Nine years ago, I boarded a plane to Haiti thinking I was going on a short-term mission trip. I had no idea that one trip would change the entire direction of my life.
I certainly didn't expect that nine years later, I would be married to a Haitian, serving in Haiti full-time, helping lead a ministry, and building a life so deeply connected to a place I once thought I was only visiting.
But that's what God has done.
Haiti has changed me in more ways than I can put into words. It has made me bolder, taught me patience, slowed me down, given me a second language, and introduced me to people who have become family. It has stretched me, challenged me, and given me a purpose I never could have planned for myself.
And somewhere along the way, Haiti stopped being a place I traveled to and became home.
To celebrate nine years, I put together a little video sharing nine of the ways Haiti has changed and grown me. I'd love for you to watch it!
Watch the video on Youtube here
So much More Ahead
As I look back on these nine years, I am also reminded of how much there is still ahead of us.
Through Espwa Demen, we are working to create opportunities for children, serve families, and build a ministry that brings both practical help and the hope of Jesus to the communities we serve.
One important part of that work is our mission house in Hinche. This four-bedroom home will be a place for missionaries and visiting teams to stay, university students to find a home away from home, and our ministry operations to have a central place to work from.
We are working hard to finish getting the house ready, and one of our biggest remaining needs is solar electricity.
The solar system costs $4,000. We have already received $800 toward it, leaving $3,200 to go!
Our hope is to have the mission house fully set up by December 1st. Every $800 donated brings us one step closer to having reliable electricity in the home and creating a place where people can gather, rest, serve, and grow.
If you consider helping us finish this project, you can DONATE HERE.
Whether you are able to give $25, $50, $100, or even help cover one of the remaining $800 portions, every gift makes a difference. And if giving isn't possible right now, sharing this post or praying for our ministry means so much to us.
The Best is Yet To Come
Nine years ago, I had no idea what God was beginning when I stepped onto that plane. Today, I am so grateful for everyone who has been part of this journey. It is far from over!
Thank you for believing in us, praying for Haiti, and helping us continue the work God has placed before us. The best is yet to come!
With love and gratitude,
Rachel
Espwa Demen Mission