Hi everyone! My name is Trisha Kapp and I am currently a senior at Western Michigan University. I am planning to graduate this upcoming April in which I am really excited to start the next chapter of my life! As many of you may know I was recently in Haiti with the organization Watts of Love delivering solar lights to women and children who live in ultra-poverty. I experienced so much in just 8 days but one specific event continues to stick out to me.
It was when I was teaching a pregnant woman no older than 23, how to use the solar light. Prior to this encounter I learned that in Haitian culture, showing emotion while receiving a gift was offensive. I had yet to experience this in the field but when I began training this woman it was very evident. During our time together she was emotionless and it seemed as if she wasn’t excited to receive a light. I still tried to get a smile out of her but I got nothing, not even a smirk. I continued teaching her and showing her all of the functions of the solar light. As soon as I turned on the radio and held the light to her ear, her stone cold expressions turned into a warm smile. The translator said she has never heard a radio before and it amazed her. It was unbelievable to see how something as simple as a light can bring so much joy, and hope into someone’s life.
That experience to say the least was life changing, and has impacted me in ways in which words can't explain. Prior to this trip I felt a calling to the mission field, and Haiti only confirmed this calling. Returning home from this trip I felt the need to start pursuing mission work. I stepped out on a limb and applied to Harvest school in which I was accepted! I will be living in Mozambique, Africa for 12 weeks this summer while attending the Iris School of Missions. The base is located in the major city of Pemba, 200 yards from the crystal clear Indian Ocean. During those 12 weeks, I will be schooled how to minister to different cultures as well as experiencing the challenges of living in a third world country. I will be applying my education through serving others, coordinating various service projects as well as loving on thousands of orphans that live on and near the Pemba base.
I know this sounds a bit crazy, but I feel there is no better time for me to spend a summer serving in Africa. I am really excited to see what this summer has in store for me! This has always been a dream of mine but if for whatever reason I do not end up going, all of the money will be refunded. Whenever I have phone service I will be posting pictures and updates. Upon my return home I will also be sure to send out a recap letter of my time in Africa! I truly appreciate any support that you can offer to help me come closer to reaching my goal!
It was when I was teaching a pregnant woman no older than 23, how to use the solar light. Prior to this encounter I learned that in Haitian culture, showing emotion while receiving a gift was offensive. I had yet to experience this in the field but when I began training this woman it was very evident. During our time together she was emotionless and it seemed as if she wasn’t excited to receive a light. I still tried to get a smile out of her but I got nothing, not even a smirk. I continued teaching her and showing her all of the functions of the solar light. As soon as I turned on the radio and held the light to her ear, her stone cold expressions turned into a warm smile. The translator said she has never heard a radio before and it amazed her. It was unbelievable to see how something as simple as a light can bring so much joy, and hope into someone’s life.
That experience to say the least was life changing, and has impacted me in ways in which words can't explain. Prior to this trip I felt a calling to the mission field, and Haiti only confirmed this calling. Returning home from this trip I felt the need to start pursuing mission work. I stepped out on a limb and applied to Harvest school in which I was accepted! I will be living in Mozambique, Africa for 12 weeks this summer while attending the Iris School of Missions. The base is located in the major city of Pemba, 200 yards from the crystal clear Indian Ocean. During those 12 weeks, I will be schooled how to minister to different cultures as well as experiencing the challenges of living in a third world country. I will be applying my education through serving others, coordinating various service projects as well as loving on thousands of orphans that live on and near the Pemba base.
I know this sounds a bit crazy, but I feel there is no better time for me to spend a summer serving in Africa. I am really excited to see what this summer has in store for me! This has always been a dream of mine but if for whatever reason I do not end up going, all of the money will be refunded. Whenever I have phone service I will be posting pictures and updates. Upon my return home I will also be sure to send out a recap letter of my time in Africa! I truly appreciate any support that you can offer to help me come closer to reaching my goal!