"Third Time's a Charm"

This March, I will be returning to Haiti for the third consecutive year.   In my first trip to Haiti, I was taken aback by how happy & grateful every person I met was despite struggling to have the most basic necessities I have taken for granted like education, air conditioning, and hot showers.  During the second trip, I was able to see the progress we've made from previous trip finishing the church, offering solutions to transporting water for the kids, etc, but in this trip I felt by the experience, because even when we accomplished so much, there was still a lot of needs in Haiti.   Thus, I've decided to return to Haiti this year, because I feel I have unfinished business that I am called to complete during this year's trip as outlined below:

<Planner> For this trip, I've taken on co-leadership responsibilities in supporting the planning.  After many years of internal debates & struggling with self confidence, I've finally realized where my skills lie.   I've been gifted & trained in abilities to plan every detail to the point of having a clear schedule, R&R, and budget.  These tasks would certainly bore the average person as I know this to be true, because when I talk friends about schedules, deadlines, and R&R from work or other projects, they look like they'd rather be in the dentist chair.  Yet, I can argue no more, I have embraced the skills afford to me in this life and I've realized I have no business going on this trip without putting these talents to good use.

<Relationships> As I've grown, I've gained a greater understanding that its not where we live or what we do that defines who we are, but it is how we impact those around us.   I've appreciated the experiences in Haiti, because I've been able to impact the same people in my first two trips.  This year, I want to continue to build that relationship.  Just today, I received a Facebook message from the pastor in La Coma asking me how I was doing, but exclaiming how happy he was himself.  These relationships are those that I want to support, because sometimes in the States it is all too common to hear a person complaining about how tough life is as they drink Starbucks while watching television in an air conditioned house.

<Growth>  In one regard, I've grown as a person through this experience.  I truly believe I have become a better example of Christian through these mission trips.  I am not a perfect role model, but I believe that on my way to displaying a life where my values match how I live my life.  However, I also see growth in the community we serve.  I am working hard to develop "The La Coma Neighborhood Project".  I've used funding we've gained from 5K fundraisers to slowly address the needs of the community.  Last year the church, this year the pastor's house, and future years the school or medical center or whatever the next great challenge is.

<Once a Year> Also, I've decided on a personal goal that I need be a leader or participant in a mission trip each and every year.  I've been gifted with a great job, house, car, and family, I believe it is my obligation to give back to others less fortunate than me.  I believe everyone should give back a week a year to the greater good.  It doesn't have to be Haiti, it could be in your own hometown.

It is this year, I am doing something different.  In the past two years, I have funded my own trip.  I believed that I was given so many wonderful opportunities that I should be able to support myself.  However, I have also learned that I am missing out on an incredible opportunity to share my experience with those I am connected.  Today, I gave a level summary on what the trip means to me and what I offer the Haitian community.  Throughout my preparation, third mission trip, and return home, I hope to expand on my experiences with my donors.  I want you to be part of my experience, so that I could be influence or guidance to the challenges that you want to help overcome.

How can you donate:
1) Online - Basically you set up an account online, select the Haiti trip, and type my name as the person you want to support.  From there, you select your donation amount & complete payment.
https://thriva.activenetwork.com/Reg4/(S(xz5dk5yeyf1f3yeykvt1jb55))/Form.aspx?regkey=RpYOYPxE378wNjTYCkFkMw%3d%3d&qid=2434

2) Mail - You could mail check (with my name & mission trip in the memo) to First Church of Christ in Burlington, Kentucky or to my home address (9163 Hawksridge Drive, Covington, KY).  Although, I would think paying online would be the easiest way to donate.

I hope to have more to share through this experience, please don't hesitate to ask me any questions!!!