If our day could be summarized in one word it would be: observing. With most mission trips, our mentality is “do, work, build,” and I think I wasn’t the only one that struggled with today’s task of setting our expectations aside. I also think I wasn’t the only one that had a changed mind by the end.
Our team had the opportunity to meet a local orphanage a couple blocks from here, unload our medical supplies and learn the history of the clinic, stop by the HAFF mission houses, visit a family directly effected by a donated home, and tour a new organization UIC, that offers schooling and agriculture to the young community. It was a lot to take in and absorb, but our team had the unique chance to listen to the community, to the people directly in need and also learn the history of other organizations in this area. It’s been eye opening to know that a simple fix or a “big” donation isn’t going to help these people towards a better life, truth is…there is a long road ahead not only for building this community but to begin building a vision in the heart of the Haitian people.
It’s one thing to offer your services and only focus on that service and leave. It’s something so much more impactful to invest in the people, learn their history and culture and work along side them. With that said, I think our group had the unique chance today to learn and listen from the Haitian people. This is the start of a great trip and our experience today will only offer a more positive impact to us and this community.
-Anna
