In January, Christina and myself (Elly) took a short 2 day trip with Will (the President of the board, and one of the founders of Hands and Feet) to Jacmel and Grand Goave in Haiti. This wasn’t a mission trip, but rather more of a fact finding trip since we’ve been supporting The Hands and Feet Project through Philanthropy for years, but hadn’t been to visit yet. We were excited to see the progress they had made, and actually meet some of the kids that we have pictures of around our store. I was particularly excited…and maybe a little nervous…because it was my first time visiting a third world country. I was also looking forward to meeting the baby boy my husband and I sponsored, Woodley.
On the way from Port Au Prince to Jacmel
Woodley and me 
I was prepared to see tent cities, poverty, starvation, earthquake devastation, etc…what I wasn’t prepared for was the abundance of joyful spirits, determination, excitement, growth, hard workers, and extreme beauty that exists all over Haiti. It was hands down the most beautiful place I’ve ever been, with some of the most beautiful people that I’ve ever met. But what impacted me the most on this trip was getting to talk with the Mulligans (the directors of the Jacmel location) about their intense first few months heading up that location (being held at gun point and robbed!) and seeing their lack of fear in the face of adversity, and all of the improvements they’re making not only in that location, but in each child’s life. They love each one as their own, and are striving to bring out every child’s unique talents and God-given abilities to help them live strong and impactful lives for Jesus. I’ve never felt called to the mission field, but spending time with them made me sort of wish I had…
We packed A TON of stuff into the two days, spending a little time at each location, going to the beach with the kids, visiting a couple of area hospitals, attending a church service (incredible!), meeting with other missionaries in the area, and just getting to spend time with the kids, which was my favorite part, of course!
The luminous Kettia braiding my hair
Swimming in the ocean
I’m already excited about the next time I get to go back, and can’t wait to see even more growth, change for the better, and of course, reconnect with all of these precious little ones. We left feeling renewed, and really excited that we get to be involved with such an inspiring and faithful organization. I definitely encourage you to sponsor one of these sweet kids, and maybe even take a trip to visit them! Your perspective, if not your life, will be forever changed.
