Blog Post

Impacted by HSC Haiti 2015 By Ruthanna Vandegriff

Hope Worldwide • Apr 24, 2015

I thought I'd take a week to impact Haiti...but Haiti impacted me! I realized how self-centered I am in my recent trip to Haiti. I take 20-30 minute long showers because "they feel so relaxing." Yet, I managed to take a 30 SECOND shower in Haiti as the water from the bucket was much cooler than I'm used to. In fact, I have begun to notice how many man-made flowing water fountains there are in the US, whereas Haiti struggles to provide safe drinking water. I have started asking if it's at least
recycled.

I also learned how much I need to soften my heart and really see people. Daily, a chauffeur drove our group from the village to wherever our destination for the day was. He waited around, nearly all day, while we completed whatever tasks. One of our disciples from the trip asked around to see if anyone had any food as he had not had anything to eat. Though he never complained.

I came to terms with the fact that, despite the numerous bilingual disciples who were so willing to translate 24/7, that I would sometimes have no clue what was going on around me. I missed many encouraging conversations from Haitian disciples in fellowship after church, the requests from the children at the orphanage, signs and activity as we drove through Port-au-Prince. It was difficult, but I had to be very trusting and surrendered, despite my seemingly insatiable curiosity.

I faced that I had favoritism in my heart. When we visited the orphanage, children, teenagers, and adults from the community joined in on the fun also. The community members stole many of the toys and crayons that we had brought for the orphans. I have never seen up close and personal what poverty can do to people. I found it hard to love them as Jesus would.

In all that I'd learned, there is also much positivity. Many Haitians are still joyful and generous as a society, despite that they have nothing. I have everything I NEED, everything I WANT, and more, and I can't hold a candle to their contentment. From the photos I'd seen from 2011 to our trip in 2015, a GREAT deal of progress has been made in terms of rebuilding. I did see many Haitian disciples bond together and share each
others' burdens also.

The children in the village, whose parents are all disciples, were hugely different from others we'd met. They didn't snatch toys from my hands. They didn't rummage through my purse or backpack (WITHOUT PERMISSION!) in search of candy or toys. They thanked me in their best broken English. They hugged me, ran up to me and jumped into my arms. They were respectful if I asked them for something or to do something. They wanted to be with me desperately- they wanted my time, not my material objects.

I am indebted to Ayiti for the rich experience. The delicious food. The beautiful countryside. The many things I take for granted in the US, like Wal-Mart and city services, may I never look at these things the same way again. Ayiti has stolen my heart. Forever.

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PRESS RELEASE June 27, 2023 HOPE worldwide , a leading non-profit organization dedicated to providing sustainable, high-impact, community-based services, including critical healthcare services, disaster relief, and education, to underserved communities globally, is proud to announce the recognition received by the Lawes Road Clinic in Papua New Guinea during a recent visit by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken . This visit highlighted the impactful work carried out by HOPE worldwide global network member, HOPE worldwide Papua New Guinea (PNG), in collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) as part of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the U.S. government’s largest effort to combat HIV. During his visit to Papua New Guinea, Secretary Blinken had the opportunity to tour HOPE worldwide PNG’s Lawes Road Clinic, which is led by HOPE worldwide PNG Country Director Priscilla Sine Mal, and witness firsthand the incredible efforts undertaken by the dedicated team. The clinic's commitment to improving the lives of the local community in various areas, including HIV prevention and treatment, and treatment for victims of violence against women deeply impressed Secretary Blinken. In his remarks, Secretary Blinken expressed his admiration for the clinic's work, stating, "This was a real privilege to be here at the Lawes Road clinic where quite literally our partners are saving lives, changing lives, every single day." The visit showcased the significant impact of HOPE worldwide Papua New Guinea’s clinic on the region, highlighting its vital role in providing essential healthcare services to those most in need and who often have the most difficult time getting treatment, in part due to the social stigma often associated with their conditions. The Lawes Road Clinic operates under the auspices of the Presidential Emergency Plan For HIV/AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), funded through USAID and implemented in collaboration with FHI 360 and HOPE worldwide . The clinic has been instrumental in providing critical care, support, and testing for HIV/AIDS patients in Papua New Guinea, contributing to the nationwide efforts to combat the disease. This year, PEPFAR celebrates its 20th anniversary, and its 17th year of implementation in Papua New Guinea. HOPE worldwide is honored by the recognition bestowed upon HOPE worldwide Papua New Guinea and the Lawes Road Clinic by Secretary Blinken and remains committed to its mission of transforming communities and improving lives through local, volunteer-based initiatives. With the continuous support of partners like USAID and the unwavering dedication of its teams on the ground, HOPE worldwide and its global network of members like HOPE worldwide PNG strive to create a healthier, more resilient future for all.
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