Haiti.
I've made two journeys to this country. the second time I traveled, this past July, I learned a lot more than my trip back in 2013. part of it could be that I had familiar people with me and part of it could be that I was too young to understand what I understand now. either way, it has taken me quite some time to process all of it (I'm still in awe.) and i would like to share with you some of my observations and some of the lovely human beings I met.
cultural observations:
things are so worn down and dirty, yet so colorful and beautiful and full of life
anyone who can afford to purchase/is lucky enough to find a siren can place it on their vehicle
people live on the streets because they are afraid of what they have/don't have to go home to
a woman with a shoe business, but doesn't have any on her own feet
the smell of burnt trash
so much dirt that you can't see clearly out the windows when going very fast
a male riding in the back of a garbage truck sleeping
little girls jump roping
a majority of drivers are male
a branch in the road means a broken down vehicle is ahead
soda bottle fences
filling old gas cans at wells for drinking water
scripture on buildings, cars, buses, etc.
when passing by Haitians, they all looked so worn down and a simple wave or smile first changed that.
personal observations/things learned:
it is so important to love on others with no limits and no expectations
it's so important to listen to others with the intent to understand
showing others you care about them looks very different depending on age, sex, culture, person. and that just because it's not the same way you would show you care, doesn't mean it didn't take every ounce of energy or courage for them to show you
people put pride in parts of them that need loving the most
if you give someone the option to love, they will
silence isn't always bad or awkward
we may speak different languages but God listens and understands us when we call on Jesus
you can fall in love with every person you meet
showing love to others is just as important as the hard physical labor
emotional exhaustion wears you out faster than physical
letting your guard down and allowing discomfort in is the easiest way to realize the reality of the life you're living
the truth will always reveal itself
count it all as joy
