les miserables

les miserables (n) – 1. the miserable ones; 2. the wretched; 3. the poor ones; 4. the victims; 5. a 989 pg. classic by Victor Hugo; 6. the book that took me 2 months to read!

I have finally done it! I finished Les Mis! I had read the abridged version when I was in high school and loved the story line. I always wanted to tackle the unabridged, but wondered when I would ever find the time to read a book that was nearly 1,000 pages long! Knowing that I would have downtime on my hands in Haiti, I packed several books, and Les Mis was one of them. It has been with me on tap-taps, in the car, and on the tour bus to the DR and back again. It was the book I grabbed in the evenings between work and dinner, and, when the sun sets at 6:30 pm and everyone heads to bed by 8:30, you could find me engaged in the story by my bedside lamp. 

I absolutely love this story of Jean Valjean, a convicted felon who spends many years in prison for stealing a loaf of bread. It seems that his sinful lifestyle will continue after he's released until unconditional love and mercy is expressed to him by a godly man. The unexpected kindness given to him causes Jean Valjean to re-evaluate his life, recognize the evil within, repent of it, and live as a restored individual, which includes suffering the consequences of his past decisions. Much of the story lies around those who are in disbelief that anyone can rise above the circumstances that he has been in. Yet, through the events that happen, this book champions the rights of the poor and oppressed, and shows that anyone – regardless of his or her upbringing or social status – can rise above terrible circumstances and become virtuous through God.

I couldn't help to think of the Haitians as I read this book. The longer I live here, the more I come to love the Haitian people. When I first came last August, I witnessed their willingness to give of their time and resources despite having little themselves. Teachers poured into their students despite horrible working conditions and measly salaries. Individuals gave what they could to help those in need in their community. I knew I had a lot to learn from how loving and giving the Haitians were, and that was one of the many things that drew me back in January.

Like many, though, I have read the negative news reports on Haiti that came out as the country struggled with rebuilding, hurricanes, cholera, and the recent election. My heart broke reading the misconceptions and criticisms written by many reporters and commentators in articles. It has become so easy to overlook the problems of others by focusing on how they are different than us rather than their needs. Why are we all, myself included, so quick to judge those who look, dress, and act differently than us? I keep thinking of how I can show the good of Haiti in spite of the mistaken views that we often have.

I have decided over my last 2 months here to “showcase” once a week or every other week a Haitian or group of Haitians who are making a difference. Those that have risen above their circumstances to change the lives of the people around them. Be looking for the “heart of a Haitian” blogs :)