Relationships that humble me

Last night, our family had dinner at one of our Haitian friends' house. We had a wonderful time. They fed us an amazing meal of chicken, pasta, and fried plantains. They spoiled us with fresh fruit for desert and cokes. We discussed our love for Jesus and passion to share the gospel with those who are lost, with those who are rejected by the local churches because they are too broken. As we talked, our children played cars, colored pictures, and ran up and down the hall playing 'hide and seek'. Its all about relationships. 

Let me tell you a little about this family. He is a 30 year old Haitian man, he loves Jesus and follows Him completely. He is married and has a two year old little boy and another one on the way. Both he and his wife are smart, kind, and willing to be used by God. 

He was describing to me how he and his wife moved to Lafito 7 months ago. They live in a two bedroom house with a little kitchen, living room and dining room. The house was originally built approximately 40 years ago by the government so they could get workers to work in the flour mill nearby. However as time passed, the houses have been sold and rented out many times. They are well built homes, arranged in an organized fashion and with space between the homes. Because of this, they are coveted by everyone, a little more expensive, and safer than the tarp and brick homes just north and south of them. 

The home he lives in is owned by an older (possibly elderly, I didn't see her) woman. Her brother lived with her but died, and without her brother, she did not have a way to support herself. She decided to rent out most of the house but keep one room to live in. Our friend agreed to that arrangement and rents a portion of the house. He shares food and extras with the woman when he has it and offers protection for her as well. 

This family humbles me. They have taken in a young girl, Sophia age 17, to live with them because she does not have any family. Her mom and dad died, leaving her at the mercy of others. Sometimes, when this happens the person that is 'taken in', is treated very poorly. However, this family is loving on her as if she is their own. God has a sense of humor because she looks so much like the wife of this family, that I would have gauranteed she was her sister! She fits right in. 

They have also taken in the wife's brother's daughter. Saraphina is now 7 years old and has been living with this family since she was born; neither of her parents wanted her. They send her to school and love on her as if she was their own. It is beautiful. 

This family also helps run a school in the mountains. They use this school to share the gospel and to bring hope to the families in that community. They teach the youth at the local church about how to follow Jesus. They have developed a program for sex education that is used in local schools. They have a little ministry in their community where they show films in the street. People know they can come for free and spend their evening in a family friendly place. 

This family, in comparison, has very little in material goods. Yet, the way they share humbles me. I see Jesus in them.