So, we have language and culture classes every Tuesday and
Friday afternoon. I cherish these times
together and it has taken on a different look.
We have recently started having a Haitian lady sit in, and ask us
questions about American culture. It has
been so enlightening. I have lots of
Haitian friends and feel like I know much about the culture but there is always
more to learn. When my friend asks us
questions about our culture, she always asks in a way that shows us what the
Haitian culture thinks of such issues.
She often will explain to us her cultural view after she hears our
stories.
She asks the questions and we respond in Creole. We have a missionary here that is fluent and corrects
us when we are wrong or helps us when we don’t know the right words. Last week was a very important week. We discussed divorce, rape, clothing, and
alcohol. So many things in other
cultures are confused by right or wrong, when in fact, they are just different. I remember classes at Lee University when my
professors would present topics of discussion in relation to other cultural
views and am thankful I can be an informed listener and try to differentiate
between right and wrong or different.
It has become so
incredibly easy for people to get divorced in the U.S. In the Haitian culture, divorce doesn’t occur
often. Divorcees are really looked down
upon in the community where I am. Even
in adulterous situations the spouses are responsible for taking care of each
other, even if they don’t live together because they are legally married. Though,
I don’t agree with all of the cultural differences, divorce is a major problem
in the U.S, and I feel we have a lot to learn from a culture like this.
What about clothing?
Those of you that know me know that I don’t love skirts. However, Christians, in this culture are
expected to wear skirts to the market, church, and through the villages. Many people in the older generations do not
believe you are a Christian if you wear pants and especially shorts. Do our clothes have an eternal value? Not at all!
Is this different than my personal belief? Absolutely, but I am a guest in this culture
and have not come to change the culture.
I have come to impact hearts and people’s eternity. That is my ultimate responsibility. 1 Corinthians 9:22 Paul says “To the weak I
became weak, to win the weak. I have become
all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.” I am a guest in this country and as a result
and a woman of God, must present myself as a Christian to this culture, not my
American culture. I don’t want to do
anything that may harm my witness, especially on something with NO eternal
value.
As Americans we have become so relaxed in our expectations,
that it’s hard to identify true Christians/ Christ followers because we are
not truly set apart. Our lives should
reflect God, and we/I often fail to be “set apart.” If someone comes to church in pants and not a
skirt, should we let them in the door (here in Haiti)? Absolutely, but that doesn’t mean we should
make it the norm. Especially as
Americans, it is not our responsibility to change culture. It is our responsibility to show love,
compassion, and joy.
Much is the same with alcohol. If someone is seen in our village drinking
alcohol, people will say they are not Christians. Why then should we as Americans try to change
this? Shouldn’t we follow the Christian
culture in which we are guests? 1
Corinthians 8:13 reads, “therefore, if what I eat causes my brother or sister
to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause them to
fall.” If my clothes or what I consume
cause a brother to stumble, I am responsible.
I don’t want to be the result of causing someone else to stumble because
of my cultural pride. The attitude that
my culture is better than another. I
therefore, must focus my attention on eternal differences and showing Christ’s
love by being like those that have accepted me into their land, families, and
cultures without compromising the Gospel.
