I leave for Haiti a week from tomorrow.

(Holy cow. I have a lot to do.)

I mentioned this trip briefly in Tuesday’s post, but now I’m giving you the scoop. Friday, June 5th a group of six including four of my family members, are leaving for a trip with New Missions in Haiti. My middle son, Ryan, has been on several trips like this before, but it will be a first for our youngest, Jacob, and the first time we’ve done something like this as a family. My friend Laura is going with us as well as another dynamic teenager, Telia.

I plan to blog while I’m there, though the internet situation is a little sketchy. Check in often and I’ll do my best to post pics and updates daily on what’s happening. Several of you have asked what I’ll be doing. The specifics will change depending on the greatest needs while we’re there, but it’ll include visiting schools, doing maintenance and repairs on churches/schools, spending time in the village and loving on people, and distributing gifts.

One of the sweetest gifts of this entire trip is that I will have the opportunity to meet my Compassion sponsor child, Stephanie, on Wednesday, June 10th. Can’t even imagine the words I’ll write that day.

If you’d like to be a part of this trip in a huge way, please pray. Don’t underestimate the value of diving into authentic prayer on behalf of New Missions and our team. Also, the people of Haiti literally have nothing. We need more of the following items as gifts to distribute:

• Toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, lotion
• Clothing (birth through adult, including undergarments)
• Washcloths
• Chapstick
• School supplies
• Backpacks
• Old suitcases (the people use these as “dressers” to hold their belongings)

Send me an email or leave a comment if you’re willing to help.

And … thank you.