The Adventures of Jude Simon

For our last meeting, Jude and I decided to go for a walk. The fall weather is absolutely gorgeous and we wanted to enjoy each other’s company doing something a little more active. I also really enjoy looking at the houses around TCU; they are absolutely gorgeous. I was able to share my opinions on the Fort Worth architecture and the houses that are my favorites. He could also share the appearance of the houses in Haiti. Some that we passed matched the ones from back home, and these were typically the ones made of wood. By walking and talking about the pretty yards and porch swings, I also gained insight on the society and economy of Haiti. Over and over he would state that Haiti “is a very poor country.” He did his best to notify me that there are some areas considered “rich,” but much of it is very poor being nothing in comparison to the view we were looking at. It is impossible for me to completely imagine his lifestyle back home, but I did my best.

            Passing the beautiful St. Stephen Presbyterian Church, our conversation quickly escalades into one of dating and marriage. I want to know all about the Haitian rituals for this process, so I begin to flood him with questions. He tells me of the importance to ask a woman’s father to even spend time with his daughter. This was a process he was not fond of, but I think gaining the fathers respect is necessary! He explained that it was a hassle to work up the nerve to talk to a girl’s father, even if he just wanted to hang out with her with a big group of friends. We debated this controversy a little bit- I think forcing a male to state his intentions upfront is a wonderful ritual. Once a male decides he wants to take a woman on a date, he must pursue her father with those intentions. The father will always be knowledgeable of where a man stands with his daughter. Being close with my father, receiving his blessing has upmost importance. Having my father’s approval at every stage of the dating process seems to be a great approach. In order to consider marriage, the male must be financially stable to support a family. If he is capable of doing so, the male’s family invites the female’s family over for a meal and this is the time he will ask her hand in marriage. After explaining to me these steps towards marriage, he backtracks and says, “Well, this is only for Christian relationships.”

            When talking to Jude, I constantly have to remember that being a Christian is the minority back in Haiti. In the United States, it is common for most people to state a Christian affiliation. Jude noticed this as well, and claims this is one of his favorite parts about Texas. He loves to see “Jesus” billboards and loves to freely talk about his religion with me and others. I contrast his love for the normality of Christianity, with the fact that although people claim to be Christian, their actions display differently. In Haiti, a Christian wakes up early for prayer, prays with the family before bed, dedicates his relationships to the Lord and more as he fulfills his duty towards the Lord. In the United States, one that claims he his Christian may have a relationship with the Lord, but does not display his actions in that regard. Christianity is prominent, but very diluted. After talking to Jude, I know I want to raise my family with traditional Christian values. Not values that are diluted, like the norm for America.

            Jude and I’s walk ended with him having to go to a bible study. I asked him how he liked it and he confessed that he typically just listens, not being confident enough in his English to give input. I told him he should feel much more confident! We are able to easily talk for an hour and he is constantly shining his light on me. I encouraged him to try to speak up and share his story, because it is one being worth told to as many people as possible!

            He also invited me to eat dinner with his family at some point. He wants me to try his Haitian food and get to know the most important people in his life! I cannot wait for this next adventure with Jude- hopefully his family is as easy going and as joyful as him!