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Impacted by HSC Haiti 2015 By Ruthanna Vandegriff

Hope Worldwide • April 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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We are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend and brother, Dave Tomlinson. Dave was a beloved part of the HOPE worldwide family who served in many capacities throughout his time with us, most recently as Chief Operating Officer before his retirement. He also played an important role in our Global Disaster Response and Community Service Brigades teams, serving alongside his wife, Angela. More than the roles he held, Dave was a cherished friend whose warmth, kindness, and genuine spirit touched so many people. His care for others was evident in the way he served, led, and built relationships with people around the world. Dave had a remarkable ability to encourage, uplift, and connect with people, reflecting God's love in both his leadership and his friendships. We will miss Dave deeply and are grateful for the many ways he gave of himself to HOPE worldwide and to the amazing people we get to serve. We’re holding Angela and their family close in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Dave’s presence will be deeply missed, but his faith, love, and example will remain in our hearts forever and his legacy will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him.