Bonjur from HAITI!!
Our wifi has been very minimal in Haiti so that is why I haven’t posted at all. ):
Here’s just a few things I’ve learned and experienced while living in Haiti
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I’ve learned to not take my education for granted. A lot of kids here go to schools created by american foundations/schools created by missions. Or they attend government schools which are very expensive to attend but have much better curriculum, resources and teachers. I’ve found that some kids would do anything to be able to go to school but most can’t afford a simple uniform so therefore cannot attend. That broke my heart. To know how much I disliked school when I got a “free” education and was given the opportunity to have a place to learn everyday. It truly has changed my perspective on education and how much of a blessing it is to be given the option to learn.
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I’ve learned that Haitians think Americans are dirty because we don’t change our clothes after getting dirty during the day. Anytime the kids come to a vbs or bible study they always go home after to wash up and change clothes. The fact that we don’t change our clothes throughout the day is quite disgusting apparently. (;
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Haitian kids are pretty stinkin’ tough. Our host has a one year old that will play soccer outside with 12 year olds and get knocked over and fall on rocks and get up without a tear. Very. Impressive.
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Nakedness is not something to be ashamed of or feel vulnerable for. In fact when we walk to our neighborhood beach the kids all tear off their clothes and swim naked. Trust me, it’s as awkward as it sounds. BUT. The fact that they’re all so free and don’t have a single care in the world is inspiring to me. I wish life could always be that fun and freeing.
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Haitian women spend about 12 hours a week doing laundry in big silver bowls filled with clothes and soap. It’s extremely hard and taxing and their hands often bleed and blister from it. We’ve helped some women a few times and it’s also something that has inspired and enlightened me. Seeing women work that hard day in and day out is SO inspiring. True women of dignity and strength.
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I’ve learned/been pondering the question of “Who’s to say what life is better?”. The people here were born in this third world country and have never known anything else. And a lot of them are happier than anyone I’ve seen in the states. Happier than what you’d think or expect when you see the conditions of these people’s lives. We have all this stuff in the states. Too much stuff, in my opinion, and we cling to it for comfort and enjoyment. I used to look at third world countries and my heart would break because of how little they had compared to me but when I’m here looking at it all straight in the face there’s no telling whose life is better. Whose life is happier or more fulfilled? I’ve learned in Haiti that life’s not about what you have. It’s about who you’ve got by your side and in your heart.
Haiti has been challenging but I’ve grown so much in the Lord through it. Our entire group of 20 that’s here in Monwi have all been very sick the past week or so. We’ve all caught a bacteria infection and are hopefully over it now! Prayers for all of our health would be much appreciated. Also, please pray for the health of the other half of our squad. We do not want them to get them same sickness we had and we reunite with them on Wednesday morning. We have about three days worth of flights and layovers until we get to Botswana, so pray for safe and organized travels. We fly out Wednesday and can’t wait to be in AFRICA!!!!!! Please pray for our ministry hosts in Africa as they prepare for our arrival.
Love you all and appreciate your support more than you’ll ever know<3
-Kaylin
