The Trip I Never Thought Would Happen

I have been hearing about Haiti for many years now, the amazing people and the even more amazing need, and I honestly never thought it would happen that I would make the trip. Looking back I am very happy that we made the journey, as coming home made me look at life and priorities much different than I ever had. Such eye opening experiences will forever continue to change how I spend my time and prioritize my financial obligations.

If I could say one thing you will learn, probably more than anything, is perspective, something I don’t really think you can ever really have enough of. We spend a lot of time being told about the importance of material possessions and the more superficial things in life, and I don’t really think you understand how trivial those things are until you meet people who are happy to have food to eat and the clothes on their backs.

There will be times that you will feel completely overwhelmed, as you are just as strange and foreign to them as they are to you, but I never felt unsafe or unwelcome. Beth and her kids went out of their way to make sure our stay was as safe, smooth and welcoming as could be possible. In a lot of ways, Haiti isn’t much different from our way of life, hard working people that are doing their best for themselves and their families, however in others, you might feel a little like you are on another planet, which is part of the fun.

If you are on the fence about going, or feel called, my advice is to take a chance and leap of faith, step outside of your comfort zone, and be prepared to return a changed and improved person, as the gift of perspective can only be found if you are willing to chase it. Finding out what is important in life, and how to organize the limited time you have, and moving forward to pursue your priorities.