Life in Haiti is hard for a lot of people. It is amazing that the people here are able to survive. Some friends and I visited this mans sons house the other day. Now in this case it is not a matter of simply being bad off. The son has a problem with gambling and spends a lot of money on fighting roosters. But talking to this man it seems like he was a hard worker in his day. His son says he is 110 years old. While this guys son may not be the best steward of what he has, there are others of whom I do not have photos who have a life just as hard or harder. There is an old lady in particular who has a husband that gets intoxicated every evening. It makes me sad because the lady works very hard to take care of the house and cook and her husband wastes so much money on alchohol. Sometimes it is hard to deal with being asked for money and things on a day to day basis. The scriptures state pretty clearly that we should give to those who ask of us. But sometimes it is hard when you know they are asking just because they know you will give it to them or they are just trying to test you. I hope I am not being to critical of the people here. They are people who are happier than most Americans even with what little they have. And they are generous as well. The man in the picture's son gave us four eggs even when it was probably about all he had and we were not in need, I felt bad taking them as I often do feel taking gifts but to refuse would be to take something more, their dignity. Today a pastor out at a church in the middle of nowhere fed me lunch today. I did not want to take his food because I wasn't sure how much he had... All in all though people are doing ok here. Pray that I would have a good attitude towards people here and that I would know who and how to help. I am also in the middle of making decisions as to whether and which mission organization I should go to. Pray that I would make a wise decision. I was planning on going with crossword but am in the process of rethinking that. Well I miss all of you. Email me or post on my blog I would be great to hear from you :]
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Life in Haiti is hard
Life in Haiti is hard for a lot of people. It is amazing that the people here are able to survive. Some friends and I visited this mans sons house the other day. Now in this case it is not a matter of simply being bad off. The son has a problem with gambling and spends a lot of money on fighting roosters. But talking to this man it seems like he was a hard worker in his day. His son says he is 110 years old. While this guys son may not be the best steward of what he has, there are others of whom I do not have photos who have a life just as hard or harder. There is an old lady in particular who has a husband that gets intoxicated every evening. It makes me sad because the lady works very hard to take care of the house and cook and her husband wastes so much money on alchohol. Sometimes it is hard to deal with being asked for money and things on a day to day basis. The scriptures state pretty clearly that we should give to those who ask of us. But sometimes it is hard when you know they are asking just because they know you will give it to them or they are just trying to test you. I hope I am not being to critical of the people here. They are people who are happier than most Americans even with what little they have. And they are generous as well. The man in the picture's son gave us four eggs even when it was probably about all he had and we were not in need, I felt bad taking them as I often do feel taking gifts but to refuse would be to take something more, their dignity. Today a pastor out at a church in the middle of nowhere fed me lunch today. I did not want to take his food because I wasn't sure how much he had... All in all though people are doing ok here. Pray that I would have a good attitude towards people here and that I would know who and how to help. I am also in the middle of making decisions as to whether and which mission organization I should go to. Pray that I would make a wise decision. I was planning on going with crossword but am in the process of rethinking that. Well I miss all of you. Email me or post on my blog I would be great to hear from you :]
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4 comments:
generosity seems to be embeded in the culture there. Perhaps it is because it is their humane means of survival. Last nite we had a discussion about money with some good friends... the idea of wealth being relative came up as we were discussing the classic Mackey question 'should a christian buy a rolex'. In Haiti if you have two or three new shirts you are considered well off. In America if you do not have a car you are considered poor. In Haiti if you a facet with a garden you are living fat while in America if you live in a two bedroom apartment with a kitchen stove running water toilet and with four kids you are considered less fortunate. I guess it shows that every context is different and you must be discerning no matter where you are and make a decision in faith to give joyfully or to choose not to give. Thank you for stiring my mind and heart up to remember these things. ti ser.
Hey Dustin - Remember, that He gives stength to the weary and increases the power of the faint. :) Take care!
Hey ShakeyCam:
Know that we are praying for you!
God bless you my friend!
Sweet helicopter!
Romans 14:23
But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin.
Will be praying that the Lord gives you full confidence and the right perspective in making your decisions regarding if/what/how much to give. If you're not certain, wait on the Lord. He'll make it known and give you peace.
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