Lesons from the Third World

Team from Kalkaska, Michigan

I recently returned with a team from KCC from a short-term mission trip to Haiti. We visited Sonlight Ministries in Port-de-Paix, Haiti for 7 days. When visiting a third world country such as Haiti, the common American mindset is "we're going down there to educate those people in order to improve their quality of life." The assumption, at least in my mind, has always been "We are the teachers; they are the learners." Yet this time in returning to the States I'm left with a different impression. The roles were reversed. The people of Haiti were the teachers. I was the student. What follows are a few lessons that I learned from the third world.

Lesson 1: Be friendly to everyone you meet 

Making new friends in the neighborhood

Upon arriving in Port-de-Paix, we attended an orientation to acquaint everyone with the customs of the country. One of the more important points was to be sure you greeted everyone you meet with a "Bonjour" in the morning and a "Bonsoua" in the afternoon/evening. Haitians actually consider it rude if you fail to say "Hello" upon entering a room. In the states we avoid eye contact most of the time with strangers, however, in Haiti it's common to look someone in the eye and say a warm, "Bonjou!"

This simple greeting lays the groundwork for a culture of friendliness and open relationships. Scripture says, "Remember to welcome strangers, because some who have done this have welcomed angels without knowing it." Hebrews 13:2 (NCV) Being friendly with a simple greeting tends to make us less self-centered and more aware of other people around us. The Haitian people are warm and friendly. We would do well to take a page from their book on openness and hospitality.
Lesson 2: A simple life is a fruitful life

Walking down the Port-de-Paix back roads.

During our trip we visited four different Haitian homes. What struck me at all of them was the lack of stuff in their houses. They live such a simplistic lifestyle. It's rare to see a Haitian home with cabinets, closets, or a garage. They simply don't need the storage space. They don't accumulate things like we in American seem to be prone to do. Consequently, they aren't centered around their possessions. They spend much more time talking to their family, neighbors, and guests. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying possessions are inherently wrong. What I am saying is just that the time it takes to manage what you own could possibly be used for more important activities.

In the parable of the soils found in Luke 8:14, Jesus compares the weeds to those people who allow their  possessions to become so consuming that they actually prevent them from becoming fruitful or productive in healthy ways. Jesus says we can become choked by the cares, riches, and pleasures of this life. He's not saying they are wrong, but in unhealthy amounts they become suffocating and damage our lives and ultimately "kill" our fruits.

Lesson 3: People are important / Relationships are priceless

Students at Sonlight Academy

You've probably heard the saying, "It's not what you know. It's who you know." That little proverb is so true in Haiti. Flying into the new Port-au-Prince airport, our team was greeted by a Pastor named Nadar. Nadar knew the customs workers and was allowed to enter into the area where we were collecting our bags. He had built a relationship with them over time so that they trusted him. And in return he made their job easier. After joking with the customs officials, Nadar had us on our way without having to open even one bag for inspection! Right or wrong, Nadar had connections!

When you run into someone you know in Haiti, they first ask you about yourself, then your family, and then about what you're doing. The focus is on people, not on data nor things. Haitians realize people are important and their relationships are priceless. Sadly, many times in the US we don't come to this reality until a loved one falls seriously ill or a tragedy strikes. Oh, that we would quit being so busy with so many things and enjoy those around us by deepening our relationships with them. Our things will break, rust, and wear out. But the people we know and the relationships we have with them will endure. Making the most of them while we can will reap rewards no money can buy.