We Aren’t in Kansas Anymore
Of of the most critical things to bring on a trip is an accommodating nature, a good sense of humor and the realization that, “we aren’t in Kansas anymore. As Christians, we are always on duty for God. This is never more true than when you travel to Haiti on a mission trip. From the moment you land at the airport to the moment your plane takes off to come home there are many people watching us and judging our words and actions. How we present ourselves will reflect not only on ourselves, our team, our hosts and our home country but also on our Lord. In order to be a proper ambassador for Christ we must seek to understand the Haitian culture and only then will we be able to create caring relationships with the people that live here. This is what opens the opportunity to share the Word effectively.
Dressed for Haiti
First Impressions are critical in Haiti. Haitian acceptance of your ministry and message is often decided within minutes of meeting person. Inappropriate clothing or unintentional impoliteness may block or severely delay our ability to build positive relationships with the people of Haiti. When packing for Haiti consider comfort and local customs. Here are a few tips:
1. Hiking – if the trip is going to involve hiking bring comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots. Bring shoes and clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. Bring a container to store at least a liter of water. You may be traveling to very remote areas and trails are quite rugged, please come prepared for this. You may bring a backpack if you would like.
2. Temperature – Haiti has an average yearly temperature of 80 degrees and it often reaches 100 degrees with high humidity during the summer. Please pack accordingly
3. Cultural Norms – While visiting in Haiti, visitors are expected to adhere to Haitian dress and conduct standards. While you may not personally agree with the standards set by Haitian culture, we ask that you respect it while there.
a. Men: Please be careful about slogans and pictures written on shirts. Scrubs are a great choice as are t-shirts and slacks. Please bring slacks for church services. Anyone who will be speaking in services is expected to be dressed neatly in shirt and pants.
b. Women: Modesty is the rule. Clothing that is too tight fitting and bares shoulders send the wrong message in the Haitian culture. Shorts are not acceptable in many of the rural villages we go to. Loose fitting scrubs are always a great choice of appropriate clothing that will keep you cool. T shirts work great also. Please bring below the knee skirts, especially for church services and times spent in rural villages.
4. Too much jewelry is a bad idea – a simple wedding band, watch and small earrings are fine for all occasions. Any jewelry that is more loud then this can target you for thieves and can be misinterpreted by the people of Haiti.
The Language of Haiti
The vast majority of people in Haiti speak Creole with the upper class ruling classes speaking french. In Haiti, Americans are often perceived as loud, and seem to get louder and louder when we perceive others don’t understand us. Calm, polite, respectful speech and behavior are powerful tool in building relationships especially in times of stress. Never use profane language or terms while in Haiti.
Working with Interpreters
– Keep in mind that although we make every effort to hire the most competent interpreters some may still struggle with medical vocabulary.
– Always treat your interpreter with courtesy and respect allowing reasonable breaks for food, water and personal needs.
– Interpreters are a great resource to learn about the country and the culture
– when speaking though an interpreter, always look at the person to whom you want the message given, not the interpreter
– look at the person doing the talking, even if being interpreted
– do not assume that the interpreter knows what you are saying all the time. Ask the interpreter frequently and without impatience if he understand what you are saying.
– If the conversation is delicate, explain the situation to the interpreter and ask them what the best way to phrase something might be.
Gift Giving
Before giving any gifts during the trip ask the team leader. Although it seems compassionate, indiscriminate giving of money to children is not to be done. This often causes problems for future groups as more and more people begin to ask, furthering dependence. If you want to give a gift, please let the team leader know and they will advise you on specifics.
Alcohol and Tobacco
Within Christian communities in Haiti, the use of alcohol and tobacco are all negatively associated with life in secular society. Many people give up these habits when they become believers. It would be offensive for one who comes to help in these communities to display these behaviors what their hosts feel are dangerous or wrong.