I will never be the same

by Pearl Menninga, first time trip participant with MH4H Today is the sixth day of our trip—wow, it’s hard to believe we only have one and a half days left in Haiti. Originally, I was a little apprehensive about coming down, but I have enjoyed being here so much. I hate to see our time here end. God has really opened my eyes and made me realize how much I take everything for granted. I’d seen a lot of pictures of malnourished children and poverty, but it never seemed real to me until I saw it firsthand. It is also making me realize that these people are God’s children too, and I am no more important to Him than these people in Haiti are. I am also very thankful that God chose to place me and my family in Pella, Iowa!!!

Today was a day that was filled with more cultural interaction than work, and we thoroughly enjoyed it. We spent the morning at Pella Christian School. We had pictures for them to color and bracelets for them to make and gave them each a little car. They’d be seen as so little to our kids but were treasures for these kids. We have so much; they have so little. We also watched the cooks make the noontime meal. It was cooked in a big kettle over an open fire. The students each had to bring their own bowl from home, and if they forgot it, they had to go home to get it or go without their lunch, and this was probably the only food they would get all day.  Again, they have so little; we have so much. After our lunch, we went to the market in Savanette. It was interesting but also hard to see people headed to the market with baskets, chairs, big bunches of bananas, and a lot of other things piled on their heads pulling their loaded down donkeys alongside. We heard, “Can I have a dolla” many times at the market and many other times this week. After visiting the market, we went to the spring—a place where the locals gather to wash their clothes and get fresh water. We brought jump ropes, Frisbees, nail polish, and duct tape to make little wallets. It seemed like a big party for all the kids and adults too. Carol and I did make a purchase today. We saw a family making brooms just outside of the market. I asked how much they were, and he didn’t understand me so I took out a $5 bill, and he said that was good. Carol decided she wanted one also, and by the time we were done, we each had two brooms for $5. What a bargain! We were happy, they were happy, and we left with them telling us that Jesus loves us. That was quite an experience. Now, supper’s over, and we’re relaxing and reviewing the day. Another day in Haiti done. Another day making me realize how thankful I am that God chose to place me and my family in Pella, Iowa. However, I’m so glad I took this opportunity to come and see how God’s children in another part of the world live. I will never be the same. To read about this team’s trip from the start, click here.