8 Years of Haiti
Today, November 9th marks eight years since I first stepped food in Haiti. These last 8 years have felt like a lifetime and have flow by all at the same time. Happy Haiti-versary!
If you have never heard the term, a Haiti-versary is basically the date that one first went to Haiti. While there are for sure many individuals who go to Haiti once and don’t go back. For many of us, our first trip to Haiti significantly changed the course of our lives and lead to long term ties to the country. Thus it seems appropriate to commemorate the date.
My Haiti Story
In 2017, I got on a plane and headed to Haiti with no expectations or any idea of how that trip would change things. I was a teenager unsure of what I wanted to do with my life. Then God miraculously took me where I wasn’t even sure I wanted to go. He broke down my walls, my ideals, my dreams, and from the ashes of my disappointments crafted a new story. One where I followed Him down an unknown road.
After that 10 day trip I went back less than three months later and committed myself to a lifetime of loving that community and those people. I have never looked back and never regretted it for a moment. Though there have been so many times that I’ve wanted to quit to give up on the hard and complicated side of it all.
God has been so faithful and I am so grateful that He not only chose me to walk this road but has given me the grace to do so! In honor of the last eight years I want to share with you eight ways that Haiti has changed my life. Some of these changes are funny and some serious, I hope you enjoy reading them all.
Eight Ways Haiti Has Changed My Life
Haiti has made me more bold
I went to Haiti as a shy teenager scared to try new things and speak to crowds. I had never shared my faith, gave my testimony, or used my voice to proclaim truth. Circumstances in Haiti forced me out of my comfort zone and made me more confident and bold.
Haiti has caused me to tchip unconsciously
If you have not spent a lot of time in Afro-Caribbean culture or some other African influenced culture you probably won’t know what that means. That is why I am attaching this helpful and comical article about it. Enjoy! (:
Haiti has opened my eyes to life outside of the US
If it weren’t for Haiti I would have missed out on so many experiences that have helped me to see the world in a more well rounded way. I’ve come to understand that the American way of life is not the only way or even the best way. There is so much more out there.
Haiti has enriched my taste buds
The distinct flavors and cooking technics in Haiti have brought me a new culinary experience that has been so fun. I found dishes that I never knew I was missing. Haitian food has hands down become my favorite.
Haiti has shown me how to rest
The American version of relaxing is like the Haitian version of productivity… lol. But seriously, many Americans are high strung, highly stressed, and unable to just be. A lot of it comes from our go go go culture and the pressure to be in constant activity. In Haiti I have learned to slow down and be in every moment. I deeply miss this in the US.
Haiti has given me purpose
It has been so fulfilling to pour into ministry and use my energy for things of eternal value. Through pouring myself out I have found an inner peace that I didn’t have when I was just living for me.
Haiti has grown and stretched me mentally
Learning a new language and culture is such a stretching experience. Becoming fluent in Haitian Creole was one of the most invigorating accomplishments of my life.
Haiti has given me a beautiful marriage THE BEST GIFT OF ALL!
I love the way that my mixed-culture marriage has grown and shaped me in ways that a same-culture marriage never could. My husband and I share a unique and beautiful love that continues to bless me. (of course I’m not saying that a marriage between an American and Haitian is always good, as with any marriage it takes work and character)
Some Quotes in Honor of this Occasion
"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it solely on these accounts" – Mark Twain.
"The more you see, the more you love, the more you love, the less walls you see" - Unknown
“Bwa pi wò di li wè lwen, men grenn pwomennen di li wè pi lwen pase l” Haitian Creole Proverb (Meaning: Exploring the world gives us more possibilities than staying where we are.)