Change

It has been a few weeks since the Haiti trip, and the first word that comes to mind regarding the trip would be “change”.  All of us were changed in big and small ways. I changed a lot in the way I thought about missions. Before the trip I felt that missions were good and that they were helping people, but they never had an impact upon my life. I have so much respect now for people in missions and I now have a sense of the mission world and I can see that they are doing good work.

The last days in Haiti I had no desire to leave and I did not want to go back home. I didn’t think I could handle the change, but I had no choice but to leave. It was a very tough plane ride home for me because, to be honest, I was angry at myself for the way I had been living back in Canada. I was living a selfish life and I didn’t think I could go back home and be my old self. I then realized that I didn’t have to live in my old self, I could go home and be a new Kenton and live a more selfless life. 

I really feel like Haiti is the place for me and I know that God will make my life and Haiti intersect again. I loved it so much and I felt that I could be myself, like I didn’t have to prove anything. We met some great people from other teams and even though I probably won’t see them again I know that they made and impact on my life.

Finally I would like to thank our whole team for making this a trip that will be remembered. You guys are the best and I will miss all of our jokes and fun times that we shared together.

God Bless!

-Kenton Van Pelt

2 weeks back

It has been 2 weeks since we left Haiti, and I can’t believe it. It feels like it has been a lot longer. I really enjoy the daily reminders I get though, from other team members about what we experienced together. I love how we are all closer now, and even though most of us are from different social groups, we all say hi to each other in the halls. I definitely enjoyed getting to know all the team members during the trip, and I hope some of these friendships will last a long time.

One thing I would like to say about life after Haiti is how my perspective has changed. I think I am less concerned about material things, and I feel much closer to God. I think I am more easy-going as well.

I would recommend going on a mission trip to everyone who’s reading this. Whether you go to Haiti or not, or someplace far away or close by it doesn’t matter. Mission trips are really fun and it’s great to improve people’s lives, or at least brighten their day.

~Micaela