This is Haiti

Ever so often the Mission of Hope will post a picture and the hash tag will read, 'this is Haiti.'  I have posted 200+ pictures of our recent mission trip to Haiti on my facebook page.  Over the next several days I will try my best to give you a portrayal of Haiti through this blog, pictures, stories, and even guest bloggers that will  give you a vision of beauty that you never imagined. There may be funny stories, testimonies of life changing encounters, updates on progress, poetry - I don't know what all is to come out of this over the next few posts.
But today I will start by introducing you to our team.  Each year, God always puts together a team with specific skills and personalities that will be critical to the upcoming trip.  We usually have a rough idea of what we will be doing while there, but there is never anything set in stone as far as an agenda when we get there.  And this year was no different.  Let's see, there was Rick, Cooper, and myself leading the group. Married couple Gerry, a Physicians Assistant and resident comedian, and Shanna, the next steps planner and dreamer, Hargrave. The "Bromance" boys Joshua Brock and Christian Romero and their understanding third wheel, Hanna Crump who also doubles as Josh's girlfriend. The world traveler and source of Cooper's nervousness, Heather Reed.  A couple of "I'm not too sure I want to do this, but God told me to so I will" friends, Justice Rameriz and Stephanie Parales. Veteran mother/daughter village baby magnets, Hallie Gillespie and Tracy Gutierrez. The "Middle School Boys Rule" mom and fellow educator, Shelly Bratcher. And our friends from Oklahoma, LIcia and Zak, future World Cup star.
So as you may or may not can tell if you do or do not know these guys - we had a TON of FUN!  Lots of laughter, much intelligence, and both physical and mental strength that endured long, hot days and bumpy, sweaty bus rides.  Some of us shared our life stories and our future dreams.  We encouraged one another with our words, actions, and pats on the back.  We shared food and 'w-h-a-a-t-e-r-r-r". We painted together, played together, swam together, and worshipped together.  We found each others hidden talents and observed each others smallest quirks.  We prayed together, we witnessed together, we served together.  We bonded.  We will never be the same.  We will be forever connected by our experiences as Team Haiti 2014.
I look forward to sharing our mission with you.

Tori