Being in Haiti has a way of helping you rethink things. Sure the normal things would be: how much
excess you have, how much faith it takes to totally rely on God to meet your
basic needs and how little time we take on seeing and hearing people. I have experienced these many times. But I have an example from this short trip
that is a little different. This time I
was able to rethink myself and my purpose.
On Sunday, we had the pleasure of going to Pastor
Joussaint’s church in Williamson. I have
known him and his family for 7 years and it is always good to reconnect with
them. After church his second oldest
daughter came over to me and said, “Do you remember me? I do not think you remember me!” I looked her
in the eye and said, “Yes, Jose, I remember you. I have known you since you were a little
girl.” “Ok,” she said, “Ou gwo!” which
literally translates to “You fat!” Now,
this is not the first time I’ve heard this, so it doesn’t phase me much, but
what she said next changed my perspective and is still resonating with me
today. Through the help of an interpreter,
she went on to tell me that she feels like I have finally grown into my body
and it is beautiful. In Haiti, being a
curvy woman with little padding is something desired and appreciated. However, her way of expressing this also made
me feel whole, confident, complete, matured.
Now, I firmly feel like everyone should constantly be learning and
growing, but every once and awhile it’s nice to hear you have arrived. This was not just a compliment this was
recognition of the woman I have become. How’s that for body image?! This is the whole body god gave me: heart,
mind, soul and flesh, and it is my job to nourish, protect and use it to help
others. In a world that is often driven
by people who are louder, pushier or let’s face it, powerful men, it was a
reminder that I can and will have a voice and can and will continue to fight
for others to be heard as well.
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