our peeps

Prior to my first trip to Haiti, I was filled with so many emotions. I was anxious to travel to a third-world country for the first time. I was uneasy about meeting 15 people and spending an entire week working with them. I was self-conscious of the fact I knew absolutely nothing about medicine and I was about to participate in a medical mission. I was worried about the communication barrier I’d experience with the people of Haiti, as I did not speak a word of Creole or French. I feared the reaction Jonathan would have as we were going to meet him for the very first time. I was so sad to leave my three children at home for an entire week. I felt guilty asking my father to take care of my kids while I was away. I was so excited to take on this new adventure in my life; and I was hopeful that this was what God wanted me to do!

I was hoping to receive some sort of reassurance that it was all right for us to attend this trip. With all my worries and concerns, I wanted to be sure this trip wasn’t just for self-centeredness. Certainly, I love to travel ~ especially to the Caribbean. I am absolutely intrigued by the complexity and diversity among the islands. The history of each colony settling on a small space of land and developing it into its own country was fascinating to me. I love learning about the similarities and differences of each island in the North Pacific Ocean. In addition, signing up to be a part of the medical team was giving us the opportunity to meet our son. Finally, who wouldn’t enjoy the warm, sunshine throughout the region...? However, this was not at all why I was traveling to Haiti and I wanted God to know this. I was doing this to serve our Lord and was hoping for affirmation from God of my decision.

So many people mention the prevalence of God when in Haiti. I recall being told before leaving for the mission trip, “God is everywhere,” and “it is obvious God exists in Haiti.” Someone even said I would feel God’s presence while I was there. Although I truly did know in my heart the Lord did want me to do mission work; I hadn’t “FELT” it like others said I would. Certainly I had heard about serving God and doing missionary work at church. I knew we were supposed to help others and spread His word ~ this is what we are told to do. So, when Mike and I decided to go on this mission trip, I knew it was what we were supposed to do. However, once I arrived in Haiti; I also wanted to “FEEL” it was what God wanted me to do!

As our plane approached the island of Hispaniola, I peered out the window looking at the country of Haiti. I was told and read about the vast difference of this country compared to the Dominican Republic just the other side of the mountains. From the air, I saw an island of green and a sea of blue. It looked similar to so many islands I have seen. I did notice the lines of brown streaming down the mountains and the muddy rivers flowing into the ocean. We were traveling to Haiti within one week after Tropical Storm Noel hit and flooded a majority of the country. Here I was flying over Haiti, seeing the actual evidence of the flooding, destruction and devastation I read about back home. What was minutes ago in my mind a lush-looking tropical island was now the third world country I was going to be visiting. I felt anxious and concerned, and I prayed asking God to tell me He wanted me to be there!


When we stepped off the plane and onto the tarmac, I felt relief and security. Those mixed emotions I had for days and weeks prior had seemed to vanish. God's hands were rested on my shoulders and I could feel Him guiding and protecting me! I felt the sense I belonged getting off that plane and I was in a place I was supposed to be. I immediately began talking to God and thanking Him for this sense of peace He had given me. As we proceeded through customs, baggage claim and out on the street of Port au Prince, I was at ease. I was able to soak in the sites around me, see the people surrounding us and listen to the sounds in the air. Haiti was a beautiful place and I knew I was there for a reason ~ I could “FEEL” it! The Lord was allowing me to “FEEL” this experience and “FEEL” His presence.

In days to follow and during my second trip to Haiti, I felt God’s presence around me! It is so reassuring to feel God’s love and security as you carry out His work. This feeling of connection and peace is a special gift from God. It is because of this gift I have received, I wish to return to Haiti to sever Him and His people!