One of our Haitian workers, Edphort, invited us over to his house last Sunday to see his wife and six-month old daughter.  We felt very honored, as he was the first Haitian to invite us to his house.  We were a bit nervous, as we had no idea what to expect.

Edphort took a tap-tap and met us half way there to show us the way.  (As if we couldn’t have found it … Turn at the tin shack by the red broken down car… follow the dirt road to the third large pothole, then turn right… )  It was very nice of him to take the time to do that.  When we were almost there, he turned timidly to us and said, “Excuse me, but I don’t own any chairs for you to sit on.”  It was very sweet of him, and of course we said no problem.

We followed several dirt roads until we arrived at his house.  It was made of concrete blocks and was actually very “big” for a Haitian home.  It had a “living room?” – a big empty room with only a crib for the baby, a bedroom, an area to cook and wash dishes, and a bathroom area (no toilet or shower – just a bucket with some water).  No electricity though.   It was very nice, and we were so thankful to get a glimpse into his life.

He had us sit on their bed since there were no chairs.  This was a bit awkward, but again, we were so appreciative.  His wife brought in a tray with two glasses and a bottle of water that they had bought for us, knowing that the water they drink may make us sick.  After that she bought out two glass bottles of soda that they had also purchased specially for us.  We were so humbled and thankful that they would do this.  We chatted with Edphort for a bit while his wife, Katelyn, cooked us lunch.  We offered to help, but she laughed and said no thank you.

Soon she brought out what looked kind of like tator-tots, but they were made of rice, mixed with milk, cinnamon, egg, and some other things, fried and pressed down.  There were a lot of them, so we ate a bunch, but left some.  Me, in my stupid American mindset, thought, I don’t want to get too full or I won’t be able to eat the actual meal.  Well, duh.  That was the whole meal.

Being a Sunday, Edphort and his family had church that day – but they go twice every Sunday – 7 a.m. to noon, and again from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.!  Incredible!  They truly make Sundays a day to worship the Lord!

We wish we could show you pictures of his house, but didn’t want to be disrespectful by taking them.  It was an awesome experience, and we were so thankful to get to know their family better.  They were truly joyful with, by American standards, so little.  It reminded me of the verse in 1 Timothy 6:8:

If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content.

What a great picture of that verse.