Haiti Reflections

Our entire group in Warf Jeremie, Haiti on the second day 

I can't believe it's already been a month since I've gone to Haiti. As I mentioned in my previous post, there were many amazing fruits that were borne in my heart and the hearts of the students and fellow missionaries on the trip. Having some space from the trip has allowed me for more reflection time on the top "take-aways" from the experience:

• Poverty is a huge reality in our world and is at times the norm rather than the exception. This has helped me have a better perspective on the own poverty that the U.S. experiences, as well as just how "privileged" our lives truly are as middle class Americans with a college education. As a result, we must use the gifts and resources we've been given to give back to others in need and truly build up the body of Christ. 

• It doesn't take a lot in one's life to be happy. Material things and media are bigger causes of unhappiness than not having "things." It sometimes takes being stripped of these material goods to realize the true joy that you have within you. I saw that reality play out not only in our students but in myself during the week. 

• One of the most important things we can have in our lives is hope. I saw so many people who had lost their hope--or who never had it to begin with. However, Jesus can restore all hope and joy in one's heart and life. Amidst all the destruction and brokenness that Haiti is still experiencing, there is still the love and light of Christ reigning throughout that country-- and the world.

• God can move very fast in someone's life. The students who went on the trip with us all had very profound experiences and deeper conversions in their faith. It amazed me how many of them were transformed from the inside out from the beginning of the week to the end of the week. I was so blessed to be a witness to the ways God was moving in their lives, and to truly embrace a 24/7 missionary lifestyle, utilizing both the corporal and spiritual works of mercy in such an intentional way.

• One of the most amazing things about going on a mission trip is the impact it continues to have once you've come back. The stories keep coming from our students and missionaries on the trip about the amazing ways God has graced our lives with new zeal and strength for what He's calling us to do. We even have a student who has decided to get confirmed in the Catholic faith, after not believing in God for most of her life. Praise God!

Please enjoy a video slideshow below that one of our students put together from the week. Thank you again for helping make this experience possible. God bless!