Mission Trip to Haiti

The Christmas season is always so full of joy. It’s a season full of twinkling lights and cheerful carols. I love taking part in all the fun traditions like baking cookies, decorating the entire house, and watching home videos of past Christmases with my family. For most of us, we have some favorite Christmas moments. Whether it’s a Christmas morning long ago that you spent with your siblings around the tree reading the Christmas story or a fun Christmas vacation you had with your kids, there are moments that become a highlight of the season forever. One of my favorite Christmases was spent in one of my favorite places in the world, The Good Shepherd Orphanage (GSO) in Carrefour, Haiti. It will always be a highlight for me. After visiting GSO in Haiti four times through other mission trips, some friends and I were able to hear many stories about the Christmas party that happens every year. After praying and talking with some of the leaders there we knew that the Lord was opening the door for us to be a part of such an awesome celebration. For me Christmas of 2014 looked very different than every Christmas I had ever had when it came to traditions and landmarks, but it was a beautiful celebration and reflection of the very same Christ.

Getting ready for the party with our Haitian brothers and sisters was an absolute blast! We were able to spend the week leading up to the party decorating with the kids. We put Christmas lights and big red bows on palm trees. We cut out thousands of tissue paper squares and made bright colored garland to hang all around the orphanage. We had so much fun serving alongside one another. Some of the ladies invited us to help out in the kitchen and it was an awesome learning experience—seriously some of the best food you’ll ever eat! Prepping a meal so large seemed impossible, but as our team worked together it became an easy task. As we decorated, cooked, and gathered presents for the children we prayed over them. We prayed for their hearts to be prepared to hear the story of Christ, and for them to be accepting of His love for each of them. The leaders at GSO made sure everyone knew that was our main goal. Each soul is important to Him, and that means each soul must also be important to us.

The party was awesome and the entire day was spent celebrating and being thankful for Jesus. There was food, games, worship, and tons of fun. We ended the trip with a chocolate fondue party and game of uno. It was difficult saying our goodbyes and see you soons, but we left with relationships that will last a lifetime. So, no matter where you are this Christmas season—or any season, remember that the true goal is to glorify God. Traditions and trees are not what we should be focusing on. Christ is our focus, and He is our anchor when this time of year has us being pulled in so many different directions. Love Him with everything you are, and love people so they can see Him in you. He truly is the greatest gift anyone could ever receive.

Since my Christmas in Haiti trip, I have been able to go back to Haiti two more times. I am also getting to go back again next March and serve with many of the very same people who were on my team from my first trip in 2011. The Lord has used Haiti to reveal and teach so many things in my walk with Him. I am so excited to be going back. Please remember to be praying for our team as we prepare to go. Pray for our hearts as well as the hearts of those we will have an opportunity to interact with. Also, If you’d like to know more about any of my past trips to Haiti or how you can help support, I would love to chat with you!