A valued and trusted friendship

By Trip Manager Stephanie Mutert

There are many cultural intricacies of Haiti that we are constantly learning as we gain deeper relationships with the local church partners. One of the things a Haitian might do when they are talking to you is touch your shoulder, hold your hand, or put their arm around you. It conveys several things, one of which is that they are having an intentional conversation with you. Another is that they don’t want anyone else to interrupt.

Recently when visiting Desire, I saw this young man talking with his friend he has known for a few years. I immediately thought to myself that this was a friendship that was valued, trusted, and counted on. They very well could have been talking about something ridiculous, or they could have been sharing something serious. Whatever the case, the hand on the shoulder is very telling. This young man respects his friend and wanted his undivided attention. Simultaneously, this young man knows he is valued and loved by his friend from the States. While being cared for by the local church, he knows he is prayed for and remembered by his friend. This young man knows that while his friend might not be on every group that travels to visit at Desire, he will return. Time builds on the foundation of the friendship that began several years ago.

If you are interested in going on a vision trip with GO to Haiti, learn more here>>