The Blessing of Being "Blan"

Being "blan"(white) in Haiti is an experience unlike any other. Everywhere you go, EVERYONE stares(for a very long and awkward amount of time), or shouts "Blan!" You are never able to go anywhere without causing a scene(especially because of the 2 girls). Every Sunday after Church, getting gas, walking down the road. You name it, we are surrounded. It feels very similar to what I would imagine a famous person feels like with the paparazzi. There is no "blending in" or going somewhere un noticed.

If I'm being honest, many times I find myself frustrated and annoyed and one these thoughts run through my mind "How rude! I don't look at them and yell out "Haitian!" And I surely don't stare at them. Is it so hard to look away? Have they never really seen a white person before?"

This past Sunday during my prayer time, I was reflecting on the Gospel reading of Mark 6: 30-34

31 And he said to the apostles, 'Come away to some lonely place all by yourselves and rest for a while'; for there were so many coming and going that there was no time for them even to eat.

32 So they went off in the boat to a lonely place where they could be by themselves.

33 But people saw them going, and many recognised them; and from every town they all hurried to the place on foot and reached it before them.

34 So as he stepped ashore he saw a large crowd; and he took pity on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd, and he set himself to teach them at some length.

This verse is so fitting for a missionary. Many times we are like the apostles and Jesus. We cant go anywhere un noticed. We can't do anything alone. We have to escape to another place to find any peace or solace. People are always looking for us. Always wanting to talk, or visit. This can be incredibly hard. 

But what struck me to the core was this line "Jesus took pity on the crowd because they were like sheep without a shepherd, and he set himself to teach them at some length."

He took pity on them. TOOK PITY ON THEM. Have I taken pity on these people? These "sheep without a shepherd"? Or have I let my own feelings of "discomfort" interfere?

And I finally realized (Who am I kidding, God made me realize) that being the only white people is the biggest blessing we could have. Why? Because the people are COMING TO US! 

I feel like God told me "Hello! I am practically hand delivering these people to you! And you're annoyed?!" We are living every missionaries dream here!

Yeah. Insert foot in mouth. If there is one thing the Lord is good at, it is teaching humility!

Thank you Lord for the blessing it is to be a "Blan!"

~Andrea