Posted by Kayla Markham:
When I decided to make my first mission trip to Haiti, I didn't realize how much of an impact it would make in my life. I've always been the person willing to do anything and everything to help others, no matter what. Little did I know, my world was about to change. I arrived in Haiti with the expectation that I was going to help as much as I could, doing whatever was needed. The Lord had other plans. I was the one who needed the help. A year before I left for Haiti, I lost a child due to miscarriage. It left me lost, broken and empty. All feelings I thought would never go away. It wasn't until I picked up one Haitian child that the emptiness seemed to disappear. I asked the translator to ask him his name, his name was "Kevin". This just so happens to be my little brothers name. Instantly I knew God was working on ME. The child held onto my neck and embraced me so passionately, like a child would do to a mother. All this child wanted was for someone to hold him, play with him and love him. It brought me to tears to put h down and walk away. God helped me understand that my baby was in HIS arms doing the exact same thing. I am now at peace knowing I can and will have my own children one day, when the time is right. Haiti changed my life, and I can't wait to return in Janurary. Thank you to the mission of hope for all their efforts in showing the Haitians and all the people who visit the love of Jesus Christ every single day!

Posted by Kelly:
Nedge, my new friend, and unknowingly is now my teacher. I met her a couple weeks ago with a team, while building relationships and praying with the people of Sourse Matelas. As soon as I met her I knew she loved the Lord simply by the way she carried herself and by her infectious smile. After spending the afternoon together, she made me promise to meet her at Tuesday worship service that night at Mission of Hope. This is the night I realized that God was sending this ambitious 17-year-old girl here to show me what it truly means to worship. Service consisted of together, as the body of Christ, praising God. As sisters in Christ, she grabbed by hand and lifted both of our arms to God in worship. After singing her heart out, towards the middle of the night, pastor said it was time to pray. Since my Creole is not very good, she was helping me out. Nedge told me “It’s time to pray Kelly” I then told her I understood and bowed my head. This next part is where I was humbled in every way possible. She proceeds to tell me “No Kelly, when you pray you kneel on the ground before the Lord”. At that moment, I immediately dropped to the floor in full surrender to God. This girl has taught me more about intimacy with God than she will ever know. Worship is humbling yourself before the Lord, which means laying everything at His feet. Face down in full surrender to Him simply because of His great, loving, and peace bringing name. His presence is to be honored and cherished at all times in every circumstance.

Posted by Jennifer:
As I reflect on our 2012 trip, I can't help but SMILE knowing that the Haitian people are filled with joy and happiness. They do not have many possessions, shelter or food. Despite the harsh circumstances, the People of Haiti are Loving, Joyful, Kind and Faithful. It reminds me of my favorite bible verse: ​But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness. Galatians 5:22 You can enjoy this same freedom in your own life. We must learn that we can be extraordinarily happy while living an ordinary, everyday life. We can learn to be content with life as it is. We are blessed abundantly but we still complain. Learn to be happy and content with what we have and do not complain as much about what we don't have. If the people of Haiti can be happy with a little then we should try to be happy with a lot!​ ​

Posted by Shannon:
I went to Haiti for my first mission trip with my school over spring break 2013. Anytime I have to tell someone about the trip, I think I'm going to tell them about one specific experience but I end up jumping from one story to the next. God used the nation of Haiti to teach me and show me so much and one way that he used this place and its people was through the story of baby Wilson. This picture is of me holding this three day old baby who was rescued from a 20ft latrine, abandoned the day that he was born. The people in the village of Leveque found him and rescued him on Tuesday, and he was adopted by pastor William on Wednesday. This is Thursday, my last day in the village and I was humbled to hold this baby miracle. When I looked at this little boy, I was brought to tears. God's strong hand of protection was on this baby and he did not allow for him to be harmed, he only had two scratches! My God is strong and mighty, he is our protector and our refuge.

Posted by Jenna:
Wow oh wow, getting off the airplane and stepping foot onto the Haitian land was insane. Port Au Prince Airport is so so different. It was crowded and unorganized and claustrophobic. It was hectic and very small. It was so loud and crazy and it was all dirt road and people just hanging on the side of the road completely just standing there and trying to sell stuff. We found the guy in charge and we all loaded on a bus. There was so much honking and so much trash everywhere. There were no homes along the roads; all there was were tents and makeshift shacks. There are no streetlights, or paved roads, and people just zoom pass. Literally, every ten feet, you see free and roaming animals such as chickens, goats, cows, horses, pigs, goats, and donkeys. Tonight, is my first night here and all you see is darkness and a little bit of lights. It was very beautiful and nice out. The air felt crisp and fresh. I tired showering tonight and it was super stressful. You have to keep your eyes and mouth shut and you have to constantly turn the water off to conserve and not to mention, its freezing. Today was fantastic. I honestly haven’t laughed and smiled this much in a long time, and it felt good. This opportunity couldn’t have come at a better time for me. We painted 3 homes, green, yellow, and blue. It was so cute to watch the little Haitian children watch us paint from a distance until we motioned them over to come help us paint. You could really see the light in their eyes. They really just want attention and to feel loved. They come up to you and hang on you. They grab you and hug and want to be held. It’s insane to think that Haiti is part of the same world we all live in…when people say it’s a whole different world, they aren’t kidding. I didn’t get much sleep in Haiti, but that didn’t matter much to me because I honestly don’t care because I just loved being there. It makes me sick to see how much I and others complain. I should not worry because I know I am safe, fed, clothed, loved, and housed. It really is so cool to see the hope and love for Jesus Christ in all of the young children. It’s so awesome to see the children of the villages follow you for miles just to see what’s going on. Basically, you like look behind you and see a trail of them following you. One memory, is watching the little children pray. They bow their heads and fold their hands and try to close their eyes, but I caught them looking up at me to see if I was doing and to see if they were doing it right. It was really hard and sad to see how much they really wanted water, because that is such a necessity and they go days without it. My trip to Haiti was so amazing and so life changing. It was such an eye opening experience. It was so shocking and insane to see how much poverty in devastation but despite all of that, the Haitian people have so much love, faith, and hope. When I first saw them, I thought to myself that they really had nothing, but really I have nothing. They have everything, they have hope and love and smiles and are just so thankful for each and everything in their lives. They don’t complain and just live each life thanking God that they are still alive. If I could just be as half as how amazingly happy they are then the world could be a better place. It was so cool to interact with all of the children; I taught them a lot of new things. It was cool to watch this little boy that I taught how to say ears, nose, mouth, eyes…etc in English and for him to come back the next day and run up to me and point to my face and say “nose” “eyes” etc.. He was so eager to learn and just be interacted with. All in all, I cannot wait to go back and encourage anyone and everyone to try going on a mission trip sometime in their life. Hope for Haiti

Posted by Amy:
Just got back from Haiti a week ago. This has been my third trip to MOH leading a group of high school students. It so amazing and awesome to see God at work in the students lives through the loving people of Haiti. Haiti is forever in our hearts and Gods transforming lives. Looking forward and counting the days until I return again in June.

Posted by Makenzi:
This was the first real mission trip I have ever been on and while I was working to impact these sweet kids lives they changed mine. I fell in love with the beautiful country of Haiti and I'm beyond eager to get back. Theres not a day that goes by that I dont miss their precious faces!

Posted by Ashten Lane:
This little girl, her name was Presley, came up to me in the village of Leveque. She took my hand (and my sunglasses) and I felt an instant connection to her. For the rest of the day, we were together. I would hold her, or she would walk beside me. She even helped me carry paint at one point in time. We couldn't speak to each other because of the language barrier, but I tried to get to know her with the little Creol that I knew. She was maybe six or seven. By the end of the day, an interpreter who was with us looked at me and said, "That's your baby." I felt tears come to my eyes as I smiled and looked at her. I prayed that God would take care of her and I vowed that somehow, some day, I would come back and find her. I thought that that day was far off, that I wouldn't make it back to Haiti for a while. When I vowed to go back, I thought I was making a promise for some distant time in my future. Little did I know, God had something else in store. That was a year ago. This summer, I'm going back.

Posted by Hillary :
I am from Ontario, Canada and have been to Mission of Hope twice (in 2011 & 2013...just returned 6 days ago!). I have met so many incredible Haitians, who have such a zest for life & a passion for our Lord! The Sunday & Tuesday worship services are, no doubt, the highlight of the trip for me. In fact, two weeks ago at the Tuesday service, we were dancing in the aisles with our Haitian brothers & sisters and singing at the tops of our lungs! Visiting Leveque was also a highlight. The children were SO thrilled to see us, and wanted to hold hands and be given piggy back rides! It was awesome to see the growth in Leveque as well. Overall, my time in Haiti has been life-changing and has made me realize how blessed we are as North Americans. Going to Haiti has even influenced my future career plans :-). The above photo was taken in Leveque nearly a week ago!

Posted by Joyce:
This was my first mission trip. my husband David and I went with our church. I was shocked for sure at the reality of what poor is. I wasnt there long when God opened my eyes and my heart in a way words cannot explain for though they r poor they are truly rich in the Lord!!!,but i will tell you this folks see us and say whats so different you guys are just not the same people i knew before you left. They are right God has changed our way of seeing people and life in general we no longer take for granted the many gifts God gives each day. We met a special little baby boy we fell in love with id love to bring him to the US but know this isnt a reality. We will return to Haiti asap so long as it Gods will. We now are home but our hearts are in Haiti and the people there treated us with so much love I felt like we were the ones being served funny how life works sometimes . thank you for all you do at the mission never stop what God has started because in Him great things are happening@!!!

Posted by Sarah :
My visit to Mission of Hope was one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had. God showed me how far-reaching and powerful his love really is. One of my favorite moments was traveling to the village of Bethel and having the chance to be a part of a young woman accepting Christ. God's presence was so evident at the moment and I will never forget it. Overall, traveling to Haiti was such a blessing for me to see God use ordinary human beings to do work in His kingdom.

Posted by Brittney:
I experienced Haiti last summer with my mother and younger sister. It was such a blessing to come see this amazing country and feel God's work and love pouring out both from us and to us during our time there. For me in particular, my best memory was an amazing little man I met while at VBS - his name is Jefferson Pierre, and he lives in Source-Matelas. He touched my heart and my life in a way that I had never experienced before, and I'll never forget those wonderful moments where God brought the two of us together.

Posted by Alexis:
In July of 2010, a few months after Haiti's deadly earthquake, I visited MOH for the first time. We spent the week loving on kids in different orphanages, distributing food in the tent cities, and bearing witness to the earthquake's destruction. That week really challenged my priorities, changed my perspective of what really matters in life, and shook me up, both spiritually and emotionally. I spent months processing that one week in Haiti and struggled to return back to my life at home. A year later, in July of 2011, I returned to MOH. One night that week, I sat on the steps of the guesthouse, looking out at the lights and the water, and I was overcome with strong emotion. I sat there and openly cried for an hour, remembering the destruction of the earthquake and the struggles of the past year, but also marveling at all the growth and healing that had taken place in Haiti and in my own self. In that moment, I was so aware of God's faithfulness. My first trip to Haiti broke my hardened heart and caused my life to dramatically unravel. The process of breaking and unraveling was difficult and painful. However, a year later, during my second trip, I could see how God had changed my heart and rebuilt my life for the better. My experiences at Mission of Hope dramatically changed my life, as it has done and continues to do for so many people.

Posted by Minette :
Been to MOH 4 times. My last trip were in Desember 2012 with my husband and 3 and half kids. Each time were a blessing especially showing my kids what real life is about. Looking forward to our next trip and building relationships with our friends in Haiti!!

Posted by april:
I've had the blessing of visiting MOH 3 times in the last year & am heading back next month. What a beautiful place Haiti is & to have the experience of seeing God's favor on MOH & meeting all the beautiful Haitian kiddos, worshiping our Creator with them, or just taking in a beautiful sunrise from the guesthouse roof, I really can't think of any other place I'd rather spend my time. What a gift it's been to love on God's precious people in Haiti & have them bless me in more ways than I can count! This is a photo from my trip with some amazing ladies in Leveque July 2012.

Posted by Jacki:
I had traveled to Haiti a few times before my internship but nothing could have prepared me for the summer of a lifetime! I spent this past summer at Mission of Hope as a MOH Hope Representative (Intern). From the girls bible study I got to have with a few of the Village of Hope girls to the multiple weeks spent at VBS sharing the gospel with children of all ages..God MOVED in mighty ways. I am forever changed because of my experiences in Haiti. Praise God for His provision over this beautiful nation!

Posted by Russ:
Our first family mission trip was with Mission of Hope in Haiti, and I must admit that we went with some fears and apprehensions, not knowing what to expect. I am thrilled to say that our time together in Haiti, and working with MOH, surpassed all our greatest expectations and has truly altered our lives. Our children, 11, 12, and 14 years old, didn't want to leave! Our hearts will forever be knit with the Haitian people and we can't thank MOH enough for making this opportunity available. By God's grace, we will be back...and the sooner, the better!

Posted by Ashley:
In April 2012, I went to Haiti and worked for Mission of Hope and I cannot even begin to express how amazing the trip was. Yes, it was a huge culture shock, but it made me really look at life different and count my blessings. It was amazing to just be there and work for the Lord and for the beautiful people of Haiti! I hope to go back soon!!! But I have to say, best part of my experience? Pierre.

Posted by Journey-Mei :
I don't think I can narrow it down to just one experience, but I just love how much joy the people in Haiti have and it's not because of early possessions, it's because of God. We all can learn so much from the Haitians. They have impacted my life and the way I live in so many ways. Every time I go, I leave a part of my heart there. I love how we go to make an impact on them but in reality, they make much more of an impact on us. God Bless Haiti, forever. <3

Posted by Sarah:
One of my favorite moments was experiencing the first day of school. Seeing the children's joy, and excitement for school radiate off their bodies while the flag service was underway was completely amazing and I am truly blessed to be able to have experienced that.

Posted by Hayden:
My mom has traveled to Mission of Hope many times with our church, and this past summer, I finally got to join her! My whole family went...my dad, mom, brother and myself! It was so much fun! My favorite part was walking through a tent village (with my family) visiting other families and praying for them. There were so many other girls my age and it is something I will never forget!

Posted by Jacob:
This past summer, I traveled to Mission of Hope with my church from Pennsylvania. My favorite part of the week was VBS. It was a blast to spend each morning with so many kids!

Posted by Jessica:
Tuesday night worship at the Church of Hope was so much fun! I had no idea they could sing louder and dance longer than they do on Sunday mornings! These are a few of the amazing team members I met while traveling alone to MOH. We had a wonderful time worshiping together with the people of Haiti.

Posted by Jeremy:
One of my favorite moments was when I arrived at an orphanage in Cabaret and several of the orphans began chanting and singing, "Jeeeer-raaaa-MEEE, Jer-Ra-meeeEEEEE" over and over and over. We all began dancing and laughing while more and more children began singing it. There was a beautiful moment when I realized how great it felt to be truly known, loved and accepted! Then God reminded me that this was just a taste of the millions and millions of angels chanting my name when I go home to Heaven!

Posted by Lindsey:
When I went to Haiti the first time in June of 2010, I met a girl at the Village of Hope Orphanage named Roseberline and she was so sweet! We had an amazing connection and every day I'd go by her, she would yell my name then come spend time with me playing with my hair and just having fun! It was so amazing to come back two years later and see her on the Mission and spend time with her. She was the same sweet little girl I remembered and it was awesome to see how God was working in her life!