From Their Point of View - Part 2

I asked everyone from our Haiti Team to share a little about what they experienced while on our trip.  I thought you would like to read all the different perspectives.  Here's the second one -  Enjoy!

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Guest Blogger - Donna Minigh

I am personally amazed at how this trip gave me a more intimate relationship with God, a deeper relationship with my husband, children and a closer relationship to the members of my church family that went on the trip. This trip also started many new relationships that will continue to grow: with two amazing people Shelley and Corrigan Clay and with the people of Haiti. When I planned to go on this trip I didn't know what to expect. Even though I did have some anxiety, I knew GOD had his loving hands on our team the whole time.

Momma who wanted to give me her daughter

I told myself there would always be things that make you anxious, and some decisions will in fact, be life-changing. I realized that even if you do try to plan everything perfectly, you will inevitably face challenges you couldn’t have predicted. Have enough faith in yourself and the people in your life to believe that, no matter what happens, you’ll figure out how to deal with it and move forward from there. I was not prepared for the mother who approached me and wanted to GIVE me her child (yes I said give).  I thought why would a mother want to give her child away? And it hit later that night, it was because she loved her sweet baby girl so much that she would be willing to let someone have her sweet Jessica. Because she could not provide for her child, this is the big picture people, which is why we sell and buy the beautiful jewelry made from the Apparent Project so mothers and fathers can keep their children.  

Teaching CPR to the artisans

I realized why God sent me to Haiti, so He could show my team and I how much He loves all of His children. He touched all of our hearts bringing us from an entirely different country and culture; to reach not only the hearts of others, but our hearts as well. He must love me a lot because my heart was over flowing with love and compassion for the mothers, fathers and children of Haiti.

It was amazing to see how the Haitian people recognized God’s abilities, yet struggle with so many of their daily burdens. I am telling you this today, whatever issue that you are struggling with, let it go and let GOD take care of it. I’ve seen families living in unimaginable conditions, and yet their smiles were infectious, and their eyes were full of joy, not despair.

 Please continue to keep the Apparent Project, Shelley, Corrigan and their four lovely children in your prayers.

God Bless,

Donna Minigh

Learning pottery from the artisans

Until next time.....


From Their Point of View - Part 1

From Their Point of View - Part 1

I asked everyone from our Haiti Team to share a little about what they experienced while on our trip.  I thought you would like to read all the different perspectives.  Here's the first one -  Enjoy!

________________________________________________________________

Guest Blogger - Rick Rivers 

 

I traveled with a group of ten people from Hickory Grove Baptist Church.  The trip was in support of Apparent Project.  I would encourage you to check out their website at apparentproject.org and learn more about their efforts for poverty alleviation in Haiti.  They are not perfect but I believe they are making a big difference in many lives in Haiti.

We were able to paint three homes in a local community called Clairvil.  These are post-earthquake homes built by Apparent Project.  They are 10’ x 10’ one room homes that are 2’ x 4’ frame with plywood walls and a metal roof.  It would have been possible to just drop off the paint and allow them to do the work themselves but had we not stayed in the community and painted these houses we would have missed out on what I think was the most vital part of the trip, relationship building with those living in the community.

We were also able to use the skills we use on a daily basis.  I was able to install some locks to help with some security issues.  Others taught basic first aid to the group leaders at Apparent Project.  We worked on some newly acquired space that will allow for expansion and will provide opportunity for employing more people.  We spent time watching and learning from the artisans as they created beauty from recycled materials.

I learned so much from those who had so little.  I now have a new perspective on what poverty is and a genuine appreciation for what we have.  It was a blessing to be part of this and I hope to return in the future.

A closing thought for you to ponder.  Poverty is not about material things but more about the relational distance between those that have and those that don’t.

God Bless!

 Until next time.......


From Their Point of View - Part 2