Blog Post

Impacted by HSC Haiti 2015 By Ruthanna Vandegriff

Hope Worldwide • April 24, 2015

I thought I'd take a week to impact Haiti...but Haiti impacted me! I realized how self-centered I am in my recent trip to Haiti. I take 20-30 minute long showers because "they feel so relaxing." Yet, I managed to take a 30 SECOND shower in Haiti as the water from the bucket was much cooler than I'm used to. In fact, I have begun to notice how many man-made flowing water fountains there are in the US, whereas Haiti struggles to provide safe drinking water. I have started asking if it's at least
recycled.

I also learned how much I need to soften my heart and really see people. Daily, a chauffeur drove our group from the village to wherever our destination for the day was. He waited around, nearly all day, while we completed whatever tasks. One of our disciples from the trip asked around to see if anyone had any food as he had not had anything to eat. Though he never complained.

I came to terms with the fact that, despite the numerous bilingual disciples who were so willing to translate 24/7, that I would sometimes have no clue what was going on around me. I missed many encouraging conversations from Haitian disciples in fellowship after church, the requests from the children at the orphanage, signs and activity as we drove through Port-au-Prince. It was difficult, but I had to be very trusting and surrendered, despite my seemingly insatiable curiosity.

I faced that I had favoritism in my heart. When we visited the orphanage, children, teenagers, and adults from the community joined in on the fun also. The community members stole many of the toys and crayons that we had brought for the orphans. I have never seen up close and personal what poverty can do to people. I found it hard to love them as Jesus would.

In all that I'd learned, there is also much positivity. Many Haitians are still joyful and generous as a society, despite that they have nothing. I have everything I NEED, everything I WANT, and more, and I can't hold a candle to their contentment. From the photos I'd seen from 2011 to our trip in 2015, a GREAT deal of progress has been made in terms of rebuilding. I did see many Haitian disciples bond together and share each
others' burdens also.

The children in the village, whose parents are all disciples, were hugely different from others we'd met. They didn't snatch toys from my hands. They didn't rummage through my purse or backpack (WITHOUT PERMISSION!) in search of candy or toys. They thanked me in their best broken English. They hugged me, ran up to me and jumped into my arms. They were respectful if I asked them for something or to do something. They wanted to be with me desperately- they wanted my time, not my material objects.

I am indebted to Ayiti for the rich experience. The delicious food. The beautiful countryside. The many things I take for granted in the US, like Wal-Mart and city services, may I never look at these things the same way again. Ayiti has stolen my heart. Forever.

February 12, 2025
A new video shows how your support has impacted those affected by the war in Ukraine over the last 3 years. 
January 29, 2025
HOPE worldwide Has An Exciting New Job Opportunity
January 22, 2025
Watch our new video to see how you impacted over 1 million people in 2024!
January 9, 2025
Read below to see how HOPE worldwide is responding to the Los Angeles wildfire disaster.
December 24, 2024
Check out our 12 favorite stories of impact from 2024!
December 20, 2024
After six inspiring years of compassionate service and outstanding leadership, Dave Tomlinson is announcing his well-deserved retirement. 
December 10, 2024
Learn how HOPE ww Kenya impacts hundreds of thousands of people each year.
November 8, 2024
HOPE worldwide is responding in Florida, North Carolina, Georgia, and other areas affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
October 25, 2024
The Story of a First Pair of Glasses in Santo Domingo
September 19, 2024
HOPE worldwide Hosts Fun Run in Malaysia to Support Sustainable Agriculture Programs for Low-Income Families
Show More
Share by: