Have you ever had an instant connection with a person, knowing you’d be great friends after your first conversation? I didn’t realize how quickly this can occur, not only with people but with countries. Haiti has pleasantly surprised me with this instant connection. The minute we stepped inside the church of Mission of Hope International, I was hooked. Sitting on a wooden bench packed with Haitians praising Jesus, immersed in sweat from the February heat, and embraced by Haitian children grinning their bright smiles from ear to ear, constantly stroking our light skin and hair, I immediately fell in love with this place.
This month God has opened my heart to new experiences and challenges. My squad has been working with Mission of Hope International, founded by a Haitian/American couple whose hearts are to reach out to the Haitian community with God’s love. Currently they are working on constructing a new building to hold their church services, school programs, medical center, and more. Our job has mainly been working construction, which has been a new & fun experience for me. Each time we enter the construction site, we are greeted by smiling Haitian children and orphans that jump into our arms, wanting our every bit of attention. We've been working alongside with a couple other Americans directing the construction, as well as the Haitian workers. Last Saturday we worked from 8am-11pm pouring concrete for the foundation of the building… though it was one of our more intense days, we had such joy helping out with this project, setting a new foundation for this ministry.
It's been awesome to see God's big heart for Haiti- in the midst of the poverty and areas still in bad shape from the earthquake in 2010, I can clearly see His hope for this nation. During our time in Grand Guave, there have been several groups and individuals from the U.S. and Canada residing in our beach home serving alongside with my squad. I'm truly amazed that so many people have sensed God's burning desire for Haiti to be restored both physically and spiritually. Though we have not had as many chances to develop relationships with the Haitians, we've been able to practically help this community, as well as pray and intercede for them through worship and prayer.
The Lord has been using this month to stretch me in finding utter dependence in Him. It's been easy for me to place my hope in other places instead of relying fully on the Lord. I feel like He has stripped every comfort and desire I've had away so that He can draw me into a deeper place of reliance on Him that I could not acquire otherwise. Though this process was difficult at first, I've received such breakthrough and freedom and have seen the benefits of laying down all of my dreams, hopes, and desires at His feet.
In general this month has been amazing- I love our ministry, time spent with my squad, and opportunities to work with our contacts as we love on the people in Haiti. Please continue to pray that God will keep my squad's focus and unity in the Lord, giving everything we've got for the duration of our time here. I am so thankful for your prayers and encouragement! Keep them coming and know that they truly are making a difference across the world! 🙂
