The Sceptics

Many times, people ask me questions about going on a mission trip to a third world country. Here are the most frequently asked, along with my usual responses:

 1.) Why go to a third world country to "do good" when there is so much that needs to be done here (in America)? 

• A.) There are a million ways to help others in our country! Why? Because our government (although we don't always agree with their decisions) does allow and even encourage us to help each other! That has led to the many charities and other non-profit organizations that offer so much to so many here! While we may not always agree on how or by whom these organizations are handled, we have a government that allows us to network and strengthen one another. Not only is there basically no government in Haiti, but there's no funding to work with. I do as much good as I can here but there are no existing rules that say I (nor any one else) can only give to the needs here until they are all met. 

 2.) Aren't you afraid that something will happen to you while you are there? 

• A.) No matter where you are, you are never fully protected and 100% guaranteed to be safe. Think of all the senseless acts you've heard or read about lately. Accidents have no boundaries. Our group is very big on safety from the time we leave to the first full month that we return. I can't let fear of the unknown stop me from going out into the world and doing what makes me happy, even if it's a bit difficult for others to understand. My advice, watch what I do, with an open mind, to begin to understand why I do what I do. And never stop asking questions! 

3.) What do you hope to see come from what you do? 

• A.) The first thing I want to see is a smile! To see the fear and worries start to melt from a mother's face when you tell her how beautiful her baby is, and provide her with simple vitamins! To see the men enjoy putting their hands to work and knowing that what they are doing is purely to help the future of their families! And to leave there seeing that they all know that they are not forgotten, but are loved by people that hadn't met them before. In the long run, I pray that we help them gain the tools and resources to grow, be healthy, and successful. If only our one village of Momance can flourish, they will have the ability to spread their good fortune to surrounding villages and towns, and over a period of time, Haiti will begin to heal. 

Bottom line: We aim to plant the seeds of health, success, and happiness so that the people have a chance to live peacefully. The largest and oldest oak trees started as tiny acorns. We pray to be the soil, sunshine, and water that help them flourish! God bless you for reading and caring! 

~ Genia