Home from Haiti . . .

Whew!  What an experience.  I arrived back home to my favorite place in the world last night.  I was so relieved to climb into my bed.  It feels luxurious now, wonder how long that will last . . .

I now I have the summer off to prepare for school, relax, and perhaps start an etsy shop for jewelry (been debating this for a while). 

Will I go back to Haiti?  Definitely, if I have the money.  I don't know if all of the loving and generous people out there would be willing to help me again and again if I go each year, but perhaps I'll be able to wing it every other year or something.  The projects we started need to be finished, and more projects need to be started.  I need to learn Creole, because I would like to prove to be an invaluable asset. ;)  Knowing just French was only about as useful as I expected, but it was a whole lot of fun talking with random people who knew it. :P  And, I can always get around.

I have dealt with times of frustration, because of the severity of the poverty and sickness in this place, with Americans, Christians, even my own religion.  I have had the joy of knowing that I helped directly many people who needed it.  I have experienced the pain and suffering of another people closeup and personally.  I have enjoyed the pleasures Haiti has to offer:  the ocean, the breeze, the trees, the fruit.  I have also endured an astronomical number of mosquito bites, sweat, and exhaustion. 

And I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Haiti always seems to get the short end of the stick in this world.  They are willing to work hard, but have no jobs.  They are extremely committed to their respective Christian faiths, yet are accused of being a devil-worshiping country hence why God's wrath on them caused an earthquake.  They are happy and cheerful, despite the number of orphans, sickness, and a 45 year life expectancy.  They find ways to enjoy and get the most out of life, despite their country being the poorest of all the Americas.  In short, these people are inspiring in their own right.  They have a good future, if only we can help them find it.  Haiti is a very special place.

I am not an avid photo-taker, but many people on the trip were/are so I'll be posting highlights of Haiti now and then when I get ahold of some of their pictures.  I will be warning those who don't want to see the huge spider, so don't worry. : P

It is time to move on for now and blog about my rather mundane life.  But before I do, I must give a shout-out to our group.  First to my wonderful roommate, Amy, who is so eager to learn and grow as a person.  She's only 15 (I'm pretty sure) and has such a big heart and such an inspiring work ethic.  I must also acknowledge Justice, my other close companion on this trip, we shared electronics, a bag, and even food.  She's absolutely a wonderful person and would carry the backpack despite me asking if she needed a break. : P  She is extremely thoughtful, honest, and hardworking.  She was such an asset.  I hope to be able to go on another mission trip again with her.

I also want to recognize everyone in our group of 38.  We all managed to get along quite well and get a whole lot done.  They are all such wonderful people.  Thanks to Howard, Nicole, Nyron, and Jean-Claude for being such wonderful leaders.  Thank you to Mitchell, Scott, and Leif for all the laughs.  Thank you to Sharon, the sweetest and most energetic lady on earth who always mended us back into health with her expertise and special oils. ;)  Thank you to every single person.  We would not have made as much of a difference without each of them along.  What an amazing team.  I hope we can do it again.

Goodbye for now Haiti!  Hellooooooo SUMMER! : D