January 21st, 2017, I traded the freezing temperatures of Michigan for the toasty, sunbaked and lovely country of Haiti. And now, exactly one year later, I’m living on the second floor of a Haitian orphanage with fifteen other World Racers.
How in the world did I get here?
Leading up to my week in Haiti last year I expected to go and do some nice things, enjoy the warmth and come back with the only change being a new stamp in my passport. Over the course of the week, God showed me what it meant to literally follow Jesus and he placed something very specific on my heart, while joining me into a community that would support me immensely over the coming year.
I had looked into the World Race for a while before I went to Haiti, but it never seemed like a thing I would do. I was too young at the time, still in college, it was a huge financial commitment, I had a great job. It just didn’t seem right for me.
I’ll never forget sitting during worship as Haitians sang in Creole and danced for Jesus, and I was praying about what God was placing on my heart, the World Race. I heard a small, comforting, fatherly voice say, “Go child, go.”
Since then, God has removed every barrier, every fear and every hesitation that I had against the World Race and here I am. In my first month of an incredible journey, God has brought me full circle and I am so grateful for it.
This month, two World Race teams and two of our leaders are staying at Grace so Amazing Ministries in Central Haiti. I’ll be serving teachers and 30 kindergarteners, first and second graders at Grace School, playing with the children and two puppies in the Grace House Orphanage, making home visits and whatever else the Lord has planned for us.
Please keep us and the people of Haiti in your prayers this month. Thank you for your love and support, and if you’d like to contact me, feel free to comment, Facebook message, email me at [email protected], or use smoke signals.
Here are some pictures from my first week!
The view outside of Grace So Amazing
Sunset at the soccer field
The river front in Mirebalais, Haiti
