A slice of Haiti in San Diego

I could not be more impressed by God's beautifully orchestrated plan. It's just so incredible; I'm in awe of God's grace and glory.

From my blog post yesterday, it's clear that I was hurting. I really miss my brother and friends in Haiti. I miss the people we passed by in the streets; I miss the food; I miss feeling the presence of God; I miss the tap-taps and the parade of people and cars. Perhaps, my group that walked around was the parade. I also miss the music and the worship. Haitians know how to worship.

Anyway, Adam had mentioned a Haitian worship service he had heard about in North Park while we were still in Haiti. Intrigued, I googled it online. Sure enough, in my neighborhood, there's a Haitian mission that meets every Sunday at 6:00 p.m. I had to check it out. Adam decided to attend with me.

We weren't sure where to go, nor were we sure if the group was operating on Haitian time or American time. Haitian time would mean they'd start at 7:00 or later. If it were American time, then we were on schedule. We stood outside for 15 minutes or so. We saw some people enter a small chapel. We figured out where it was, but we weren't sure how many people were inside or when it was starting. Once we heard singing, we figured it was go-time. The song ended, and we decided to go in. I led the way and sat in the back. We had already established that there was no way we'd be able to blend in, but I figured if they had already started, then sitting in the back would be appropriate as a late-comer.

It was clear that they were discussing our presence. One woman was speaking in English. Inside, I panicked a little. I thought they were going to speak in English. I had come to listen to French and Creole not English. Fortunately, they selected a woman to interpret for us. Bless Becky's heart, she translated for us for 3 hours!

The evening started with Sunday school. The woman leading is incredible. I'm excited to go next week. I even have homework to do! I don't know the woman's name, but she wants to teach the basics of the Bible. The Bible, she says, is ammunition. It will comfort us and share our joy and be used to teach about Jesus, our Savior. How many of you, she asked, can name all of the books in the Bible? How many books are in the Old Testament? (39, I think she said and 27 in the New Testament). I did not know the answer, and if my memory failed me, then my numbers are wrong. She made up a song for everyone to sing in order to help them remember the first five books in the Bible. The first five books were written by Moses except for the last chapter of Deuteronomy. They started last week. She discussed John 3:16. It's an important verse. We all believe in Jesus for salvation. This week she talked about Genesis. It literally means the beginning and is the beginning for many things: the universe, God's chosen people, sin, and God's promise of redemption. Her teaching style is interactive and rote. She wants everyone to have verses memorized, so we can recite them in a time of need. We need to understand the Bible, because it's God's word. Our homework is to memorize the names of the historical books in the Bible from Joshua to Esther. I also need to play catch-up and memorize the first 5 books. It is by no accident I showed up to this Bible study. Aside from listening to Bible verses in the Catholic church, I first read the Bible in March 2009. I do not know it very well. I look forward to learning. I definitely noticed how well the Haitians knew the Bible. I also think Haitians are intent upon sharing the gospel with others. How can one share the good news if he or she does not fully understand the Bible? Sure it's possible, but, perhaps, less effective.

Then, worship began. I am convinced that every Haitian has a beautiful singing voice. Every Haitian I've met has a sweet singing voice. The guy leading had the most beautiful singing voice I've ever heard. I think I figured out why I enjoy listening to them talk so much. While in Haiti, it did not bother me in the least that I could not understand what people were saying (except for the kids who seemed intent on telling me something). I think it's because of the rhythm. In America, African American English Vernacular is also called "spoken soul." They speak with the beauty of the French language with added soul. I like anything with a good beat. They definitely add rhythm, because I do not find the French spoken by Canadians endearing (despite my love for Canada).

Their worship is so genuine. Their faith is strong. Their eyes are fixed on Jesus. It is a blessing to attend a Haitian worship service. If you ever have the opportunity, GO! I had a moment when I felt filled with God's presence--almost as full as when I was in Haiti. There's something special about the way God fills a room when Haitians are worshiping.

In the middle of the service, they had all new-comers introduce themselves and say a little bit. I shared how I had went to Haiti and needed my fix. After a man preached a message, we had more time to pray and we sang before we finished.

After the service, Adam and I were bombarded with greetings and opportunities to serve God's people. Adam will contact Pastor Bill, and I will be speaking on a radio program tomorrow evening to encourage people to go to Haiti. I will share my testimony. I will be rereading my blog posts as well as my journal. If there's anything that had an impact on you, please let me know which story so I can share it. I'm relying on the Holy Spirit to talk for me while I do my best to prepare/gather my thoughts.

Two highlights: one woman kept saying she loved us, because she appreciates anyone who helps Haiti; the same woman plus Becky offered to cook for us! Haitian food!!! I'm beyond excited. Perhaps, I'll ask them to teach me how to cook Haitian food. If I cook with them once a week or so for a few months, I should be able to make something almost as well as them. I guess I didn't need to buy a Haitian cookbook after all...

Praise to God for connecting people and bridging cultures and loving our neighbors. The Holy Spirit is powerful and, apparently, moves quickly!