Haiti Mission Trip Reflection – Sarah Jo Bouton

I have been blessed to have been on many mission trips in my adult life and each time my heart breaks and softens for the lost and broken. My experience in Haiti was no different. The joy of the Lord in the hearts of people always blows me away and, as we pulled up to doors of the Live Beyond house, we were greeted by smiles and songs so sweet only God could have put them on the lips of the 100 children! My week was filled with moments of great joy while spending time with children who, even through physical and mental disabilities, were happy and loving.  Other moments were heart wrenching due to the strong hold that voodoo has on the people of Thomazeau. We, as a STAR team, were able to perform therapy activities and at times just play with children who spend most of their time being neglected. Daily my heart broke for these children knowing that, unlike my own child, few people hug them, kiss them, cherish them, but we had the chance to do all of those things. My heart exploded with joy every morning when the children arrived and it was evident that the spirit of the Lord filled their hearts and souls. It is evident that the love of Jesus is being spread in Thomazeau and the surrounding communities, and that men, women and children are becoming disciples. My heart and mind has been challenged to continue to be more like Jesus, to continue to serve more and love more because of this experience. My husband Jared and I were so blessed to be a part of this team from STAR, and to serve alongside them in Thomazeau.

We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5: 20-21

-Sarah Jo Bouton