Loving People: Haiti

After 2 flights, an upset stomach, and couple of naps I finally stepped foot on Haitian soil. A country that was struck by a devastating earthquake just a little over a year ago. The immigration processes was rather interesting and chaotic. I was hot, nervous, and trying to take everything in. Getting our bags was hard. It’s nothing like airports in the states. It’s basically a big giant warehouse called an airport.
We then boarded our mode of transportation called a “tap tap”. Let me explain this multifunctional vehicle. If a truck and a bus had baby that’s basically what it would look like.

While we made our way to the Bethel Guest House all I could do is look out and stare as if I was at a zoo. But it’s not a zoo these are people’s lives with faces and stories. The biggest struggle is getting past the physical need which is important but seeing the spiritual need. Yes they need things like water, food and shelter; but there is a bigger need. A need for a savior!

Our week consisted of working with several orphanages. We had the opportunity to serve and love on kids. My favorite place I got to work at was Wings of Hope an orphanage for special needs. I loved every minute of it. It was the most challenging too. I spent a lot of time just loving on the kids. I also got to feed them, wash clothes (old school), clean wheelchairs, and go several miles to get clean water. Day to day life was challenging for this orphanage. Their building was destroyed during the earthquake. Praise the Lord none of the kids were hurt but, it forced them to find a new home. The orphanage is renting out a house until their new building is built. The house is not very big and poses a challenge for wheelchairs. The kids taught me so much. It taught me to look past their disability and see their potential. I loved seeing the pure joy on their faces all the time. They loved life and were completely happy.

We also got to go to the village of Kanez in the middle of the desert. There are about 1oo something families that live in mud huts. Most families have about 6-7 kids and no means of income. We were able to pray with each family and talk to them about Christ. We also were able to give them a 50 pound bag of rice.Kanez was absolutely beautiful it sat alongside a salt lake. I spent some time playing in the lake with the kids which was awesome.

I loved every minute of my trip to Haiti. I loved loving and living alongside these people. I loved the opportunity to be the hands and feet of Christ. The country was beautiful. Everything screamed the Glory of the Lord.

 

 

I loved serving alongside my girlfriend Rachael. She is awesome and her passion for serving the Lord is encouraging. We learned alot about each other and was really cool to share this experience together.

I had a unique opportunity to shoot footage for Crossings Camps that will be used in a future partnership with Haiti. It was awkward at times to film such rough conditions. I learned  that the kids loved seeing themselves when I played it back. Many of the kids in Kanez had never seen themselves before. I am excited to serve at Crossings for another summer and for the future partnership.

After returning home and I am left wondering how God changed my heart. How will I grow from this. I have seen so much and learned so much but how will I use that here in the states. This culture is so consumed with its self and how much can it get or gain. My prayer is that I am changed and challenged to live a life being a servant of Christ. Loving people is what its all about.

Advertisement