A Week In Haiti

This past week I was blessed to be able to make my 3rd mission trip.  This mission was based in Port Au Prince Haiti.  Upon arriving into Port Au Price it is evident that Haiti has far from recovered the Earthquakes of 2010.  It is estimated that over 230,000 persons lost their lives due to the Earthquakes of 2010.  At this time many structures have been left in their damaged state. There are still thousands of Haitians living in tent cities. Some of the biggest problems facing Haiti is the lack of food and clean water.

Our time in Haiti was spent working with 2 local pastors.  We worked on building a water well and securing a roof.  We were also invited to a Haitian wedding,  This was a real treat.  The Haitian wedding was very different then any wedding I have been too.  I was honored to have been able to be a part of their celebration.  We also attended a traditional Haitian Christian Church service.  It was the churches anniversary weekend.  They had a wonderful celebration after the service.  They served a Haitian Meal where I learned that in Haiti the children are served their food first.

Of all the memories I took from my week in Haiti one thing lingers on my mind.  Pastor Raymond told us that until the people of Haiti change their hearts and minds, no amount of money will make a difference.  This was really hard to digest but after much thought I believe it to be true.  The Haitian people seem to have lost hope and faith.  They have seen so much devastation that they do not see a bright future.  With that in mind, my prayer for Haiti is that God will bless them and restore their faith.  That he will give them hope and show them that they can make a difference for their future.

Haiti's Legislative Palace-still in disrepair 

Part of our group...touring The Haiti National Museum

Cathedral De Port Au Prince-notice all of the trash.This is a major problem in Haiti

A few of our new friends!!!! They are awesome

Reflecting on blessings

Today I am reflecting on a journey I began 2 years ago to Burundi Africa.  This was my first mission trip and it left a huge impact on my heart.  I miss my Batwa friends and think of them often.  I have since been on a mission trip to Costa Rica and will be going to Haiti soon.  I wanted to share a short video from my travels to Africa.  I hope you enjoy this as much as I do. 

Burundi Africa 2010

There's Hope...

Let's face it. None of us are perfect. We all have a past. We say things that are hurtful & do things we regret.  Learning from past mistakes is a part of life.  Repeating the same mistakes is a choice.  Our past does not define us....but our present may.  We are in complete control to make adjustments and changes to better ourselves and our future. There is no time better then now to make good on a promise, offer an apology for a wrong, reach out to a forgotten friend and mend fences.