Let's Debrief...

     Typically in missions when returning from a trip we have a time of "debriefing". Although I know the meaning of this word, I decided to look up the formal definition in the dictionary; partly because I just really wanted to know, and partly bc I am up at 5am and can't sleep. Part of the definition said "to question formally and systematically"... so I have decided to relay the details of my trip in a question format.

1. What was the main purpose of your missions trip?
When I began working full-time at HSM in May, I met a woman who frequently volunteers at the organization.  She shared with me her heart to travel to Haiti and her burden for the country since the earthquake.  As a part of what i do at HSM, I try and connect with missionaries who are on the field in different countries and seek a partnership with them through prayer and visiting their ministry. I had a connection with some National missionaries through my parents and a 2nd connection with some American Missionaries in Haiti through HSM. We needed to do a "fact finding" trip to see if God was calling us to partner with these organizations to send short-term teams.  I asked the woman if she would like to go and we can do a "fact finding" short-term trip.

2. Where did you go in Haiti? 
 I went to 2 different parts of Haiti. The first 8 or 9 days of the trip, I traveled to Les Cayes to work with the national missionaries (meaning they are from Haiti, spreading the Gospel in their own country). The 2 place I went was Montrouis, pronounced "Monwee".

3. What did you do?

Women in a village we prayed with

My trip to Haiti was probably one of my favorite short-term missions trip that I have ever taken.  It was primarily fact-finding, but the Lord opened several doors for us to serve Him and share the Gospel. In Les Cayes, we visited several villages where the missionaries have raised up churches, schools and clinics. They have planted 65 churches and close to that many schools and clinics. In these villages, we met the pastors of the churches that have been discipled by the missionary and sent to these places to live among the people and spread the Gospel. We prayed with the pastor, prayed with members of the
community and met many children (and passed out candy!). We also had the opportunity to help the main school planted by the missionaries in the city prepare for the school year starting this week. We painted the desks and benches, which took two days. I wish i had a sufficient picture to show just how many there were...

As we traveled to villages, we really took a liking to the village of St. Louis.  We decided to purchase over 200 lbs. of rice and beans to package and distribute to the people living there.

We visited the orphanage started by the missionaries as well and shared Bible stories and talked with the kids. We spent a good amount of time with the kids, learning about each of their lives along with where they are at in their education, etc. We had a great time there and we brought them lots of candy.

At the school, teaching "counting" to a little boy

After Les Cayes, we headed back to Port Au Prince to be picked up by our next connection, New Vision Ministries.  We were so impressed by this ministry which was started a few years back by an eye Dr., his wife and 10 children. Yes, 10 children. They heard the call, picked up and moved to Haiti. We joined 2 other teams they had down that week and served alongside of them, helping out in the school, joining a prayer meeting in the village of Kalalan, and painting a school.

Among the teams working with New Vision Ministries that week, was a group from Soles4Souls. They pass out shoes to children around the World.  Their ministry was very inspiring and we loved working with them. They are VERY organized and had shoes in the right sizes for the children.  When the children are called back to receive their shoes, they first wash their feet before slipping on the new pair of kicks!

Both places were great and I was so humbled to be able to go to each place and serve with these ministries.

4. Will you go back?
YES! We plan on sending short-term teams to each location which I will be a part of leading some of these teams.

5. Can I get involved?
Yes!! You can be a part of a short-term team to Haiti. Also, Jason and I are still seeking full-time financial and prayer partners for our ministry at HSM. Please email us at vicars4missions@gmail.com for more information.

So that all may know Him,
Kathryn