His Calling: PART ONE

Over the past year, Haiti has become an important part of our family’s life. Haiti, the poorest third-world country in our hemisphere, is a land full of love and happiness because of God’s glory. Haiti, a country of more than 8 million people with smiling faces and open arms, is a place where its people need to know Jesus Christ. Haiti, a country consumed with poverty, is a place full of miracles and blessings to be shared through Christ’s story. Haiti, a country with a culture so rich in music and art, is a place God has sent the Monfils’ family to share His love and teach His Word.

Prior to our first trip to Haiti, I was anxious to travel to a third-world country. I was nervous 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. I feared the reaction Jonathan, the child we chose to adopt, would have as we were going to meet him for the very first time. I was sad to leave my three children at home for an entire week. I was excited to take on this new adventure in my life; and I was hopeful that this was what God wanted me to do. So many people mention the presence of God’s spirit in Haiti. I recall being told before the mission trip, “God is everywhere,” and “God does exist in Haiti.” Although I knew 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, and I knew we were supposed to help others and spread His word. So, when Mike and I decided to go on our first mission trip, I knew it was what we were supposed to do. Once I arrived in Haiti, I hoped to be able to feel God’s assurance that it was what I was supposed to do.

As our plane approached the island of Hispaniola, I saw a land of green and a sea of blue. Looking closer, I noticed the brown mudslides streaming down the mountainside. We were traveling to Haiti 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 destruction and devastation I read about back home. What was moments ago in my mind a lush, tropical island was now the third-world country I was going to be visiting for the 8 days. I felt anxious and concerned, and I prayed asking for God’s reassurance.

As I stepped off the plane, I felt I belonged in this country. Thanking God for this feeling of peace, I proceeded through the airport and out on the street of Port au Prince, completely 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.Each time I visit Haiti, I know God is around me. It is so uplifting to feel God’s love and strength while carrying out His work. I wish to return to Haiti to serve Him and help His people time and time again. It is quite an amazing experience knowing God is right there with you, guiding you, and leading you through His magnificent journey. It is a blessing one can only know first hand.

The love and compassion we have for the people of Haiti have made such powerful impressions on our lives. We long to visit the country to provide for His people and spread His word ~ this is something that so desperately needs to be done in Haiti. Many people question why we choose to work in Haiti and why we are choosing to adopt two Haitian boys. We explain how the Lord led us to this place, we agreed to follow and it is now deeply embedded it into our hearts. As long as God allows, we will continue to serve the people of Haiti. We know in our hearts it is what He has called us to do.