By: Alexander Kris
So, I have never been on a trip to Haiti before. Let alone a third world country whatsoever. Needless to say, coming on this trip was very nerve-racking for me, except I was incredibly excited at the same time. I have always wanted to do a mission trip of this sort, and the fact that I have been able to finally participate in one has been an absolutely incredible experience. To give you a taste of the emotional roller coaster that this trip is, I will share a quick story.
The second day going to the house in Ducis was just as amazing as the first, with one small difference. I instantly bonded with two of the children at the house and we had the most fun day ever just running around doing activities and having a good time. Halfway through the second day the kids motion to my backpack lying on the ground. I walk over to it and lift it up, and then they are motioning for me to follow them with the bag. After following them around several corners of the house into a secluded area, they pull out from behind a basket a large object covered in a plastic bag. They started motioning their hands away from the wrapped object which I eventually came to understand was them telling me to open the present they were giving me. I took it in my hand and slowly unwrapped the plastic, revealing a large mango. The day before I had mentioned that one of my favorite things in Haiti were the delicious mangos that we could eat. The kids had understood me and gotten together to pick and give me this mango. These kids have so little in their lives, and yet they are willing to give away precious food to a stranger they had just met, as a gesture of kindness and thanks. This is a very small example of the kind, loving, and compassionate hearts that all these children have. These kids will do ANYTHING to keep you safe, and having experienced this is one of the best blessings I could have ever asked for.
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