And the packing begins...

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Today is the last day of school and the last day of my time in HPISD. While this is a bittersweet end to a great year, I can now start to focus and prepare on my newest adventure. After two shorter trips to Haiti with HPPC over the last two years, I am taking a leap of faith and traveling to Haiti for the summer. I am leaving on Tuesday, June 4^th for Port Au Prince where I will be a long-term volunteer with Haiti Outreach Ministries. To learn more about the work they do in Haiti, visit their website at www.haitioutreachministries.org. I will be there until July 18^th, working alongside the Haitian workers and church leaders and serving as a host to the groups that come for short-term mission trips. Some days I will be working on construction projects, some days will be spent in the clinics and some days I will be teaching English to the sweet students and teachers at the HOM schools. I will also be helping streamline and organize student information and records and helping the photographer with pictures and posts to their Facebook and Instagram. 

With the school year coming to an end, I have had time to focus on what I will need for the trip. I finally began packing tonight, and I couldn't help but feel that I was in middle school packing for summer camp with my trunk and my "outdoorsy" clothes. My summer shopping has been quite different this year, as I have been on the hunt for insect repellant with Deet, work pants, long skirts and chacos (...yes I finally caved and bought a pair). Other items on my packing list include Anti-Malaria medicine, a headlamp, earplugs, Avil PM and denture cleaner to keep my beloved retainers clean while I'm in Haiti.

Before I leave on my summer adventure, I want to thank all of my friends and family who have supported me through this entire process and have loved and prayed for my trip. In addition to these powerful prayers, I have been overwhelmed by the financial support I have received from so many people. A BIG thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey so far… in particular the wonderful leaders and young adult community of Highland Park Presbyterian Church who have been truly amazing. I look forward to seeing what the Lord has in store for me during my seven weeks in Haiti. I will share stories, pictures and experiences with you through my blog as often as I can. I ask that you continue to pray for safe travels and that the Lord may be glorified through my work and time in Haiti. I feel tremendously blessed to have this opportunity to serve. Like the Haitian students say each morning, “Merci Saviour!” 

Maddie