Today one of our workers said to me, “Mwen byen, gras a dye” which means,

I am well thanks to God

or also means I am well by God.

If this was the first time, I wouldn’t think anything of it but they consistently say this – day in and day out.

They could be sick or well – they could have malaria – and all the while in the midst of however they are feeling they say, I am well thanks to God.  Make no mistake, they aren’t hiding their feelings or pretending that everything is fine when it isn’t.  If you ask what is going on they will certainly tell you.

The phrase is meant in such a way that they know everything is not fine but by God they are well.  Another way to put it is that they are well because God is with them.

They seem to give it all up to God.  They don’t feel like they are offending anyone if they add the word “God” to a sentence.  They don’t think twice about it.  They just say it along with the normal greeting.

It’s inspiring to hear them say that phrase even though they don’t have to say it or need to say it.  I think of all they go through.  It’s no secret that there are some real BIG needs here in Haiti.  Even having the dentist here this week makes me realize how much of a blessing it is to have them.  Nobody has dental insurance.  I don’t even want to know what they have to do when a big tooth problem comes up!

Take for example the saying Na wè demen, si Dye vle which literally means “See you tomorrow, if God is willing” or if God allows.  They know what it’s like to live day to day.  Because of that, I believe, they realize it’s up to God.  God doesn’t revolve around our world, it’s his world we revolve around.

In the midst of this land of infinite impossibilities they say, I am well by God!  I think it’s something I can need to learn.

Whether there are earthquakes or mountains in my life, I know I can look back and remember these phrases.