This experience has been everything I hoped it would be and much more. I come from a very small, close minded town and never imagined I would have done something like this. But when God tells you that you need to do something, I’ve learned that you shouldn’t say no. I am so glad I listened to Him when it came to this.

 

CU Team on campus

Before the trip started I didn’t really know what to expect. I had been excited, nervous, and didn’t know if I would make an impact on anyone. When I arrived I was so excited because I had sat between two Haitians on the plane and they had shared so much with me and gave me a few lessons in Creole. They made me so excited to meet more people like them. However, once I got out of the airport I was immediately in culture shock.

 

For the first time in my entire life, I was a minority. I thought to myself, what in the world did I get myself into? The drive through felt like a movie. I had seen so many pictures and heard so many things about Haiti but I was finally seeing it with my own eyes. It became so real to me in that moment. I was completely out of my comfort zone and my heart was breaking for these people. I immediately wanted to shout “Attention everyone in America: YOU ARE BLESSED!” These people are so grateful for the smallest things. A simple smile or glass of water could make their entire day. The people in Haiti have so little so they don’t take anything for granted.

 

Remington with paralyzed man A visit to the deaf school

This has been such a humbling experience for me. I thought I was thankful for what I had until I got here. I worry about such silly things like having a nicer car when these people walk roads barefoot for miles. I worry about what I’m going to wear each day when these people don’t even have an option because they only have one outfit.

 

And the kids….oh my gosh, the kids. I have never been a person that loves kids. I have always seen most of them as spoiled brats. But let me just tell you this, all these kids want are love, attention, and food. They don’t fight over the newest toy, they fight over who gets to hold your hand or who gets to have a pack of crackers. To see so much sweetness in their faces while they were suffering so much absolutely tore me apart. I had never felt so called to love on children before.

 

Katlin Logan makes friends with small Haitian boy

This trip has opened my eyes in so many different ways. I don’t think I have ever cried this much in one week. God has truly softened my heart and has broken it for things that break His daily. And these people that have so little compared to us in America, praise God like they are the richest people in the world. We tend to be hesitant and care what people think, but the Haitians are proud of their faith and don’t hesitate to show that. I hope that I can take everything I have learned from this experience and help people all around the world in any way that I can. Whether that is in America, Haiti, or wherever else God decides to call me. I just know that He wants me to serve Him.

Meeting new friend while sharing gifts of love Allie and baby goat