Destination: Haiti

I've been on lots of mission trips before. I know the routine of packing, boarding a plane, the awkward excitement of being in a completely new place, thinking, “Is my outfit appropriate? Should I take out my tongue piercing?” On Saturday, July 14^th I left for a week-long trip to Port-Au-Prince, Haiti. But this time it was a little bit different. I had someone with me. I wasn’t going with a church group, I was going with my boyfriend. Not only was this Tinzy’s first mission trip, but his first time out of the country!

Ready for a Haitian church service!

 Going on a mission trip with Tinzy was a wonderful experience. We were blessed to see each others giftings and skills while also being stretched outside our comfort zones. We were challenged but kept a positive attitude and encouraged one another throughout the trip. We also had the opportunity to witness each others cranky, jet-lagged side (always a fun time for couples!).

Some of the kids I met during VBS!

 Tinzy and I worked with an organization called Adventures in Missions, who have been running short term trips to Haiti for years. We ran a VBS 3 mornings, our guys helped with construction 2 days, we went on several prayer walks and visited an orphanage.  Tinzy was especially impacted from one of our longer prayer walks when we were challenged to allow God to lead us and prayed for people throughout the neighborhood. I had the chance to help lead VBS and plan out activities and games, which was really fun! I shouldn't have been surprised when I was told the first day we would need something planned by the time we reached the church (only a 15 minute walk). Thankfully, another young woman and I were able to plan out a puppet show, recruit volunteers and have one shaky rehearsal before we were called to the stage!

Tinzy and I with our crew: Sofia, Vivian, Allison, Jessica, and Christiana

Along with our group of about 30 Americans, comprised of church groups and a few couples and individuals, we had 6 translators who were with us for every activity. They were the Haitians we got to know the best, and even heard some of their experiences after the earthquake in 2010. It's always an amazing change of perspective when I'm able to talk to someone who's lived through events I've only heard about. Rony told us about how he was in a university classroom when the earthquake hit and the next thing he remembers is waking up outside, finding out later he was one of 10 survivors from the building where 90 others died. Even now, as people are recovering from hurricane Isaac, I've been checking facebook to make sure my new friends are safe.

Tinzy helping build a wall by passing buckets of concrete

Coming home from the mission trip I felt encouraged, revitalized. More on track with learning who Jesus is, and what he wants for my life. It was great to refocus on ministry, and confirm for myself that I want to live out God's love everyday. As Tinzy and I look ahead to what God has in store for us, we will be grateful for the blessings in our lives and ready for the challenges which are present in every adventure.