I’m heading back to Haiti.

June 2009 our family went on a one-week mission trip to Haiti with New Missions to. Some of you remember because you followed along with my blog, traveling with us via cyberspace. Even though we’d done multiple mission trips before, Haiti did something to us. It made us feel uncomfortable, heartbroken, numb and helpless. How could we do anything to relieve such abject poverty?

Little did we know at the time that six months later things would get worse. Much worse. On Tuesday, January 12, 2010, Haiti and her people were rocked by a devastating earthquake. The fact that we’d been there only a few months before had a huge impact on our family. We sat glued to the television for weeks, unable to pull our eyes away from familiar sites and people, destroyed in seconds by a natural disaster. Our tears came often and freely.

For two years we’ve been trying to return. And now, July 30 through August 6, the Cushatt family is heading back to Haiti.

This time we’re traveling with Christian World Outreach, a long-standing ministry in Haiti based in Denver, CO. We’ll be doing basic construction, repairing a medical clinic for new and expectant mothers. We’ll also be doing afternoon craft programs with some of the local children, thanks to Art For The Nations.

To be honest, I’m a bit nervous about returning. It won’t be easy (and I’m not just talking about the heat. August in Haiti? Whose idea WAS that?). It was tough enough to take in the conditions of the Haitian people before the earthquake. Now I wonder if I’ll be able to bear. But maybe that’s the point — it should break me as much as it’s broken them. That’s the only way to true compassion.

How about you? Want to be a part of this ministry? We could really use both your prayer and financial support. Haiti was tough for us last time, emotionally and physically. Your prayers will help us as we prepare for what’s to come. Financially, this trip costs $1,800 a piece, for travel to Haiti, travel to the interior of the country and supplies. If you’re willing to help out — whether $10, $50 or $500 — go to the CWO website to donate online. Click on the “Donate Now” tab, and then complete the form. Designate your donation to “CWO General” and then send an email to GYoder[at]cwomissions[dot]org to let him know you’re joining the Cushatt Team. Or you can shoot me an email and I’ll send you more information.

I always feel awkward about asking for help. But the truth is we can’t do these things alone. That’s why we’re in community. Thanks for letting me share this with you, and for being willing to partner with us!