In the spring of 2004, I ventured for the first time to the country of Haiti. Just over 700 miles off the coast of Florida, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. It was no problem for me to say that, of course I felt sadness but I had no clue that my heart would be so touched by the amazing people this country inhabits. It wasn’t till after my second trip that I realized that this was a bug that I was never going to shake. Haiti got under my skin so deep and I can say with confidence that there isn’t one day that passes that I don’t think of Haiti for one reason or another.
Since 2004, I have had the privilege of traveling to Haiti 7 times. The longest trip I have taken has been 14 days. Every trip has had a common theme, the people that I now call my dear friends. We return to the same communities each visit. So in a country that seems to have no hope and never seems to be improving, I see the changes for the good in the people that I see each year. In the past we have been building an orphanage, clinic and a food storage unit. January 10th, 2010 the orphanage will be dedicated and 60 3-4 year olds will call this place, that we poured out hard work and love into, home.
On our trips each year, I have gotten to visit my sponsor children. To see them healthy, growing and going to school is such a joy. We also spend time at the home of the dying as well as a children’s hospital.
This year, I have been given the opportunity to take a 3 month leave from my job as a nurse in the Twin Cities. During my leave, I will spend 70 days in Haiti. I will be in community with my Haitian friends and will try to get a small glimpse of the life that they live each day. I am very excited for this experience yet nervous. I am not totally sure what my plans will be while I am there but I am hoping to get involved with a prenatal program, do work at the orphanage and also help with setting up micro-loans to help people start up businesses.
Thanks to everyone that has supported me an so many ways. I am excited for you to join me on this journey.
I am confident that each day will have a variety of emotion. Thanks for caring and sharing in this with me. If you know my mom, please give her a call as I know this is tough for her especially since we usually talk at least a couple of times a day!
Jo
