2003 Williamson

About a half a mile or so up a rutted foothill road past banana fields, trash heaps and a small rural market, the road becomes a path and you find the Williamson house. The place is La Dique, Haiti which translates The Dam. The name is derived from the small spillwater dam that is another quarter of a mile or so up the path before the mountain footpaths take off in all directions. The dam funnels the water into a government-provided aqueduct that – as it branches out in many directions - allows for water and farming for people miles around the small river.

The Willaimsons have two or three trades. They are farmers, masons and traders – the latter of which is done with varying amounts of pressure depending on who in the family is doing the trading. I met the young (18 or so) Williamson when working on the Lifeline Campus in Haiti. He helped to lay the block for the generator tower and some other projects.

I got to the point after traveling many times to La Dique that the people knew me and I knew the small town so I could comfortably and safely go for walks on my own. Many times I headed up the road to the path and always stopped at the Williamsons'. I learned to play Haitian Dominoes, tried to break down language barriers and was determined to share Christ with this family. I think some 12 or so people lived among the three or four small buildings that surrounded a clean swept dirt courtyard. They had trees so the visits were comfortable in the heat.

I met the 20-something daughter whose husband had been killed in a robbery. I met the oldest – the patriarch – and many times walked his melon and banana fields while he proudly showed off the fruits of his labor. I played with the little ones. I watched the mothers sew with a pedal sewing machine and sat and listened while they all laughed and talked in Creole around a small fire. When dark would come, it was time for me to head back to the mission campus. No matter whether I was at the Williamsons' or just coming back from the dam or mountains – the patriarch would send someone to get me home safely.

The Williamsons go to church sometimes but it is a church where the pastor has many wives/women and is hard on the people. It is not a Christian Church. I have a real heart for the gracious people.

Here is what I have learned from them – a big impression – you don’t have to be like someone, speak their language or give them any present other than you if you want to share the Good News. You simply have to go out of your way and with intent make an effort to spend time with them because they are important to your heart. This is what people see in your eyes that makes them want to listen with their ears.