"A True Partnership": Wilda and Her Husband Jacob Reflect on a Successful Marriage
Friends of CHP and Locally Haiti recently traveled to Petit Trou with a video camera in tow to interview community leaders and their families about their accomplishments and dreams for the future. The post below focusing on Wilda and her husband Jacob is a sneak peek of Wilda’s video interview. As many of our CHP supporters know, we deeply value the stories of community members like Wilda and Jacob, and genuinely hope that those who read this feel more connected to our work in Ti Twou!
Wilda attending a meeting for community health aides in Petit Trou last month. In reflecting on their marriage, Jacob stated that he admires Wilda’s strong work ethic.
Wilda’s husband Jacob spent part of his 55th birthday welcoming a small group of CHP visitors to their home. The visit began with him cheerfully answering questions about a three-wheeled motor vehicle equipped with a hooded carriage that was parked in front of his house. Jacob had been teaching his oldest son, Eliezer, a senior in high school, skills in metalwork. Eliezer had recently finished refurbishing the vehicle as his first project.
Jacob then led the visitors down a path behind their home to give a tour of the verdant garden that the family cultivates. After a short chat, the group moved back to his family’s front yard to meet Wilda. The two sat patiently and smiled as CHP staff set up a camera to conduct a short video interview. Meanwhile, the couple’s three children went about their routine at home, occasionally peering in on the event unfolding in their front yard.
Wilda attending a meeting for community health aides in Petit Trou last month. In reflecting on their marriage, Jacob stated that he admires Wilda’s strong work ethic.
The interview covered several topics, with Jacob and Wilda graciously sharing many personal details about their lives, including the story of their marriage. They first met after a church service. Jacob recalled being impressed with Wilda's independence and confidence—he was also notably struck by her eyes. They soon embarked on what they referred to as a "brief courtship" that mutually confirmed each one that they had a true partnership. Shortly after, the couple decided to marry.
As newlyweds, they lived in a lakou (a Kreyòl term that refers to a group of small houses sharing a courtyard) with Jacob’s extended relatives. Jacob reflected on how he knew he wanted to marry Wilda: they could easily make decisions together, they both valued hard work, and he wanted to start a family with her. Fast forward to today, and it’s evident that his instincts proved him right. They eventually acquired their own property and cultivated a home with their three children, Eliezer Delima, Othniel Gedeon, now in 8th grade, and Anne Wilda, now in 2nd grade.
While Jacob shared details of their past, Wilda spoke of the present. She is proud of Jacob’s dedication to his family, even when times are tough. She said he is a hard worker, is fair and wise, and echoed his earlier reflections in saying that she loves that they make decisions together and have shared what still feels like a true partnership.
Hearing their story, it was easy to believe something Jacob shared at one point in the interview—he hasn’t once regretted his decision to marry Wilda.
Wilda and Jacob sat down in front of a camera to give a brief interview. In the background is the vehicle that their son, Eliezer, refurbished after his father taught him metal work.
Wilda and Jacob’s daughter, Anne, introduced herself to the camera.