I have wanted to go on a mission trip for a while now, but I have never felt "called" to one. Ever since 2010, when the earthquake hit Haiti, I have loved the country. That was the first I had heard about it. I love learning about the culture, the people, everything. I even wrote a song dedicated to Haiti when the earthquake hit called "Hope Inside." Of course, it wasn't even good, but it's the thought that counts, right? Anyways, this past year I have wanted to be challenged spiritually. Don't get me wrong, everyday I wake up I am challenged spiritually, but I wanted a different kind of spiritual challenge if that makes sense. So March 10 I was sitting at my computer looking at all the different mission trips to Haiti my church had coming up. I saw one for October that I was totally capable of going on. I thought about it and just brushed it off. God was not happy about that. Little did I know the next night at church he would wreck me and put me in full surrender mode. That night my pastor, Nate, was talking about getting out of your comfort zone for the Lord. I thought like oh sitting with new people at lunch or something. Nope. Not on God's agenda -- not for me at least. I did not know that the next thing my youth pastor said would completely wreck me and cause me to lose it. He said "We have a fall break student mission trip to Haiti in October. Maybe that is how God wants you to get out of your comfort zone." I have never heard God scream so loud in my life. I thought to myself "This is it. I'm going." That moment I completely broke down and got down on my knees in full surrender. I thanked God for his love, sovereignty, steadfastness, etc. A quote that I am reminded of through this is: "God isn't looking for something brilliant, He is looking for something broken." (Bob Kaufflin said that) And I discovered that when you are broken on your knees, crying to him, you find him. That night I signed up to go to Haiti without even telling my parents. The first person I called was Craig, and I didn't even know what to say. He probably thought I was an idiot. Came home and told my parents, and they were shocked but happy. So looks like I am going to Haiti in October! Considering planes are my biggest fear, it is going to be a challenge but I am up for it. I cannot wait to spread the gospel and love on the people there. I hope to give them even just a glimpse of Christ's love so they will want to know more! I am so thankful for this and I cannot wait to see how God uses the team that I am going with. If you would like, join me in praying for the people of Haiti and our team going there. That God would use us as a vessel for these precious people.
Mark 16:15.
-Kaitlyn
