I came into this trip expecting it to be like all the other mission trips that I have been on, so I guess you could say that I came into this trip somewhat prideful, although I hate to admit it. I thought I knew it all and had it all under control, I thought I would have no troubles adjusting to the culture and ways of Haiti, but I was about to have my world rocked. I have never felt so low, tired, worthless, and exhausted at one time like I did after a few days in Haiti. I felt as if I was nothing, and that’s when I realized that I am nothing. I am nothing when I don’t rely on God for strength, when I don’t put God first in my life, when I don’t hold onto Him with everything that I have. God broke me emotionally, physically, and even spiritually. I then realized how I had come into this trip, how I had so selfishly thought that I could do it on my own.
But God used my pain and brokenness to renew me and glorify Him. Through the children here at the mission, the kids living in the mountains in the street, the Haitian staff, the elderly that have stone cold faces until you smile, wave, and yell BONJOR!! Every aspect of Haiti is beautiful, you just have to allow God to open your heart, eyes, ears, and mind.
My sister, Don, Heather, a translator, and I went out into the community today. I honestly didn’t know what to expect, but was ready for an adventure after being renewed. We set off in search of a little girl that Don has sponsored since she was born. After showing a few of the Haitian children her picture we were on our way, we literally made it to her house in 10 minutes. To see the look on her face and her mothers face as Don pulled out the dresses and other gifts made every bead of sweat, every ached, and every pain that I have endured on this trip so worth it because that little girls smile showed me how amazing our God is, how He truly knows exactly what we need at the exact moment. I entered this trip thinking I knew it all about missions, and I am leaving this trip humbled and forever changed by a God that I will never stop serving.
- Ashley M.
