The World Food Program classifies Haiti as a "food deficit country," which means it produces less than half the food it needs.

Haiti Trip Reflections Continued

Name- Baillie Stahl

College- Trinity Christian College

Hometown- St. Louis, MO

Why did you come to Haiti? I came to Haiti because it was an opportunity to serve others who need help. I have heard so much about Haiti from guest speakers at school and missionaries from my church and wanted to experience it first hand. I wanted to love on kids who have next to nothing; to give them hope that there are people who care.
Did you have any reservations to coming? I was more eager than anything to go to Haiti and had no concerns. (My mom was worried about malaria, though).

What was your favorite day in Haiti? I enjoyed going to the village of Semonet (?). It was Thursday morning. We went to the pastor’s village and the kids there were AMAZING! They were such a joy to be around. They enjoyed playing jump rope, and soccer, and braiding all of the girl’s hair! It was so much fun! I could have stayed there ALL day – and then come back the next day.

How would you describe Haitians? Haitians are hard-workers when they have the resources. Many of them are eager to work. Several are learning multiple languages on their own – that’s determination. The kids have so much energy! They can make games out of the smallest of things and be entertained. They are happiest when you’re holding their hand, and content to just sit on your lap. Several of the women wanted to build relationships with me – they are wonderful people.

Was it hard coming back to America? It was difficult to leave behind so many wonderful people; it was hard to leave them in their situation and head back to the comforts of my life. I was able to leave freely while they had no means of going anywhere. They have to stay amongst the rubble and dust; the undrinkable water. I felt guilty, but it makes me grateful for even the little things I do have.

What is the biggest thing you took away from this trip? I am able to see that just as the children we played with enjoyed our attention and enjoyed being loved, people here in my community, at my school, also need that reaching out. It’s so easy to go to a foreign country and reach out to those in need, but what about people here at home? I think just as I loved on kids I had never met before, I can love on people here in America too.

Ultimately, do you think there is hope for Haiti? I do think there is tremendous hope for Haiti. It is the poorest country in the world – and yet they have cell phones! They are getting help from so many countries, they are being taught to work and they are being educated. Mission of Hope is doing great things in and of itself, and so many other relief efforts are contributing to bringing this country out from the rubble. I think with continued work and effort, Haiti could become a well-educated country. Hopefully one day, they will have clean water and houses that will be sturdy. Hopefully men will rise up and be the leader of their household through Christian education, and be examples to their children who, in turn, will grow up to be Christian leaders. I see great Hope for Haiti.

Name- Tara Carmody

College- Trinity Christian College

Hometown- Plainfield, IL

Why did you come to Haiti? Trinity Christian College offered Haiti as an Interim. I read the description which involved helping out at the orphanages and helping people affected by the earthquake and immediately wanted to sign up.

Did you have any reservations to coming? I went with school but didn’t know the other 18 students. I’ve also never been out of the country before and I’ve never been without communication to family and friends. I could not of asked for a better group to go with. The 18 strangers quickly became my friends and we had a blast together. I survived without my internet and phone and was glad I didn’t have access to internet and a cell phone because I got to socialize with people that I might not of if I was attached to Facebook and text messages.

What was your favorite day in Haiti? My favorite day was when went to a village to play games and then an orphanage to decorate T-shirts. This particular day I was blessed to have three infants fall asleep in my arms.

How would you describe Haitians? Haitian’s are so grateful for what they have. We walked into villages with a duffel bag filled with 3 soccer balls and a few jump ropes and with the look on the children’s faces you would of thought there was a 70 inch flat screen TV and an XBOX it the duffel bag. The Haitians are also so creative. In the 500 house village there are very small cactuses surrounding each house marking people’s territory. One house had two sticks and a piece of steel in the middle of the two sticks making a door, which they made to open and close. Another house had a fence that was woven like a basket. I love how they all have the same house except for a different color but make it unique in their own way.

Was it hard coming back to America? If so, why? It was hard coming back to America because for a week we lived so simple. I didn’t stress about school or money while there.

What is the biggest thing you took away from this trip? I learned to be happy with what I have. Haitians have less than half of what I have and they are completely content.

Ultimately, do you think there is hope for Haiti? With Mission of Hope there is definitely hope for Haiti. Haiti has improved so much and it’s only been 2 years. Haiti is beautiful with the weather, mountains, palm trees, and the Haitians.