Personal Narrative: My Life In Haiti

It was once said that "Everything in life is a changing experience, it is only a question of

the magnitude.” During the summer of 2013, I had the fortunate opportunity to travel to a small

and quaint village in Haiti. Chauffard may be little in size, and impoverished, yet it is so rich in

generosity and love. It is evident the villagers, having weathered tremendous adversity, are

desperate to rise above.

Loaded into the back of a pickup truck and piled onto supplies, myself and seventeen of

my fellow travelers hung on to short hand railings while we maneuvered four hours up a very

narrow, steep, rocky dirt path. Reality soon set in after witnessing the vast crevice off the side of

the mountain. I began questioning the decision I made months earlier to

Their needs were immense yet they welcomed me

with open arms. Remembering the over abundance of “things” I left behind, caused me to

examine their importance in my life. My perspective began to change immediately. My

priorities shifted, as a result, never to be the same again.

During my two weeks in Haiti, I was involved in running a Vacation Bible School,

teaching English and administering vaccinations. Embarking on this trip, forced me to look at

myself and the way I lived my life. I evolved as a person and came to understand the privilege of

having simple luxuries such as clean drinking water, a mattress, running water, and a flushing

toilet. The “little things” became “big things”. Suddenly, my problems did not seem as

significant any longer.

After my humbling mission in Haiti, I realized that I was coming home a different

teenager. I was no longer the same, naive girl who left two weeks earlier. I became a more

motivated student, with a greater appreciation for my education. It became evident that I needed

to embrace my parents’ love and support, as well as, bring to fruition the opportunities they have

provided for