We're going to Haiti. Are you coming?

For anyone who would like to consider coming with us to Haiti in January, the purpose of this blog is to give the details and resources to get you started.

God is moving in Haiti, and we're eager to see what He will do.  As the GO Project president said this past weekend, “You can’t think yourself into a change of living. You have to live your way into a change of thinking.” So, let’s go!

Dates: Jan 3rd through Jan 8th in 2014. 

Cost: The cost is $655 PLUS airfare, and the airfare is the variable part. The GO Project trip planners purchase airfare for the whole team to ensure that we are all on the same leg from Miami to Haiti. They typically purchase the tickets approx 6 to 8 weeks before the trip once the team is assembled. If that seems like a pretty big cost unknown then you can get an idea by researching flights from your home airport through Miami and then including a late afternoon American airlines flight from Miami (MIA) to Port au Prince (PAP). The tickets will probably be between $600 and $1000.

Fundraising tool: You can create a "myGO Project" page to fund raise for your trip by telling friends and family members about it. It would have the same basic interface as our page here, but would allow others to contribute to your mission trip. You can receive support/donations through myGO to fund the whole trip, including airfare.

The team: The team is being led by 2 families who have traveled to Haiti 5+ times and are familiar with GO Project churches and villages. They are Randy and Tiffany Wild (whose talk at our church started our involvement with GO) and Jeff and Brandi Huebner. GO Project also enlists Haitian support as translators and security.

What to expect: This link and the PDF trip planning guide found here give a lot more good information.

What is a Vision Trip?: On each Vision Trip to Haiti you’ll become part of the GO Project family, playing with children at three to four different homes. Activities are similar to what you would do with your own kids – singing, games, crafts, hugging and holding. The simple act of loving these children is just like treating a physical wound. During your visit, you will also have an opportunity to experience our ministry model, worship with the local church in Haiti, and learn about job-creating businesses, all against the backdrop of the sights and sounds of Haiti. 

Where will we go: We will spend at least one full day in Léogâne, the site of the village and school that we are sponsoring. We will also spend time with a Haitian pastor, time at other GO Project sponsored orphan villages, and probably stay at Jumecort Inn, a GO Project business that helps fund the orphan care.

Reading: If you are at all interested and have time to read, I recommend the book "Ruined for the Average". It tells GO Project stories of their involvement in Haiti since the earthquake and highlights some of the areas you will visit. Guaranteed to make you really, really want to go. I have a Kindle version I think I can loan to the first person who asks but it's $5.99 on Amazon, or available in hardcopy from the GO Project store.

How soon do I have to commit: You don't have to commit immediately but they are working to solidify the team this fall. Some things are time sensitive including: making sure you have an up-to-date passport, checking your current immunizations and starting on the ones you need, and thinking about funding.

If you are interested, give us a call or send us an email with your questions. We'll be praying for God to make a way for you to join us!