Volunteer Trip
The Richest of the Poor
Hands wrapped around my legs as Haitian orphans swarmed around me. One by one, each orphan greeted me with a beautiful smile and a welcoming hug. With their tiny hands holding mine ever so tightly, and their big brown eyes staring up at me, I was destined to fall in love with this place, and these people. The warmth of the air matched the warmth in my heart as I took in my surroundings. Fifty plus orphans gathered around me with unforgettable smiles and voices. Standing in front of My Father’s House orphanage in Bon Repos, Haiti, I was surrounded by a crumbling brick wall that protected this place. With guards at the entrance holding big rifles, I knew I was in a land that desperately needed help and healing. I was standing on the ground of the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere and there was nowhere else I would rather be.
If ever a people had something to be distraught and angry about, it is the Haitian people, however, they are as grateful and as faithful as one could ever imagine. Walking down the dusty street, the hands of the poor are opened up in front of me. The pain and suffering in their eyes remind me that their lives are not easy. Children running around with no shoes, ripped clothes, and who probably don’t have a warm bed to sleep at night, fill the streets of Port-au Prince. Haiti is such a meaningful place to me because it has opened my eyes to what really matters in life. Hearing the laughter coming from these orphans has reminded me to always find joy in whatever may come my way. Seeing their smiles has reminded me to find happiness in everything I do. The poorest of people have showed me what it means to be rich. To me, the wealthiest of people are those who experience God the way these Haitians do. Although they are in need of material things such as clothes, food, housing, money and much more, they are the richest people I’ve ever met. Rich in faith, rich in hope, and rich in love these God-loving Haitians are rich in happiness and joy. And because of this, Haitians make Americans look hungry.
With my cheeks being occupied by “goodbye kisses’ and my arms holding and hugging my new dearest friends, it was time to leave this place. Leaving behind suitcases filled with the needed supplies for everyday life, it was time to leave the place I had grown to love. I knew I would return because I had left my heart there too. Haiti is a place that will forever be a part of my life and will always be very meaningful to me.
I traveled to Haiti last January with 14 people from Trinity United Methodist Church in Hackettstown, NJ. It was an unforgettable trip that will forever be stitched in my heart. On January 17th, 2015, my church will be traveling back to Haiti and my hope is that I will be with them. As this mission trip costs $1,400, I am in the process of raising money in order to do so. If you are able, please donate any amount to support me in my goal to return to Haiti. Any additional funds raised beyond $1,400 will be hand delivered by me to Pastor Ronald LeFranc of The Light and Peace Mission in Bon Repos Haiti. Your thoughtfulness and generosity would be greatly appreciated. With your help I'lI be standing on the ground of the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere and there is nowhere else I would rather be.
Hands wrapped around my legs as Haitian orphans swarmed around me. One by one, each orphan greeted me with a beautiful smile and a welcoming hug. With their tiny hands holding mine ever so tightly, and their big brown eyes staring up at me, I was destined to fall in love with this place, and these people. The warmth of the air matched the warmth in my heart as I took in my surroundings. Fifty plus orphans gathered around me with unforgettable smiles and voices. Standing in front of My Father’s House orphanage in Bon Repos, Haiti, I was surrounded by a crumbling brick wall that protected this place. With guards at the entrance holding big rifles, I knew I was in a land that desperately needed help and healing. I was standing on the ground of the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere and there was nowhere else I would rather be.
If ever a people had something to be distraught and angry about, it is the Haitian people, however, they are as grateful and as faithful as one could ever imagine. Walking down the dusty street, the hands of the poor are opened up in front of me. The pain and suffering in their eyes remind me that their lives are not easy. Children running around with no shoes, ripped clothes, and who probably don’t have a warm bed to sleep at night, fill the streets of Port-au Prince. Haiti is such a meaningful place to me because it has opened my eyes to what really matters in life. Hearing the laughter coming from these orphans has reminded me to always find joy in whatever may come my way. Seeing their smiles has reminded me to find happiness in everything I do. The poorest of people have showed me what it means to be rich. To me, the wealthiest of people are those who experience God the way these Haitians do. Although they are in need of material things such as clothes, food, housing, money and much more, they are the richest people I’ve ever met. Rich in faith, rich in hope, and rich in love these God-loving Haitians are rich in happiness and joy. And because of this, Haitians make Americans look hungry.
With my cheeks being occupied by “goodbye kisses’ and my arms holding and hugging my new dearest friends, it was time to leave this place. Leaving behind suitcases filled with the needed supplies for everyday life, it was time to leave the place I had grown to love. I knew I would return because I had left my heart there too. Haiti is a place that will forever be a part of my life and will always be very meaningful to me.
I traveled to Haiti last January with 14 people from Trinity United Methodist Church in Hackettstown, NJ. It was an unforgettable trip that will forever be stitched in my heart. On January 17th, 2015, my church will be traveling back to Haiti and my hope is that I will be with them. As this mission trip costs $1,400, I am in the process of raising money in order to do so. If you are able, please donate any amount to support me in my goal to return to Haiti. Any additional funds raised beyond $1,400 will be hand delivered by me to Pastor Ronald LeFranc of The Light and Peace Mission in Bon Repos Haiti. Your thoughtfulness and generosity would be greatly appreciated. With your help I'lI be standing on the ground of the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere and there is nowhere else I would rather be.
Organizer
Carrie Ann Callahan
Organizer
Washington, NJ