Haiti

I recently went on a humanitarian trip to Haiti. I signed up to go without knowing anyone, pretty out of character for me! I went with 12 total strangers, but everyone was very nice and we had a great time. I can't really explain why but this is just something I have always wanted to do, believe me I had plenty of people try to talk me out of it just because of the dangers.

We flew to Port-Au-Prince and then went to a small village called Timo, on the side of a mountain. We had to hike about 30 minutes down to the village with heavy backpacks and everything we needed for the week. The hike out took an hour! It was very steep and rough terrain. The natives put us to shame, they carried much more than we did, many of them barefoot. When we finally had a bath, it was in a river about shin deep. We bathed in the moonlight, the water was cold but very refreshing. We stayed with the natives in their homes, they gave up their homes and beds for us. It was very humbling. These were my interpreters, Zouty and Marco, what fun guys. They taught us some Creole also.

The main purpose in going was to set up a children's clinic. We had a medical and dental team. I even pulled a tooth! That was awesome. We took as many supplies as we could with us, hygiene kits, school kits, toys, vitamins and several different medications. It was very hot and we worked long hard days but what an experience. I must say this is one of the best things I have ever done in my life.