As my time for furlough is coming up soon, I am already homesick for Haiti. It makes me sad to think that so many don’t understand the longing that I feel to be in this beautiful country. I feel like all you hear or see about Haiti is negative. There is so much more to Haiti than that. There is so much beauty that is hidden by those that speak about this country. It’s called the Pearl of the Antilles for a reason.
Pearls are interesting things. When you open an oyster, you never know if you will get one or not. In fact, I recently read somewhere that there’s a 1 in 10,000 chance of finding one in the wild. Of course, not everything on the internet is true so we will take that as it is. But regardless, they are rare. And they are beautiful. Part of their beauty is their rareness and the fact that they are hidden in something that doesn’t look so great from the outside.
I didn’t give Haiti the name the Pearl of the Antillies but I do find it fitting. Looking in from the outside, especially with what is reported about Haiti, you may not think that you will find much beauty here. But wow, when you look inside what a wonderful surprise you find. I would say the natural beauty of Haiti is rare in todays world where we work so hard to create manmade beauty. So much of Haiti is still left as God created it.
I have often struggled to describe the wonder that I find while being in Haiti. And I can share hundreds of pictures, (enjoy plenty here in this post) but none will ever truly do it justice. This beauty that requires more than just your sight. It requires all five sense, as well as your heart and soul. It digs its way inside of you and you can’t escape it.
The beauty of this country is so much more than the landscape and views. I have chosen not to share photos of people in this post. But so much of the beauty is the Haitian people. I was speaking with a fellow missionary today (who’s served here almost 50 years) and we were both saying that we feel the relationships we have here are different. You don’t find relationships like this elsewhere. We both admitted to quickly feeling at home when we came here, quickly finding a family. Relationships made here last so much. The Haitian people, my Haitian family and friends, they are remarkable. It is again something that I can explain to you but you will never understand unless you experience it.
I continue to struggle to pinpoint a good explanation to others as to why I love this “pearl” so very much. I know that I love the views, I love the people, I love the food, I love the experiences, I love the culture. I know that I feel God here. I know that this is where He has me. But I cannot describe this to others. However, I can share as much of the beauty as possible. I must say, I have never had someone visit and not be in awe of God’s creation here.
Please, take some time to consider the beauty and wonder of Haiti. I know you only hear the negative when anything is actually reported on, but there is so much positive. Please continue to pray for this country and her people whom I love so very much. Haiti, it’s going to be a hard two months without you. See you soon, si Dye vle.
All photos taken by me or family and friends. Photos range from March 2017 to June 2023.
Love You to Haiti and Back 