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Last Spring Break Chad and I had the opportunity to go on a mission trip to Haiti. We spent a couple days helping his dad with a medical clinic and watching surgeries, but the bulk of the trip was spent working with an organization called The Beehive International. It is my hope that this post will help raise awareness about the extraordinary need in Haiti and encourage you to help out!
Chad and I left Walla Walla as soon as our Winter Quarter finals were over and headed to Portland, Oregon. We were so excited! After hours and hours of flights and layovers, we arrived in Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti. What a crazy city! Here were my first impressions:
1. The entire city was absolutely COVERED in trash-- so sad.
2. The roads are extremely busy, making for long car/bus rides.
3. So. Much. Heat. And I'm from Washington, so I was not used to it.
4. There were lots of these colorful "taxis" called tap taps (pictured below). Loved them!
5. People were friendly, but very reserved.
Gonâve Island
One of our first afternoons was spent helping Chad's dad, who is an orthopedic surgeon, with his medical clinic at the Wesleyan Hospital in Anse-a-Galets. I had the opportunity to shadow a family practice physician who was working in the emergency room. A man suffering from severe seizures was brought in, so the doctor put in a catheter and attempted to do a spinal tap. Unfortunately, he was having a hard time finding fluid. At that moment I was called to the other room, so I don't know how things turned out for him, but I trust that God had it under control.
Before we got to the island, we got to take a short snorkel break to rinse off our jet lag and enjoy the vivid colors of the reef! Sadly, we would still find a piece of trash here or there, even in this beautiful snorkeling environment.
The Haitian reefs are so vibrant and colorful! Unfortunately, some trash from the city has washed out to the reefs, which is a danger to the beautiful wildlife.
Wesleyan University runs a small hospital on the island, which is where we held the ortho clinic.
It is so beautiful that children don't care about difference in race, culture, or gender.
Haitian sunrises are the best!
The Beehive
The majority of the trip was spent working with The Beehive International in Bohoc, Haiti. This Adventist organization, run by Jonathan Euler, is focused on building a trade school and a safe environment where young people can learn essential skills such as wood-working, farming, and cooking. These skills are SO important since these are the types of jobs the people can get there. The group also aims to minister to people through teaching about Jesus and the Bible. At the time, their main project was a new kitchen, since all they had was a small shack to cook in.
When we arrived, there were already two school groups working on the kitchen, so there wasn't as much to do. Fortunately, we were able to find some small jobs that were equally important, starting with fixing the chicken coop so the chickens couldn't escape. Another day was spent setting the wiring for a couple of barbed wire fences (it's actually trickier than you think since the spikes kept getting stuck on the loops and you're trying to avoid getting cut). Yet another day was spent organizing all the tools and materials in the shed, especially the different types of drill bits, nails, and screws. On our final morning there we built a small staircase on the roof of the main building (pictured below). Chad even let me use the drill!
To be honest, I had a hard time there. I'm no city girl, yet I'm still not used to that kind of manual labor, especially in such heat. In past mission trips I've worked in medical clinics assembling and distributing prescriptions, cleaning wounds, and assisting with procedures. I've even helped with VBS. Those are areas where I feel comfortable and actually enjoy working in. But if there's anything I've learned about mission work, it's that sometimes we need to step out of our comfort zones for God to be able to use us to our full potential.
The school has come a long way in the few months since we were there, but it is still a work in progress and needs a lot of help. I can't wait to see what God has in store for this amazing place!
The cabin where a group of us stayed.
The little "shack" that served as a temporary kitchen while the new kitchen was still in construction.
Chad working hard!
Our completed barbed wire fence!
They used actual oxen to plow their field-- talk about old technology!
The staircase Chad and I (but mostly Chad) built.
An amazing Haitian countryside sunset!
Day Trip to the Citadelle Laferrière
One of our days in the Haitian countryside consisted of a trip to a historical citadel. Built in the early 19th century, the Citadelle Laferrière was a fortress of safety during French invasions. The absolute majesty of this place left me awestruck! The mystical fog and surrounding hills only added to its grandeur.
On the way to the citadel we had to cross a river... with our vans! It was quite sketchy-- one even got stuck!
David leading the way to the Citadel.
So magical!
Port-au-Prince
Our last couple of days in Haiti were spent at the Hopital Adventiste d’Haiti in Port-au-Prince. Since I plan on becoming a doctor, Dr. Nelson let us watch a surgery where he used a device called a Taylor spatial frame to elongate the patient's leg (don't quote me on the terminology as I'm not a doctor YET).
There were tons of goats everywhere in Haiti-- Chad picked this little guy up and it wouldn't stop screaming!
View from the top of the hospital.
Overall my experience in Haiti was one of hard, exhausting work and discomfort, but it was also filled with kind, beautiful people, character-building, and laughter. The people of Haiti have experienced earthquakes, hurricanes, and so much more. Not only do they need our physical help, but they need hope. This school year Walla Walla University's Global Service Project is working with The Beehive to build a classroom for their trade school. Watch their video to learn more about their project:
I really hope my pictures and stories have inspired you to get out of your comfort zone like I did! If you're interested in helping, I've attached a link for donations! Also, see below for emails if you have any questions about Haiti for me, Chad, Jonathan, or ASWWU Global Service.
Click here to donate to help The Beehive through ASWWU Global Service.
Emails Addresses
Myself: giogirotto5@gmail.com
Chad Nelson: chad.nelson@wallawalla.edu
Jonathan Euler: joneuler@gmail.com
ASWWU Global Service: aswwu.globalservice@wallawalla.edu