So, how was your trip to Haiti?  Life changing, amazing, educational, a history lesson, inspirational, sad, funny, frightening, tearful.  How can I put it into mere words? 

The trip was inspired by a Facebook post from Angela Sudermann, our ABC IM Volunteer Coordinator – asking for help for Laurie Casseus in Haiti.  Laurie is the wife of the outgoing president of the Universite Chretienne du Nord d’Haiti…the Christian University of Northern Haiti.  I quickly learned that in 1947 a mission organization bought the site from rubber plantation owners and turned it into a seminary campus. American Baptist missionaries Ivah and Harold Heneise (Laurie’s parents) founded the Haitian Baptist Theological Seminary, beginning with 3 students.  In 1981, Dr. Jules Casseus became the president.  His vision resulted in the expansion of the seminary to include the university.  Today this includes the School of Theology, Business Administration, Agriculture, Fine Arts.  A School of Health Sciences is planned.  The damage to schools in the south of Haiti following the earthquake has resulted in a sharp increase in the number of students in the University.

 What I discovered after arriving at the Casseus home, was that this is the home where Laurie grew up.  Back in the day….there was no TV or radio for entertainment, rather reading was an avid family pastime.  All the books collected over all those years were now lining floor to ceiling bookcases in three rooms.  With Laurie’s back problems, and few boxes to work with we soldiered on every day for a solid week.  When I left, the shelves were empty, every book dusted (I will detail the bugs at a later date), sorted for various libraries or professors and boxed or stacked waiting for boxes.  When I left additional boxes were expected on the next Agape flight which supplies our missionaries.

 The week was about so much more than dusting books and running from bugs.  We enjoyed precious time over breakfast my first morning there.  Included at the table was a couple who had traveled from Philadelphia to participate in the Music Camp, Tom and Missy McLaughlin.  Also with us was the incoming president, Dr. Jean Dona Darius, the incoming president as well as a student “adopted” by Laurie and Jules.  The conversation that followed the reading of the morning devotions was so inspirational.  God’s spirit was in our midst.

 Activity on the campus became livelier over the next few days as students and volunteers began arriving for Music Camp.  I heard many stories about young people determined to perfect their musical skills.  They come to music camp for formal instruction once a year while trying to practice and learn on their own throughout the year.

 I was so excited to meet Dr. and Mrs. Steve James, our ABC, CBF missionary to Haiti.  They were gracious hosts as I stayed in the guest house with them.  Nancy’s rescued parrots were noisy but comical.  Nancy graciously showed me the campus with lush tropical plants.  She explained that I got the whole Haitian experience as the generator failed while I was there.  Instead of a few hours without electricity, we went over 24 hours waiting for parts to come from Port au Prince and finally the repair.  Cold showers were the norm, but welcome on blistering hot, humid days.

 Kihomi and Nzunga hosted an ice cream party one evening.  What a wonderful opportunity to see them and enjoy a little bit of time in their home.  I also got to see the famous van.  When not in use the tires and battery are removed and locked so as not to be vandalized.

 Worship on Sunday was inspiring with great participation, and a packed house.  All were dressed in their absolute finest to attend church.  I couldn’t help but make eyes at one little girl who sat across from me.  She sat perfectly throughout the service as did all the children, but as soon as the service was over, she ran to me.  We spoke different languages, but it was love at first sight.

It was satisfying to see what we accomplished in a week, though it was far more than packing books.  Every book held a story, not the written words, but the memories in Laurie’s heart.  This was her childhood home, and where she raised her two children. Her son passed away two years ago, so many memories came to mind as we worked.  I have been reminded that a volunteer opportunity is often the “ministry of your presence”.  There were times, I just needed to be present, listen, and pray quietly.

Finally, the travel was an experience not to be quickly forgotten.  Thinking that because the airport had been upgraded in the last couple years, it would be fairly modern was naïve.  Trying to find my bag on in a crowded, shoving, noisy, receiving area was comical.  Escaping the area by being told, “Out”, was a blessing in as much as my bag was not torn apart and inspected.  The 12-mile return trip from Limbe to Cap Haitian was frightening.  I kept singing “peace be still….do not be afraid” in my head as we dodged pot holes and motor bikes and serious accidents.

Volunteer opportunities abound in Haiti.  Whatever the skill, it is needed.  I experienced a tiny fraction of the need, but I would go back in a heartbeat.  Would you join me?

To learn more about opportunities in Haiti or around the world, email us, or call 1-800-222-3872 ext 2366