Haitian Proverb February 25th

Se le ou malad pou ou konnen si ou gen zanmi.

It’s when you are sick that you know if you have friends. meaning, True friends see one through the hard times.

The other day as I was hanging out with the kids around the center, a group of about 8 men walked by, headed down the mountain. Four of them were carrying a homemade stretcher over their heads which had a man laying on it, covered in a blanket with a baseball cap over his face. At first I thought maybe this man had died and a funeral would be taking place soon. When I asked the kids what was going on they said, “That man is sick. His friends are taking him to the hospital in Fermathe.” I was amazed. The trip to Fermathe is not a quick walk down the road. Not only is the trip long by foot but it is a lot of trekking up hills and maneuvering down slopes of loose stone, yet hese men were chatting and walking with purpose. They didn’t seem put out by the task at all. Across the ravine I could see them stop to rest, switch carriers, and continue on their journey.Their friend needed them and they definitely stepped up to the task.

While it was depressing that this man was ill and couldn’t even get proper transportation to the hospital, I felt relieved that he had such loyal and loving friends. It made me think of my friends back home and I thanked God He gave me friends that would build a stretcher and carry me to a doctor if necessary. They would certainly have sarcastic remarks all along the way as to how much I’ve been eating lately, but they would make sure I was taken care of. Even though I am far from my friends at the moment I feel truly blessed to have such people in my life. I pray that you all have people in your life, friends or family, that would act like this group of Haitian men in your time of need.