Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Going to Haiti!!

I currently work for an organization called World Wide Village, Inc. (www.worldwidevillage.org) that is based out of St. Paul, MN. We are "a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization whose mission is to transform impoverished communities mainly by providing Christian education, health care, nutrition and micro enterprise opportunities to children and families. Our current geographical focus is in Haiti" (quote taken from our website). Whenever someone finds out I work for an organization that does work in Haiti, the next question is "have you been there yet?" Up until now, the answer has necessarily been no. All that is about to change!

A co-worker (woot Ali Funk!) and I are traveling to Haiti together next week. We are leaving on January 3rd, overnighting in Ft. Lauderdale, FL and then flying into Haiti on the 4th. We will be staying in the World Wide Village guest house in Port au Prince during our trip. I fly back into the States on the 11th, provided all goes as planned and the airlines stay cooperative. Ali will be staying a little longer.

I really do not know what to expect while down there. The only time this gal has been out of the country was driving through Canada back when no passport was required to cross that border (though some could argue that Alaska, where I grew up, is a different country). My grandmother thinks I've gone and lost all my good sense. My parents keep saying I'm going to come back a completely changed person. Co-workers who have been to Haiti say it will be a good experience. Reports of cholera, political unrest, and other dangers have been perused and thoroughly examined for the truth behind the sensationalization. I have no fears.

My only nervousness in approaching this trip is that seeing first-hand the earthquake devastation and other issues is going to more thoroughly frustrate me with current global social situations. Safety while in country is not an issue--I will always be with people from the organization and have no intention of traipsing off into the city by myself at any time. I'm not worried about health problems, and even travel snafoos just pose ways for us to learn how to navigate the airlines better. God will provide and will take care of us.

Haiti is a beautiful country filled with beautiful people and I finally get to see it firsthand. I could not be more excited for this! There is an internet connection at the guesthouse, so I will try (emphasis on the try) to update this blog daily while down there. Right now, our plan is to distribute shoes (please pray that they are released from customs) and help out wherever we are able. Whether that is deworming kids in one of the schools we work with, painting a room, or just learning from the locals, it promises to be a trip of a lifetime! If you are interested in going to Haiti with us for a week, just let me know and I can help you get the process started.