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Carmi Kiwanis learn about Abbie Bryant’s Haiti mission trip

The Carmi Kiwanis Club held there weekly meeting at the Farm Bureau building on Thursday at noon. Lunch was served by the Green Onion. In club business President Jeremy Jordan touched base on all Corn Day Events. Rickie Pollard won the 50/50 drawing!

Abbie Bryant a 2017 Graduate of Carmi White County High school was the guest speaker presenting on the mission trip she took to Haiti in July. She submitted the following article to go with her presentation she gave to the club that had beautiful pictures of the trip.

“Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” -Mark 16:15

I can definitely say amen to that. There have been many opportunities I have let pass by me throughout my life. But when the Lord brought the opportunity to go to Haiti to me through a friend I didn’t let it pass by. I’ve been fortunate to go on various mission trips. They are all unique in their own way but none as life changing as the trip to Haiti. Although I was given tons of information I really didn’t know what to expect in Haiti. When we arrived it was eye opening…

I’ve seen litter, but not piles upon piles burning everywhere. I’ve seen muddy creeks and rivers, but not people bathing, drinking and washing clothes in them. I’ve felt a hard days work in the heat, but not so close to the sun. I’ve had to use gross porter-potties, but not with tarantulas at my feet and giant cockroaches jumping around my head. I’ve slept in a tent, but not to be awaken by music, pigs, cows, dogs, donkey, and of course roosters. I’ve went to many beaches, but have never hiked a hard mile there and back to reach them.

There were many firsts in Haiti. I learned what a bucket shower was, I tried goat and loved it, I had wine instead of grape juice, I ate a mango from a tree, I bought a hat for only $3.

Haiti was a very special trip. Even though it was a culture shock God was able to keep my spirits up. He showed me so much on this trip. These people have nothing but continue to live with joy. These children are dirty and hungry but still smile, dance and play.

I not only was able to make friendships with the other team members but the Haitians as well. One of my favorite days was when we went throughout the village and prayed with families. There may have been a language barrier but the Lord knew their needs. As soon as I saw and laid my hands on the boy I prayed for I could speak because of the tears. Then the Lord gave me the words.

I really loved the relationships we built with the people. We didn’t just work then go back to nice beds, etc. We lived with the people. We got to know the people. We got to share with the people and we got to love the people. There is so much need in Haiti. This trip showed me that God can use anyone. We had a younger team but God was still able to use us to do a lot. We even had little Haitian boys voluntarily help carry smaller rocks. These people see Gods goodness though others and follow.

God is working in Haiti and has used Matt to lead teams there. I look forward to see what God has in store next. This trip was such a blessing and I thank all who God used to make it possible. I have memories to last many lifetimes, friendships to last forever and many truths from God revealed. God is good.

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