God is orchestrating incredible conditions for Haiti!
Mission of Hope Haiti (MOH) is one of the largest Christian organizations in the country, and it was fantastic to serve alongside them on my second month! Not only did we live and work at the main campus compound, we had opportunities to serve off site in the neighboring villages.
I came into the country groggy on Dramamine and remember seeing the drastic poverty as compared to the streets in the DR. Everything seemed more e x p o s e d. Looking outside I couldn’t believe this was the same island. The people look different, the language is different, the ground even looked different. Fair to say, culture shock happened month two, on the same island.
In hindsight, month two of the race was very compartmentalized. It went from serving in many projects at MOH, to village time, building relationships with squad members, creating a band, and having the experience of sharing my testimony.
Here is an attempt to summarize these memories:
Serving MOH:
We helped to organize teacher and student materials in preparation for the upcoming school year, a huge task. When we were on MOH compound it felt a lot like an internship, nothing glamorous but things that needed to be done like folding laundry and cleaning out the freezer. We were also a part of some home construction projects, and building a pastor training facility. This mixture of community relationships and manual labor was a great balance.
Village Time:
I remember being in the village of Turpin, a dusty 45 minute drive into the mountains, standing in a wild mob of running kids and asking myself,
“How can I love them better? What do they really need?”
So I picked up a little boy just like Simba in the Lion King, and literally shook him. I remember watching the joy on his face and was immediately overwhelmed with compassion for him. It is so sad to think that this type of attention/interaction probably doesn’t happen often for him and I realized in that moment, this is showing love. This is what they really need.
Then I saw a sweet little girl in a white dress, so I danced with her and spun her around. I realized showing love is not complicated, dancing and roughhousing is a pretty great place to start.
Creating a band:
This is something I have always wanted to do! That it happened by month two and in Haiti is SO EPIC. We have made a music video, currently in the editing stages. Can’t wait to share with you all! We don’t have a band name yet, but plan to make music along this wild adventure!
Here is a band photo:
Lexi has a killer voice, beautiful inside and out and is someone I respect. She also is a great songwriter!
Major is my wonderful Forerunner teammate, look alike twin, and is a music genius on the guitar – but seriously.
All squad month:
Having the squad together was a huge blessing. I was able to connect with potentially future teammates and it was very exciting to get to know the larger group.
I shared my testimony for the first time and that was a huge step for me. So much freedom touched my heart in Haiti this month, and I will always be grateful for what that experience taught me.
Funny Facts/ Findings, Wisdom & Reminders:
- I found a Canadian luggage tag, and decided to ware it around my iconic fanny pack, because I wanted to see if there would be a difference in how I was treated by village children. From this social experience I discovered I was no longer asked for money … until they realized I wasn’t actually Canadian.
- The kids in the villages also called me JZ… at first. I mean, I’m not black and I don’t even resemble JZ. Then I learned they called Jesus JZ… that made more sense, if Jesus were white J
- Don’t assume the worst, cause it may not happen.
- Showing love doesn’t have to be complicated.
It is very difficult to put this month into words. I can say it was incredible to experience the ways that God has been and is SO good, so faithful, and continues to surprise me.
In order to complete this year long mission trip a remaining amount of $4,500 is needed. Would you please consider a gift of financial support? As a reminder, all donations are tax deductible. Please be sure to check my fundraising status at the top of this blog page to watch God’s faithfulness in action! I’m so thankful to be called here and grateful that God has used you to make it possible.
Here is a link to the MOH website:
If anyone is looking for a short-term mission trip, I recommend!
Grace and peace,
Matt
