Angie And Bryten - Mission Haiti
The thing about some short term missions is that you go for a week and then come back; making only a temporary impact on the people you get to serve. And your own flame, ignited and burning bright from your mission experience, slowly fades over time. You are never the same...but that energy, momentum, and vision you have when you return is challenging to maintain in this crazy place we call our daily lives.
What I love about our involvement with Mission-Haiti is that even though a team may go for only one week, teams from our church go several times each year, continually building in the same community. Building what I think is THE most important thing...relationships. Attendees are encouraged to return because sending some familiar faces and deepening those bonds shows how much we truly care and are so very much invested. 
I was beyond blessed to go to Haiti in Feb 2015, and immediately upon my return signed up for 2 slots for Feb 2017. Now, in less than 6 weeks, I have the distinct pleasure of bringing my 12-yr-old daughter, Bryten, on this service trip. What a tremendous opportunity for a middle schooler to see first hand what it is like in a culture much different than the only one she has known.
I have many highlights from my first trip. First and foremost being able to experience God and His awesome love with my teammates. I felt so content in Haiti; to a degree that I had never experienced before, and have not been able to replicate since. I genuinely loved the Haitian people and especially enjoyed meeting the 3 boys that we sponsor (and their families) in person. I could write many pages of the joys and challenges of my first trip and I absolutely cannot wait to share this experience with my daughter. I can't wait to hug my Haitian friends and reignite my fire.
It is not without hesitation, though. My heart already aches thinking of the devastation left by Hurricane Matthew. Stripped trees, damaged homes...some places we visited last time no longer in existence. People hurting. I will put aside my nerves, fears, and concerns. I will go and do the only thing I know how to do....love.
This trip is a rebuilding/construction trip and I am looking forward to helping our friends in a very practical, much needed way. Accordingly to James 2:17, "Faith by itself, if not accompanied by action, is dead." We are ready to take our faith in the action to help our dear friends in Haiti!
If you are able to make the trip at some point I highly encourage it! If you can't make the trip but want to be supportive, please pray for our team! If you are feeling led to take some action now to fill a need, consider a donation to our fund or directly to Mission-Haiti.