Today marks the one year anniversary of the beginning of my trip to the Dominican Republic and Haiti to do Earthquake relief. A trip that broke my heart in so many ways… and yet was one of the most incredible and rewarding experiences of my entire life.
The first two days of that trip we spent in the Dominican Republic, waiting to get a charter flight, as well as an air-slot, so that we could fly into Port au Prince. I remember the frustration of having to stay in the DR, when everything in my wanted to be in Haiti! And yet, to look back on that time now… it’s incredible to see how God had us there, at the perfect time, to do His will.
That first day in the DR, we were walking through the tourist section of the city, looking at the various shops. We went in one particular shop, and Jen and I worked our way through the crowded shop, to a back room where we found a couple chairs.
The first two days of that trip we spent in the Dominican Republic, waiting to get a charter flight, as well as an air-slot, so that we could fly into Port au Prince. I remember the frustration of having to stay in the DR, when everything in my wanted to be in Haiti! And yet, to look back on that time now… it’s incredible to see how God had us there, at the perfect time, to do His will.
That first day in the DR, we were walking through the tourist section of the city, looking at the various shops. We went in one particular shop, and Jen and I worked our way through the crowded shop, to a back room where we found a couple chairs.
As we sat, waiting for the rest of the group, and wondering what the next few days would hold… we were approached by a young couple. The young girl timidly asked if we could speak Kreyol or Spanish, and her eyes immediately brightened when I told her I could. She proceeded to ask if we knew of any missions, or aid groups, who were giving out scholarships. Jeanie joined us…and the conversation that ensued left us all feeling like God had put us in that store for a purpose….
...Mirtha, the young Haitian woman who wanted to know about scholarships, proceeded to tell us that she had been in Business school in the Dominican Republic. Her mother had been living in Port au Prince, working to provide funds for her daughters schooling. The earthquake had destroyed her mother’s business, and left her mother injured. The young man with her, a friend from Port au Prince, had always dreamed of going to Medical school in the DR. He had been living in the DR for the past few months, trying to learn Spanish. He too had family living in Port au Prince, who were helping fund his education. Sadly, his parents had both been killed in the earthquake.
Mirtha asked if we knew of any places that were giving out scholarships to students, and then proceeded to tell us that she desperately wanted to continue her school but she didn’t know how she could. She told us that she had written letters to several international embassies, telling her story, and requesting a scholarship. We were touched by the passion and determination she had to continue her education, despite the tragedy that was going on around her. We started asking specifics about her school, and tuition fees. Every question we asked, she had a quick answer, and often proof that her story was true. We were especially touched when she explained to us that she had lost just about everything at her mother’s house in Port au Prince- and yet she had her Bible and a Hymn book, and she was satisfied.
As we talked, Jeanie felt very strongly that she was supposed to pay for Mirtha’s school tuition. After praying, and agreeing as a team that this was something we wanted to pursue, we told Mirtha. Her face, that before had been filled with desperation, now split into a smile of joy and relief. We confirmed the name of the school, and explained to her that we wanted to go to the school with her the following day. We exchanged phone numbers, promised to meet with her the next day at the school, and went on our way.
…And the following day, we had the opportunity to bless Mirtha. We met her at the school, confirmed that she was enrolled, and then paid her tuition for the year.
...Mirtha, the young Haitian woman who wanted to know about scholarships, proceeded to tell us that she had been in Business school in the Dominican Republic. Her mother had been living in Port au Prince, working to provide funds for her daughters schooling. The earthquake had destroyed her mother’s business, and left her mother injured. The young man with her, a friend from Port au Prince, had always dreamed of going to Medical school in the DR. He had been living in the DR for the past few months, trying to learn Spanish. He too had family living in Port au Prince, who were helping fund his education. Sadly, his parents had both been killed in the earthquake.
Mirtha asked if we knew of any places that were giving out scholarships to students, and then proceeded to tell us that she desperately wanted to continue her school but she didn’t know how she could. She told us that she had written letters to several international embassies, telling her story, and requesting a scholarship. We were touched by the passion and determination she had to continue her education, despite the tragedy that was going on around her. We started asking specifics about her school, and tuition fees. Every question we asked, she had a quick answer, and often proof that her story was true. We were especially touched when she explained to us that she had lost just about everything at her mother’s house in Port au Prince- and yet she had her Bible and a Hymn book, and she was satisfied.
As we talked, Jeanie felt very strongly that she was supposed to pay for Mirtha’s school tuition. After praying, and agreeing as a team that this was something we wanted to pursue, we told Mirtha. Her face, that before had been filled with desperation, now split into a smile of joy and relief. We confirmed the name of the school, and explained to her that we wanted to go to the school with her the following day. We exchanged phone numbers, promised to meet with her the next day at the school, and went on our way.
…And the following day, we had the opportunity to bless Mirtha. We met her at the school, confirmed that she was enrolled, and then paid her tuition for the year.
It was an incredible experience to see the excitement, joy, and happiness on her face. Her world was still far from perfect, but despite all that was going on around her, she knew her school, for the year, was safe. And more importantly, she knew she was loved…by our small team, but much more importantly, by her Heavenly Father. He had rewarded her faithfulness, and provided for her in her time of need.
And so, our earthquake relief trip began…
