Haitian Independence Day/New Year's Day
When we think of Independence Day, as Americans, we of course think of July 4. Our Haitian brothers and sisters, however, celebrate Independence Day and New Year's Day simultaneously.
On January 1, 1804 Haiti became the first free black republic in the world after a 13-year-long revolution that ended with Jean-Jaques Dessalines proclaiming freedom with the signing of the Haitian Declaration of Independence.
To this day Haitians still eat "Soup Joumou" or "Pumpkin Soup" on January 1 as a way of remembering that freedom. When the French ruled over Haiti as a slave state, only the French slaveholders could eat pumpkin soup and did so "for good fortune." On the day that the nation declared its independence, however, it is said that Dessalines asked his wife to cook and offer the soup to the now former slaves as a message to the defeated French colonizers.
That is a brief history lesson, but it is important because Haiti's independence paved the way for many other nations to realize that freedom could be achieved. Just 20 years after the United States declared freedom, Haiti did the same!
Haiti has always been a strong and resilient nation. It has gone through huge ups and tremendous downs, but in the end the Haitian people always prevail.
Right now, Haiti is in one of those "down" times and sometimes it seems like it is never going to end. Over the past 3 years, I have spent multiple days each week speaking to people in Haiti and even I feel a sense of disconnectedness to the country and to our friends.
While reading this, please remember that Haiti is a wonderful nation filled with strong, intelligent people who will prevail over the current chaos.
It is taking longer than any of us would hope, but I do know that something good will happen soon, and I am praying for 2025 to be the year that it does.
While we are waiting, please continue to pray with me that GOD would work, and together let's do our best to not be disconnected from the country and from All Things New!
I look forward to a time that we can make another trip down, hug our kids, talk with our employees, and remember what it felt like when Haiti was home.
I hope that all of you who love this ministry are praying for that day as well!
January 1 was Independence Day for Haiti, but right now the nation feels anything but free. GOD, however, is a GOD of freedom and I cannot wait to see how He changes Haiti in 2025!