Climbing Maslow's Ladder, little by little.

As I reflect back on our week in Haiti, I am humbled and overwhelmed by the beauty of the country and its people.

Our trip was not a typical missionary journey to build something physical. It was a journey to build relationships with people through the arts.

Creativity and expression are important to human development and we were happy to be part of this activity. Fifteen years ago, this music and arts mission would not have been appropriate.

http://emilyvantassel.com/

Why would it not have been appropriate? Well, first you have to Climb Maslow's Ladder. Thanks to God, the sustained support from St. Paul's Lutheran Church has allowed Pastor W's family and orphanage to move from LEVEL ONE- starvation and climb up the ladder towards Self-Actualization. Our 2014 trip found them towards the top of the ladder. Maslow described the most successful, "self-actualized" person as someone who has found their “calling.” He said, “a musician must make music, an artist must paint, and a poet must write.'"

Amazing things are happening with our Haitian friends, and the music is only part of it.



Micro Psych Lesson: **Need a refresher on this Maslow guy?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maslow's_hierarchy_of_needs

Abraham Maslow was a psychologist that studied successful people. His studies led to his theory that humans have a "Hierarchy of Needs" that must be met in order to achieve a happy, fulfilled life (Wikipedia.) As teachers we learn about this in terms of our students abilities to pay attention and learn in school. Maslow is the reason our country now provides breakfast and lunch at school. He taught us that if our basic physiological needs go unmet, that we have a hard time moving onto the next levels.


Can people function in the lower levels? Sure they can. But it is an existence searching to fulfill the basic needs of food, water, and safety. Look around the world and throughout history to see the impact of Maslow's Hierarchy of needs on different people. Those other mission groups that are building things, might be helping groups that are lower on Maslow's Ladder than our Haitian friends.

In your own life, think about a situation or time when all you could do was worry about food, water, shelter or safety. Were you thinking about Algebra or taking time to write a story or compose music? Probably not. You were thinking, "I'm starving, where is the food?"

Tying it all together: St. Paul's long term commitment to Haiti makes all the difference.

Pastor W's orphanage was in Level ONE when B. found them years ago. They were actually starving. Once the FOOD needs had been stabilized, St. Paul's provided MEDICAL supplies. After the earthquake, some SAFETY equipment was brought down. Then the requests changed. Pastor W. and his people had met their basic levels and now need skills to help them find jobs and sustainable income. The request for TECHNOLOGY supplies and lessons allowed the students to grow and continue on their journey up the ladder. W.'s next request was a School BUS so he could safely transport his orphans to the church and school, but also so he could transport his growing congregation to church on Sunday. Once that was filled, he asked for MUSIC support.

Music is beautiful. Music is loud. Music attracts a crowd. Music attracts people to church. Music is a powerful way to worship the Lord. Pastor W.'s church has had a band and choir since the time B. first visited. The band has grown in both numbers and skill. However, the potential for growth was there and Pastor knew that when he asked for instruments.

The fact that you have skilled, passionate musicians in a developing country is not uncommon. Nigeria, Kenya, South South Africa and the Caribbean Islands are well known for having fantastic folk music and drum beats. However, skilled, passionate Classical musicians playing traditional European instruments, that is, well, unique. Our friends in Haiti are playing the very same instruments that the students at BHS and STMA play, even some of the very same songs.  Have you ever played an instrument or had a child that did? If so, you understand the dedication to learn and practice. That is a HUGE time and mind commitment. People in Level One or Two do not have the time for music. But thanks to your support, our Haitian friends do play music. Beautifully.

Music was only the beginning.

Haiti is suffering high unemployment and high inflation. With your financial contributions, Pastor W. ensures that his orphans get an education or receive job training. His care and influence affects those in his congregation as well. However, at the end of day, there are very few jobs to be had. Many of you here in MN can relate.

Sustainability. Pastor says, "I think like an American, I set big goals." Big goals in deed. While we were at the church one day, he brought a man in to show us a Solar Panel opportunity. With a few supplies and laborers, Pastor could start a small company that manufactures solar panels for use in Haiti. How perfect is that? Electricity is difficult to get and there is an abundance of sun. There is no large machinery or tools necessary and he could train his students and congregation members to do this work. Can you imagine how wonderful this could be for everyone involved? Jobs to support families and affordable, reliable electricity in one venture. Haitians helping Haitians. Fantastic.

Pastor also showed us a water filtration system being used down the hill from the church. It is able to purify water in large quantities. The family sells the water at just over cost as a service to the community, making the whole community safer and healthier. No more walking miles to get fresh water or time wasted purifying water, or worse yet, getting sick from it. Haitians helping Haitians. Perfect.

Speaking of big goals, Pastor showed us the plans for the new church. Pastor's church is a top a hill at the far southern end of Courefour. It is a developing suburb, much like the Hanover-St. Michael-Albertville towns were in the early 2000s. People are fleeing the destruction of downtown Port-au-Prince in favor of the hills that over look the sea. Photos of the view from church show the growth of construction since 2008.

This new church will be a major undertaking, and Pastor calls it his "50 Year Plan." He understands the massive size and weight of this project, both physically and metaphorically. The children of the church know it is their church. Widelson puts his faith in God to work through us in Hanover. The Haitians say, "With God, everything is possible." Pastor knows that one person can't build the church. He also knows that God works in wondrous ways, connecting us with the right people and putting us in the right places at the right times. 

Source

The work of God is never more clear and evident than when you are in Haiti with Pastor Widelson.


Little old you, sitting in Minnesota (or wherever), made an impact in Haiti. Whether you contribute money, donate supplies, attend fundraisers, or share the story of our Haitian friends, God is working through you.


God puts us in the right place at the right time.