Change

Change

It is unfortunate that the education system has failed most of the Haitians.  Many do not have the rudimentary skills needed for daily life in the States.  Basic math is non existent; one plus one is not fathomable.  Some can write their name, but that is all.  They bring bibles to devotions but they cannot read them.  But there is somewhat of a compensation for that; they are quick to mimic.

Betta, Junior and I unloaded a trailer of cement bags.  I put skids on the trailer and was loading them cris-cross so the bags would interlock holding them together better when moved.  Betta couldn’t grasp the concept.  He speaks no English so I couldn’t explain it to him.  He kept putting the bags in the wrong direction.  Junior, on the other hand, was younger and a sharp kid.  He also speaks no English but convinced Betta on how to do it.  After numerous changes in the bag locations, Betta finally came around.  I’m not sure he understood why we were doing it, but he made the adjustment.

A big problem here is the trash.  It is literally everywhere.  The main issue is that the Haitians don’t have a concept of a trash can.  They just toss stuff on the ground, wherever they are, without thought.

During the day while in the field we are supplied with water bags.  They are little plastic sealed bags that hold around 8 ounces of water.  They are handy and easy to store.  The bad side is that when the water is gone the plastic bag gets tossed; always on the ground.  It is as normal as scratching ones nose.  When I first saw the practice I started picking up the bags, but the Haitians shook their head ‘no’ and continued their time honored tradition. 

I eventually tired of seeing the bags all over and started picking them up and putting them in a trash can that I found on base.  I also picked up other trash I found, which wasn’t hard to do.  Junior and Jules saw what I was doing and started doing it also.  Pretty soon most of the trash around the shop was picked up; that included the water bags, partial welding rods, paper, bottles and other stuff. 

When we are in the field, I still see the water bags lying on the ground.  This time they are in what might resemble a pile.  At days end they seem to end up in the back of the truck and then get tossed in the trash can at the shop.  It would seem that we are a little cleaner on our job sites now.  I don’t know if I started something or simply helped to remind them to pick up the mess.

I think our relationship with Jesus can be somewhat like that.  We cast our bad habits off and don’t even think about where or on whom those impressions might fall.  It might be a young kid or someone who is contemplating Christianity.  Their observation of our actions may make a lasting impression on them which influences their moment of decision.  I believe it is important to be constantly aware of our actions even when others aren’t around.  Let the Spirit of God speak to your heart about the importance of good actions in all occasions, in private and public.  One never knows who might be watching and end up mimicking.