Last Day in Haiti
Parents,
We just finished our final day at “Mission of Hope”. We started the day with a trip out to a local village to do a VBS and street evangelism. We then spent a half day out at the ocean, playing along the beautiful shores of Haiti. It was a great day filled with fun and some relaxing snorkeling. We are headed back tomorrow morning, thankful for your prayers.
Below are more updates:
“I’ve never experienced anything like this. The children are a joy to play with and the joy and spirit these kids have in the Lord is inspiring. It’s so fun doing the work projects with everyone; it’s truly an incredible experience.”
-Austin Jolesch
“This week I helped teach kids how to wash their hands and brush their teeth and that was just such a surprise to me that they didn’t know what that was or how to do it. Especially, when we all do that everyday and don’t think twice about it. It has also been incredible to see how much joy all the kids and Haitians have in worshiping the Lord. It’s all so genuine and passionate and it’s been really encouraging. I think that’s taught all of us that possessions and money and comfort really won’t bring us happiness.”
-Andrew Thornton
“Haiti has been incredible! The unconditional love and joy the kids have is amazing. You can clearly see and feel the Lords presence everyday, it’s so cool. It really has been such an incredible trip!” -Lily Alexander
“we went to a church service the other night and the worship part caught my attention. They were completely were abandoning themselves before Christ as they worshipped. The part that got me was that they had so much joy apparent in their worship but have absolutely nothing. It was obvious that They get what it really means to be satisfied in Christ.”
-Madeline Autrey
“Haiti has been an experience of a life time, which I hope I never forget. There are so many different things to be learned, and at the same time many memories being made. It is so humbling and encouraging to see these people with so little praising the same God we have. God has really opened my eyes towards my own heart to check and see if I am holding on to anything besides god for our identity. Watching them worship god makes it evident that they know how to connect with him even without having any possessions. God is so present here, and it’s just so exciting to see the hope they have. Also getting to share the gospel to non believers who listen so eagerly! It’s one of the greatest joys to share the gospel here to people who have never heard of Jesus!”
-Luke Ellerman
Haiti for me has been the most rewarding and life changing experience of my life. I know it’s no accident that I came here. It has really been a blessing getting to be with the people here and be a servant for people who don’t have anything. God is doing amazing things here and I hope that I can come back soon.
-Will Tarnasky
Haiti has been such a eye opener for me. The poverty and devastation is everywhere, although the people don’t have much they still have an unmistakable joy. This experience has made me so thankful for everything I have and has taught me to have joy in all situations.
-Alexis McDonald
“I went on this trip expecting to have a typical mission trip experience where God opens your eyes to a way of life you’ve never seen before. Everyone always says that God has a plan and His was different for me-I was sick the first two days of the trip. Through the frustration and helplessness, God gave me the time to truly figure out why I’m here and that I physically, mentally, and emotionally can not do this without fully relying on Him. I started feeling better after He helped me change my mindset. The main thing I’ve learned on this trip is that love brings life. The way that the Haitian kids light up and smile and laugh when we simply pick them up reminds me of the joy we find in Christ-we just have to ask Him to pick us up and we will find complete joy and hope in Him. Even though the things I learned here weren’t what I expected, I’m so thankful God gave me this opportunity to be in this country with these amazing people!”
-Maggie Washington
“The kids in Haiti really touch your heart. They don’t even know who you are or where you came from, but they run to you and jump in your lap, and just love on you. It’s so apparent that these kids need love, and we can give it to them. It’s been so rewarding for me to see the smiles on these kids faces, and I wish that I could take some home with me!”
-Kate Hauser
“I would trade all the air conditioning and the comforts of home for all this dirt and grime here in Haiti any day. This experience has grown me so much in my faith and has had such a big impact on me. Despite the trials and the hot days this trip has amounted to so much. Praise God for allowing this group to be a part of spreading his love to a place that needs so much. I pray that this experience will spur this group on to do great things in the lives of the ones in need at home.”
Lizzie Housewright
“God is wonderful. When we are just driving through the city and see so many smiling children all you can is just praise God. These people have the biggest smiles and the kids are the happiest kids I have ever seen. One of my highlights of the trip happens almost everyday, everytime I meet a kid the ask me if I follow Jesus. When I reply with a yes, they are just all lot up inside. I pray that this trip will continue to open my eyes and heart even in America.”
Amanda Barstow
