A Feeling of Gratefulness

A lot of people have asked me, “Why do you go to Haiti?” “Why do you spend so much money to go there, when you don’t even have AC or water or even Wifi?!” And my answer is always this:  

I go because of these sweet faces, they are my answer to the question “Why?”. Sure other people will come to visit them, but I have felt God call me to make a commitment to going to Haiti and spending time with the people and children of Haiti. Like John 14:18 says, “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” And James 1:27 “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this, to look after orphans and widows in their distress…” I feel called to be the hands and feet of Jesus and simply be love to the people of Haiti as the Bible directs.

Orphans are so deserving of love and deserve the opportunity to learn of God’s love for His people. And if me coming for a week and loving on them the best way I know how shows them even a small glimpse of His love, then all the money, time, effort, and prayer is all worth it.

Every time I come back from a trip I am overwhelmed with so many emotions; happiness to be back, heartbreak over children and the conditions in Haiti, sadness because I just want to stay and love them a little bit longer, but those emotions usually fade to the feeling of gratefulness. Grateful for the fact that I have the opportunity to get on a plane and travel, no questions asked. Grateful that when I return, I go home to both of my parents. Grateful to have a job that allows me to afford to go to Haiti. But most importantly, grateful that God brought Haiti into my life. I pray I never lose that feeling of gratefulness.  

I have been so blessed by the beautiful country of Haiti and its people. Blessed by similes and hugs from all the kids and people from the community. Blessed by a sweet little girl singing “I love you” over and over as I hold her. The children don’t ask for much. They just ask for you to love them, spend time with them, and acknowledge them.

So if you have been considering a mission trip whether to Haiti or somewhere else but have been asking yourself “Is it really worth it?” “Will I really make a difference?” The answer is a resounding YES! We may not see the impact we are making on this side of eternity, but I can promise you, to see a smile on a kid’s face just because you showed up makes it all worth it and so much more. God wants infinitely more for your life and for the lives of others. Who knows how blessed you could be by listening to that still small voice telling you to go on a mission trip, I can guarantee you won’t regret it.

In Love,

Bri