I just got back from a mission trip to Haiti. I haven’t ever been on a mission trip before, and I know what you thinking. Why did you say that you would go on the World Race before you’ve ever been on a mission trip? I don’t know. God told me to, so I did.
Anyway, Haiti is a country that is clouded in darkness, poverty, and confusion. There were riots in and near the capital, Port Au Prince while I was there, the residents near the mission I stayed at were small and made from the materials people found nearby, and instead of being hopeful, many of the people have warped ideas of how being a Christian works. Medicine magic and voodoo magic is a big thing in Haiti, but bringing the love of God brings hope to a people that needs it so badly.
Guys, Haiti was hard. It was hard to see the pollution or haze around the larger cities and towns, the trash in the streets, but it was hardest to see the amount of children who live in Mole St. Nicholas. It was difficult to see their smiling faces while we talked to them and played with them and the faces that they had when they were just walking the streets.
Although it sounds like Haiti was a bad place to be, it taught me so much. It taught me true, unconditional love. I saw love in the face of Claude (Clood) while he was sitting in the lap of a fellow team mate. I saw love and joy in the faces of the kids at VBS, sports camp, and just around the orphanage.
I found joy in waking up and going to breakfast early just so I could be alone with my Lord. I found joy in Sabrina, a young girl who had the biggest smile and the sweetest heart. I even found joy in the father who took his son to the basketball courts. I saw his face brighten as his son stared into the face of my friend and when I tried to speak to him in Creole, English, and Spanish.
This country has fit itself into my heart.
I know I had no clue what I was getting myself into when I signed up for this mission trip or when I applied for the World Race. I know I was a little bit reckless, but this has been a trip that I won’t forget about.
