Post Haiti Mission trip reflection.

Looking back after just three days out of Haiti. We went to help complete or build rubble homes. The Montana Team was able to help in the construction of 7 homes by building the wall cages, or helping set up the wood supports for the cages, or placing the cages into place on the foundations and finally putting the rubble into the wall cages bucket by bucket. We also collected the rubble from the rubble created by the earthquake or the houses and business that fell during it. We even collected it out of the river bed which they have to or need to use as the garbage dump. We worked alongside the New Jersey team , Canadian team and the contracted help in doing all the tasks every day. From the cages makers, masons, and carpenters to the people that were to own the home. Every day I came back to the home camp hot, sweaty, hungry, thirsty, and tired, sore, yet very satisfied in the work done and relationships built along with the house. You could see the same thing in every team members face at the end of the day every day. Yet in the morning there they were right there ready to go again and asking are we going to fill that dump truck again or are we going to fill more walls? I am so proud of every team member. Every one pulled their own weight and then took on more if needed. I am so thankful that the kids talked me into this experience.

So." What did I get out of all this?" should be the question everyone related to this trip should ask themselves so here goes. I got a big lesson in humility, obedience, sacrifice, service, compassion, leadership, inspiration, vision beyond one’s self , and love, God’s love. It’s everywhere you looked. I made new friends, made other friendships stronger, overcame my own fears of the unknown, able to see and participate in the experience of others and see them grow in confidence and see God ‘s grace flowing through them. I have been blessed in astounding ways, some of which I don’t know yet. The people of Haiti have made a profound influence on me and my heart at present still screams for them. Now I can’t speak for the other members but, with God's help, may it never stop and may Haiti truly see the light. Amen. 

Rusty

There are more journals and photos at FBC Billings, MT facebook page

If you want to know more about serving in Haiti or other places around the world, contact International Ministries at bimvolunteers@abc-usa.org  or call us at 1-800-222-3872 ext 2366.