So while we were in Haiti there were four amazing people! Literally life savers. They went around with us and translated Creole to English and English to Creole all day. But, they honestly did so much more than that. They were cultural liaisons for us and friends and hosts and body guards and drivers and supporters and language teachers and adventure finders and honestly so much more. I can say confidently that we would not have survived and definitely not thrived the way we did without these four people around us! So without further ado I would like to introduce you to some of my favorite people….
First we have Shamma! He was the first person we met when we got off the long bus ride. He was a very large (6’5”ish) beacon of safety and immediate comfort. He acted as our driver the entire time we were there and got us through many bumpy rides. I am not sure what I thought, but when I found out he was only 20 years old I was definitely shocked. He speaks with authority and dignity much past his years! One moment later however, he is spraying us with windshield fluid while we are on top of the truck with childlike joy and giggles. Meet Shamma (Sham Sham)….
Next, I met Ben! Ben woke up very early to take us running. When we asked him if he runs he, with a chuckle, said no I just don’t want you guys running alone. This characterized our interactions with Ben (really Wolf Benshino) the entire time we were there. He is so selfless and giving of his time, energy, and heart! Ben is also the youth leader at the local church we went to and also a worship leader. He has pipes that could make you cry with pure joy. The way he leads with the love of God is an inspiration! Meet Wolf Benshino…
Then there is Diana! Our only female translator she was our ultimate source of friendship and answer to all questions. Diana, unlike the boys, always told us the truth and helped us understand things in Haiti. Diana is an amazing woman of God. She is so smart and is even in school to be a doctor. Diana is such a helpful person when we desperately wanted to get our ears pierced she jumped right on making a plan to make it happen for us. Although the plan fell through (no fault of her own) she was so easy going and kind about wanting us all to get the most out of Haiti! So meet Diana….
Last but not least, we had Dave!!! Dave was the translator who was with us the most. He spent ministry time, meal time, and downtime with us! Dave was always around (for better or sometimes worse). Dave is a 17 year old with quite a journey already behind him. Dave is so open and forthcoming with his story. He uses his past in a beautiful way to glorify the name of God. one of the first facts I learned about him was his undying love for Justin Bieber. When he forgot lyrics to a song he shouted “Come on Dave, you say your a true fan.“ so we listened to Dave sing loads of JB songs all month. Dave is someone who can make anything fun and a joke. He asked me one day if I could swim and this created a daily joke between the two of us that I couldn’t explain to you if my life depended on it! Dave has a giant heart and even after his difficult past is not afraid to show it and allow others into it. I can’t wait to see what he accomplishes! Meet Dave…
