While I came to show love and increase faith in a people, I was shocked to find that they had so much love to offer me. We met a lady called “Ms. Cheap-Cheap”. She embraced us with so much love and asked me (Terrell), Valissa and Jennifer did we have Haitian parents. We responded that we were African American to which she said, “we are family!” She began to list countries in Africa that she knew black people from, gave us a big hug. I have never felt so loved for being me and having opportunity in my life. It gave me a whole new reason to praise God. To glorify Him simply for my life and the blessings He so freely has lavished upon me. Too often in the states I see an ever increasing trend to ‘get more stuff’ and chase riches. This causes us to miss the riches in front of us (family, friends, a job, a place to stay, clean water, and clothes to wear every day).The people of Haiti understand better than any that God works miracles and they are sure to thank and praise Him for every little thing. From rain to clean clothes and a roof over their heads (even if it’s a tent) these things are gold and a Gift from the Almighty God. To say the least I am humbled, grateful and overjoyed to be able to serve in love-with my Alabama State University and Frazer UMC team members-our neighbors and family in Haiti.
It takes a village to raise a smile. My time in Haiti has been filled with great sadness and even greater joy. When we arrived in the Leveque community we were accompanied by interpreters and the village champions. I was excited to get to know them and they were even more excited to get to know me. They shared their love for their country, their people and their desire to see uplift and transformation in Haiti. I was taken aback by the contentment they showed for small things that I have taken for granted in America. Upon showing one of the interpreters (Delmont’) my college graduation pictures he exploded with joy and gave me a big hug and high five exclaiming, “congratulation bro!”. I was so much more thankful to God for the opportunity to go to study at a university because to some I am a miracle.