An intimate and powerful encounter with God, people and the deepest corners of our heart. We are approaching one month since our visit to Haiti and not one day has passed without thinking about our friends and the need that surrounds their country. Although my husband and I have traveled to many different countries, what we experienced in Haiti was distinctive and special. An experience on a mission trip that lasted only one week but formed a lasting impression on us and provided life-changing perspective.

Did you know Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere? We were a bit hesitant to visit the country because there is infinite information online about Haiti and why it is not safe to go. Violence, disease, crime and discrimination are all among the many reasons you can find in almost every source. So, naturally, we thought about it a couple times (especially because of my mosquito magnetism) and decided it was definitely something we both really wanted to do. As a result, we agreed we not to be discouraged nor persuaded by fear. Upon arrival and en route to the MOH campus, where we would be spending the next seven nights, something happened inside of me that I can only explain as a moment with God. An encounter that was so fervent and immediately humbling. I held my husband’s hand and quickly realized that we were exactly where we were supposed to be at that exact time.

Mission of Hope (MOH) is an organization following Jesus Christ seeking to bring life transformation to every man, woman and child in Haiti. We had first heard of MOH about two years ago during one of our church announcements. We remember talking about how it looked like such a rewarding experience, but never thought about it much after that.  In early January of this year, a precious family member recommended MOH during our trip to Texas. We received this as confirmation to serve and see what Haiti and MOH were all about. MOH provides food for 91,000 children and students each day, education for 6,100 children and also provides hundreds of families with long-term housing.  Today, we can say that it was truly an honor to have been a mere fraction of what this team and organization have accomplished.

Yes, it was really hot and certainly not luxurious living. We slept on bunks with 19 others in our room (men with men, women with women), woke up to geckos on our mosquito nets at times, nearly stepped on tarantulas everyday, showered with very little and cold water, wore long skirts during village time (per Haitian culture) and had no internet access. That last one I kind of enjoyed. Despite it all, would you believe me if I said it was absolutely Beautiful? Our campus (Bercy) was surrounded by mountains on one side and the Caribbean Sea on the other. It took our breath away every single day during sunrise and sunset. In addition, our wonderful team became like family and late night talks/games were so much fun. After a much needed peanut butter breakfast every morning, the team would partner with our MOH leader, Haitian village champion and Haitian translators to begin our day in the village. The village kids recognized the bus and ran up to us every time we arrived. Playing with these beautiful kids was the best and we loved every second, but this was only the mere surface of what we experienced. Our experience was much greater than that.

After the earthquake in 2010, More than 200,000 Haitians died and millions were left homeless. It was the strongest earthquake to hit the region in 200 years. Even before the 2010 earthquake, only 54% of Haitians had access to sanitation facilities. Less than half had a regular source of safe drinking water. During this trip, we had the opportunity to provide hygiene packs to families throughout the village and educate them on how to wash their hands, brush their teeth and ask about their current health concerns/needs to better serve their families and the community. After spending some quality time with each family, we would talk about the unconditional love of Jesus, shown for all of us alike, and prayed for their specific requests. Although many Haitians practice Voodoo alongside Christianity, they were open to prayer and conversation never seemed to be a problem.  It sounds so simple, but these interactions were truly special and meant more to us than it probably did to them.

Looking back, I was quite emotional on this trip and it wasn’t because I was sad. Truthfully, it was because I felt such joy in my heart to be a part of something so significant. It was overwhelming to see kids playing with no shoes, on rocks nonetheless, and still full of laughter and life. Women who walk for more than one hour to get water from a pump while still living a life with a smile on their face and believing God will provide. The kindness and resilience that these people possess is uplifting and is a true representation of what we believe: The joy of the Lord is your strength.

Haiti will always be in our prayers and in our hearts. Our faith has increased because of what we’ve seen and experienced in this incredible country. We believe God brought us to Haiti for a reason. Besides the wonderful people we met and miss deeply, there is so much that is still processing in our hearts. Haiti has inspired us to live a life on mission. Our goal is to be aware and available in an effort to experience what we did in Haiti once again.  We are so thankful for the vision at MOH and the continuous efforts delivered by so many to make it happen. With greater faith, we believe the best is yet to come!

After the earthquake, the media invaded Haiti in every way possible. We must respect that this is their life. Thus, pictures and video are limited. Everything we are sharing was captured with permission. Don’t forget to see the other post: Memorable Moments in Haiti and check out the picture gallery.