The Ocean Adventure!

After a half day of hard work at the campsite we got to travel to the beach and swim in the ocean!!! Ocean, Ocean, Ocean!!! For some, this may not sound that exciting or something to really write about, but for me it had been a life-long dream. For the first time ever I got to swim in the ocean! When this Haiti mission trip came up, I was excited to hear that I’d be seeing the ocean for the first time, never imagining I’d get to go into it! Sure enough though, we got a chance to sit on a beach, surrounded by the glory of God and bask in His greatness. The water was amazing, so blue and clear. It went on for miles. It was salty too! Very salty.  The beach had a surrounding of mountains. The sky was perfect with a few scattered clouds. Awesome. God’s creation at His best.

For years various people and friends have told me they’d go with me to the ocean, to see it, because I’ve had a bee in my bonnet about it for at least the last 6 years especially. Until this trip, it had not happened. I must say, of all places and of all the people I could have gone with, I praise God and thank him for allowing me this opportunity to fulfill this dream of mine with our team here in Haiti. God does have a plan for me, even when I don’t understand it. He has given me new hope.  

Our whole team wasn’t able to come out with us, but they were there in spirit. In the ocean we had Steve, John Baptiste, Tracy, Lynne, Rick, Tom, Vince, Chris, Yolanda, Rod, Carnel, and myself. Gary was out doing his thing at the conference and Dolly and Jess were teaching the Haitians some English.  A fantastic time had by all in our own ways nonetheless.

I was able to spend some time thinking and praying as I floated in the sea, grateful for the true marvel of the work God is capable of. We all came to Haiti to do hard core mission work, construction, get our hands dirty. Instead, this trip has transpired to so much more. Great friendships have formed, between both the team and the Haitian people. I’ve never felt more welcomed then I do here in Cap-Haitian. They are so nice and friendly, always with smiles! They live in a poor country, many don’t have clean water to drink or enough food to eat, yet they are happy to see us, happy with their lives here. It’s inspiring. I simply love it here.

I must say I’ve learned more in God’s country then I expected to here in Cap-Haitian. God has come alive for me again; He’s here surrounding us all. The beauty in the scenery is just the tip of the iceberg for the wonders He has created.  I’ve never been more humbled then I am here in this awesome country of Haiti.

Kelsey