fifteen seconds at a time

Most of the tranformations and realtionships we see here seem to happen little by little. A conversation, or even a sign of respect or friendship happens, and we are so encouraged by these "little things" that make us so aware that He is working here in Haiti, here at the seminary.

But on Friday, Matt and I experienced something that may seem little, but was definetly a BIG THING.

Matt began driving the 2nd week we were in Haiti. Our first solo trip into town, we were both a little nervous. As you enter into down-town, you pass through what used to be a town gate with a huge welcome banner. Now, it it is nothing more than a few pillars, always congested with traffic, because only one car can pass through each side at a time. Because of the traffic, it has become a popular place for merchants. A rather rough and intimidating group of men in their 20's mull around these gates all day and all evening, trying to sell "raisin" soda, little bags of water, and Tampico's...a sugary Kool-Aid type concoction.

The first day we passed through this small gang, I was a little on edge. Much to my chagrin, Matt made eye contact with one young man, rolled down his window, and chatted with him for a moment. He wore a ski-cap, despite the unwavering heat, a ratty white tank top, and filthy pants. The moment Matt smiled at him, his stony glare transformed into a beaming smile, and as we drove through that first day, we were encouraged by "a little thing"...a happy moment passed with a stranger.

We've been through town 30 times since then, and every single trip, our friend is there. Every single day, he stands there, making pennies for his bags of water. He is always wearing the same clothes, and by the dirt on his face and clothes, we believe him to be homeless. Each time we come through, he breaks out his grin, and he and Matt clasp hands and rapidly catch up on life until the car behind us honks us onward. When we haven't been to town for a while, he always asks if things have been ok, and never ever asks for anything.

Finally, this past Friday, it occured to Matt and I that we could at least bless our name-less friend by purchasing a bag of water or two from him. As we passed out of town, we chatted for a moment, and then Matt asked for a few waters. A bag of water costs 1 Haitian dollar, with 20 cents going to the seller. So he must sell 5 of these to receive 1 Haitian dollar...14 cents American.

He handed us the waters, asking if we would like more...but as Matt tried to hand him double the cost for them, our friend was appalled. "No. No way...no money. These are for you. Would you like more?"

No matter how hard we tried, he would not take the money...would not "sell" to his friends.

What we had tried to do to bless him, instead came back on us as a BIG thing. We thanked him and drove on, both touched to the point of tears that this man that had NOTHING would not let us, two Americans in a vehicle, pay the equivalent of 50 cents for our water...mere pennies for us, but an hour's worth of labor for him.

This man doesn't know the Lord, and yet somehow, he encapsulates what it IS to be a Christian in a way we continually fall short it: loving another more than himself...sacrificing what was good for him to bless another. Fifteen seconds at a time, God has given us the opportunity to build a relationship with this man that has softened and changed our hearts. Pouring into people, just a little bit, can change who they are...and who we are.

THAT is a BIG THING.