked aid, taxed supplies, or just plain stole the money. Canada was the first to pull out, then the Red Cross held back and is waiting to jump in when they can be effective. UNICEF has tents and small camps that are empty waiting for an open door to the country. This week, Haiti's new President, Michel Martelly takes office. Already there is hope that he will make needed changes and help the people. Spirits are up, and there is a lot of work to do. Port au prince has seen some improvements, but much more are needed. Join in prayer with the faithful of Haiti that their lives be blessed, their faith strengthened and those government will serve and not betray them. God bless Haiti!
Brian
