I decided that I would tell you a little bit more about each of the countries that I’ll be going to. The people on my team have been researching each place that we’re going to, in order to learn more about the different cultures. I thought it would be cool to include you all in this, which will allow everyone to see what is expected in each place and what actually happens when we get there!
So…Haiti is the first country! As everyone knows, Haiti was hit by a devastating earthquake on January 12, 2010. The crazy thing to me is that Haiti was already one of the poorest countries in the world, which means that living conditions weren’t all that great BEFORE the earthquake hit. Was the earthquake a terrible tragedy? Yes, definitely. BUT, the amount of aid that the Haiti is receiving will be beneficial for the overall rebuilding of the country in the long-run. The amount of media coverage that Haiti received from the earthquake made it impossible for the world to ignore their suffering any longer. Coincidence? I think not.
As far as religion goes, voo–doo is a dominant practice in Haiti. They are very into witchcraft, spirits, and all that goes along with that voo–doo shadiness. A member of the AIM Organization, Seth Barnes, wrote a blog about the spiritual revival going on in Haiti since the earthquake. People have lost their family, they’ve lost their homes, they’ve lost everything, and they’re looking to FIND something. The people of Haiti are looking to find Jesus. When members of AIM arrived in Haiti to meet with preachers of churches in the area, they expected about 10 to show up. The group was amazed when over 100 preachers were waiting for them when they arrived. Make no mistake, Haiti is not hopeless.
Our group will be doing disaster relief when we arrive in Haiti. What exactly does that mean, I am honestly not sure. Manual labor, working in orphanages, and handing out food/water to refugees are a few things that have been mentioned. By the way, we’re living in tents for this month. Good thing I’m from the sticks 🙂
“‘For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,’ declares the Lord.” Isaiah 55:8
