Using The Country Side to Reclaim My Time! (You Should Try)

I have been in Cavaillon for almost a week now with no electricity or running power. Once a day, if I have the chance, I give my phone to Total and let him charge it, but it is dead for most of the day and I don’t think I mind too much. Here, I feel relaxed. Yes, I hate the mosquitoes and I constantly feel like I need to shower, but the reality here is so simple. Life is so simple. I spend hours on the river, swimming and floating. I just let the water take over and let it consume me. I know it will never hurt me. I trust the river, in the same manner that I trust the ocean. I am one with waves and I feel most happy within them, moving slowly; sun hitting my face. It is the most calming and relaxing time to be alone in the river with my thoughts. With a brain like mine that moves 100 miles per second, I need time to be at ease, and the water provides that for me. My thoughts slow down and become more clear. I understand my place in the universe and it is easier to talk to God this way. It’s just myself and Him, together.

The past week has been not only peaceful, but productive. I photographed my first wedding (I hope the pictures are okay. It was difficult). Haitian weddings are long. There are so many songs and people dance during the ceremony. It was beautifully done, but it was SO HOT.  We distributed clothes to the children of the community and held a singing session with them. On Sunday, Pastor Reg preached about speaking what you want into existence and not speaking only on what you see in the world. Thank God Total was there to translate for me. I am learning a lot of Creole with Yndjy and Phalone and I’m having a really great time with them. They keep telling me that I am Haitian now. I feel really accepted, and not just like the outsider anymore. I’m really comfortable here.
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After service yesterday, Pastor took me to another waterfall. It was beautiful, but when you arrived at the swimming hole, it was a party. There were so many people with music, fruit that I’ve never tried in the States and coconuts. Everybody had their own bottle, they were taking pictures and it felt like the block party in Peekskill, but better because I could swim. The water was so cold, but hey, I was in my element yet again. Pastor and I sat in the water and talked about goals. He explained his vision for Cavaillon and Bouvier and I just felt his passion. It’s really amazing to be part of such a powerful plan. He exclaimed about how happy he is that I am here and how I have made such a great impact on the community and different initiatives in the month that I’ve been here. It’s rewarding, truly, to be effective in ways that I don’t even fully understand. The culture of Haiti, the people of Haiti, the livelihoods and realities of Haiti are so vast and so different that they are difficult to understand, but I am trying, learning and appreciating each day here. I feel empowered. Encouraged, and so close to the Lord. So, Amen. Meet my new friend, Narika <3