Haiti, a country known by most for its poverty and devastation, was where God was calling us. As we exited our plane, a Haitian band greeted us with a melody that danced around my teeming thoughts. The airport was slightly hectic, full of passengers trying to reunite with their precious cargo and Haitian men doing anything to gain a buck for carrying your bag.
Outside the airport I saw a smile that tore down the walls of anxiety that came with being in a new place. Kelsea, a good friend of mine and intern of New Vision Ministries, met us at the airport with Dago, our transportation expert. We loaded up our 50 lb. bags on top of our trusty bus and piled in. The walls of the bus were covered with scripture and prayers. This gave me comfort as we rushed through the bustling streets of Port-au-Prince. Trucks, motorcycles, and buses painted in elaborate colors were speeding everywhere. Any minute, I was expecting one of them to ram right into us. But the only thing that ever came close was a 9 year-old boy who decided to catch a ride for a few blocks.
Passing through the numerous villages on our way to Montrouis, I was shocked at how many people were roaming the streets. I had expected to see something like this, but the reality of it hit me hard. One thing was evident, poverty.
When we arrived at the Mission, one young girl immediately attached herself to me. I held her for what seemed forever. She seemed to yearn for connection, love, and comfort. As I stared down at this young girl, fast asleep in my arms, I got a glimpse of something I would see all week... Hope.
"It is said that human beings can live 40 days with no food, 4 days with no water and 4 minutes without air. But we cannot live 4 seconds without Hope."
In the coming weeks, I will try to give you a taste of the Hope I saw in Haiti. And for all you visual learners, I will share some pictures.
