So you booked your flight and you're ready to go.
Well at least you thought you were. But I'm here to tell you that you probably aren't. There is much more you need to do other than just book your flight, raise money, and pack your bags. Start with prayer and many conversations with God. Pray that you are able to receive whatever lesson or message that he is laying out for you. Make a plan for the money that you are taking with you. Designate how much is for souvenirs, food, or to donate. Make sure that you have all of your identification and your flight information in order. And finally make sure that all your affairs at home are taken care of, your bills are paid, your animals are taken care of and that you have a plan of action in case for some reason your trip has to be extended.
Lets start with that carry on bag that you packed.
You have packed your carry on as full as you could possibly make it. Like busting at the seams full. Okay here is what you do next. Take it all out. Yes, you read that right. Take it all out. Whether you are there for four days or thirty days you should take about the same amount of clothes. I suggest 3 shirts, 3 pairs of shorts, 1 pair of pants, 4 pairs of socks (only because even in third world countries socks are elusive articles of clothing), and maybe 5 pairs of underwear. Also bring an alternative power source for charging your phone or camera.
I say this knowing that most of the time wherever you are staying or whoever you are staying with is more than happy to help clean your clothing and this helps to pack lightly. And you don't want to be like me and have your carry on bag rip only after boarding your second flight out of seven for your entire trip.
You have made it to your destination.
You have arrived! You just stepped off the plane with your clean clothes, your good intentions, and, if this is your first time like it was mine, your typical American thoughts and ideals about how this country will be. The most important advice I can give to you is to have an open mind even before you set foot on the plane to leave your country.
If you are on a mission trip chances are it is a faith based mission. So if you haven't already prepared for this trip through prayer, you better start now. Because God somehow worked his way into your heart to get you hear in the first place. And if you allow him to he will break your heart and make it new again in the way he so desires.
Now you are about halfway through your trip.
At this point leaving these children and these people isn't a thought you even dare to have, because you know it's not something you want to do. You will be missing a hot shower, probably missing your animals at home and maybe your soft bed. But when it comes down to it you wouldn't dare wish away the time you have left here for any of those things. Because these children and the people of this country need you and need the work that you are doing in Gods name.
Finally, it is time to say goodbye.
If you're wondering if these children are waiting for you to return, the answer is yes. To them, you don't just represent yummy American snacks, or new toys and new coloring books and art supplies. To these children you represent hope. And with each visit that hope builds and that relationship becomes more secure. The children of these third world countries need positive influences just as any child in America, or any other developed country does.
As I mentioned earlier, if you have prayed about it and have allowed your heart to be open then God has been working on it. You probably feel broken, but that is a feeling that you are called to channel and to use for good. Go home and help others to see the brokenness and heartache that you witnessed. But don't forget to show them the laughter, smiles, and hope that you witnessed as well.
Share everything. Document everything. Tell everyone. And make sure you encourage others to visit and experience what you have. Because how will anyone understand the help that is needed if you do not do these things and show what you have witnessed.
Pictures of the children: Flourish photography by Katie Huff, taken in Haiti December 2016.
