Project: Hope

As seen on: http://the3six5.posterous.com/

Last night I arrived in Haiti, to begin a week-long medical mission
trip with 22 people from Wisconsin and Illinois.  It’s my fourth year,
yet every time still brings teachable moments.
Didnt get a chance to read all of it, but here it is as well.  Thanks!

Honestly, I have no idea what went on in the world today.  For the
people I encountered today that’s everyday life.  They just want to
know where their next meal is coming from.  Today, I didn’t care about
the news.  It was about helping a fellow brother and sister in need.

Driving in the back of a truck for an hour-and-a-half on a dried-up
river bed/road, I arrived in a very rural area of Thomazeau, Haiti.
It would take days for the people living out here to receive any
medical attention.  Getting the flu last night, I received the first
IV of the day to try to re-hydrate me.

Medical cases spanned from malnourishment, to worms, to scabies, to
life-threatening diseases. Yet with every right to complain, they had
a joy about them.
Every time I arrive back in the States after a trip, I’m frustrated.
There are many Americans who just don’t get it.  Yes, our economy is
down, but imagine living every year with only a few hundred dollars.
Imagine walking mile after mile to get to water that might be clean
enough to drink.  Imagine having a newborn baby and no way to give it
any medical attention?  The faces I saw today and prayed with live
with those struggles every day.  I know for me, on a daily basis in
America, I worry about stupid, petty things. Or, I take for granted
waking up in the middle of the night to get a drink of clean water
from my bathroom.

Today, I’m thankful for being born in America.  That brings with it
responsibility and that is why I’m here this week with an amazing set
of individuals.  We are bringing hope to the hurting people of Haiti
through medicine and the message of Jesus, who died so one day there
will be no more suffering.  I encourage you to serve someone in need
today.