In less than 3 weeks I will be boarding a plane to… somewhere. Originally, the plan for my first month on the World Race was to serve in Haiti at Mission of Hope. However, due to the current civil unrest and many flights to/from Haiti being cancelled, this is not on our agenda anymore.
A quick recap on all things Haiti currently in case you’re out of the loop: The Haitian government wanted to raise fuel prices by 50%, which enraged the people in this poor economy. 80% of the population lives off $2 a day! What ensued were violent protests, dozens of businesses being looted, people killed, the higher-class being targeted, tires and cars set on fire in roads, lots of flights to and from Haiti being cancelled, and Americans trapped in hotels. The Prime Minister resigned this past week, and you can read more about what’s happening here and watch the video below about the protests as well.
Our World Race squad mentor emailed us the other day stating, “In order to start your race on a strong note and to ensure your safety as much as we possibly can, we have decided to do a route change and not serve in Haiti at this time. There are still a lot of plans in the works as to where we will be going for month one. I will be sure to keep you all posted once plans are finalized.”
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Whoa. So as of right now, I have no idea where my squad will be traveling to for our first month, but I’ll update this post as soon as we get details! This change in route was sad news to me at first. I was really bummed that I wouldn’t get to experience Haiti, witness the poverty and brokenness firsthand, and shine a light to the people living in spiritual darkness. But now, I’m thankful – for Adventures in Missions caring about our safety. Although Jesus never promised a safe and secure life, especially on mission for His mission, I trust that He will place my squad in the exact country we’re supposed to be in. We can bring God’s Kingdom anywhere! I do ask that you keep Haiti in your thoughts and prayers. Pray for restoration, peace, protection, salvation, and that the Christians currently ministering there will continue to spread the name of Jesus.
I’m excited to hear where I’ll be boarding a plane to very, very soon! At training camp we were told to expect the unexpected, and this experience alone has already shown me how open to change I need to be. I’m ready to get comfortable being uncomfortable, be okay with having up-in-the-air plans, and go wherever God leads.
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UPDATE!
We are going to the DOMINICAN REPUBLIC for month 1 instead of month 2! The leadership staff is still figuring out where we will be for month 2. My squad is super pumped because during the first month in the Dominican Republic, THE ENTIRE SQUAD WILL BE DOING MINISTRY TOGETHER AT THE SAME PLACE!
We will be serving in the city of Lajas de Yaroa at a ministry called H.O.P.E. (Helping Others Pursue Eternity). My squad will be participating in leading children’s ministry through Vacation Bible Schools. We will first be trained on running the kids camp there and then go out into the community to recruit kids to come! During this month we will also be doing prayer walks and light construction projects.
I am so incredibly excited to live in the Dominican Republic for my first month on the World Race, surrounded by my entire wonderful squad of 31 people, and ministering to sweet kiddos! August 7th couldn’t come soon enough!
