Calvary Church - Haiti Mission Trip - October 2011
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As I reflect back on this trip from the comfort of my home on this rainy night, so many feelings and emotions arise. I thought I was well prepared for this trip, both mentally and physically but, I was wrong. It took every bit of energy and mental balance that I could surmise during this seven day trip. All of my senses were heightened to a point of nearly overloading. You reach a point to where your mind cannot compute what it is seeing, smelling, feeling, and hearing. Combine this with sleepless nights, high heat, and a dramatically decreased diet given the heat and you soon go numb to it all.
And then, you wake up on day one and head to the orphanage to meet the kids, you play with them for a while, you meet a couple of Mom’s that need a house, and it all begins to make sense again.
Our team was great! There was never a question of “who does what?”, we just jumped in and worked with each other always lending a hand wherever needed.
From the tarantulas and cockroaches to the rats (specifically the one that chewed on my shoes) and extreme conditions, day-to-day activities were truly a challenge and required optimal flexibility and a fluid scheduling approach to everything.
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| Our “executive” transportation service – it felt like we were on our way to the dog pound! Nice, comfortable metal seats!!! |
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| I know this is hard to believe but, I was voted “class clown”! Actually, it was needed since the experience put all of our senses in “overload” mode. Laughter was a great release. |
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| We tried to take numerous breaks throughout the day. The heat index was 106 degrees and there was no shade. We drank a great deal of water but, still flirted with dehydration. |
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Aside from all of the chaotic driving, poverty, and devastation from the earthquake, Haiti does have a great deal of beauty especially in the more rural areas. We were treated to swimming and relaxation on our final day there. The drive revealed beautiful mountains and great scenery.
As a group, we barely knew each other four months prior to this trip. We bonded quickly and soon found a talent in each that had great value during this mission trip. God presents us with challenges and when we answer then our faith is strengthened to an unshakeable level and form.
We had a very important purpose in Haiti and we fulfilled it under the most challenging conditions. Our schedule was always fluid due to the lack of supplies, weather, equipment breakage, and slowness of the pace in this country. The people we met were gracious and accepted us as they knew we were there to help. Haiti has so many problems but, help is still needed and always welcomed.
I can say that this trip tested and strengthened me mentally and physically and it gave me the greatest appreciation for what we have available to us in the United States. We are truly blessed here and it should never be taken for granted. Thank you for reading this and God bless.
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| The kids at our job sites were very curious and loved any attention that we would give them. The simplest game of jumping over twine had them giggling and smiling. When building, they were right there watching and trying to help. |
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| The teamwork was exemplary and I know that we all learned from each other. Although very hot and exhausting, we got along well and made sure we took care of each other. |
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| There is great beauty in the people and land in Haiti. |
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"Love is doing small things with great love."
-Mother Teresa (1910-1997)
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