2018 Blessings

A big big thank you!

Words cannot express the amount of thanks I have for your continued support through prayer and donation. God has led me to experience so many incredible things throughout my time in Haiti. Middle Ground’s mission is as follows… “Every child deserves to thrive. Join us in fighting for the vision of a country where every child can thrive at home with their family. From our malnutrition treatment center to our sustainability training and maternal health program, we are committed to family preservation in every way possible. We are dedicated to those we serve with the humility and love of Jesus Christ.” I have grown to respect and love this statement more than anything.

I started as the very first intern at Middle Ground but not long into my stay, the communications coordinator went home so I took over her duties. This came with an incredible learning curve, but through the help of those around me, I slowly became accustomed to my daily life. I loved every part of the job, even though it came with some hard tasks. My daily life at the center consists of posting on social media, fundraising, writing newsletters, and taking photos of adorable babies as they go through every stage of growth.

My favorite part is taking photos of the babies. As I watch them grow and take photos of their milestones, I also form relationships with them so I am able to capture the sweetest smiles. The difficult part of the job also has to do with photos and is something that I hope no one else must experience. The photos that I take of each stage of a child’s development are not just for fun, they are for records. So, if a child passes away in our care, I am required to take photos of the body. This is the most difficult thing I have ever had to do. It is a horrible task, but also, I must enter the room where a mother is mourning the loss of her child.

Even with the difficulties that I face, I would not replace a single moment or memory of Haiti. I have taken the good and the bad in a way that has changed me forever. I know God has been watching over me as I have gone through this journey. A verse that has popped up around me for years is, “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8. I know that in Haiti, I am following this verse. This is why, when I was offered to stay at Middle Ground for the first 6 months of 2019, I did not hesitate. I will continue to take college classes online so I will not fall behind in my degree, but I know that this is where God is calling me to do his work. I cannot wait to see what the next chapter will hold on the little island that has captured my heart.

Of course, this comes with a financial need as I am responsible for my own room, board, and transportation. Until I leave mid-January, I have been working as a para-professional at a local school to help raise some of my own support for my time in Haiti. However, I have an immediate need of approximately $1500. If you are called to assist, you may click my donations tab on my blog, or send a check to me at my parent’s home. If you would like to follow my journey more closely and have not yet, please check out my blog, sophies-heart.com. You can also learn more about the malnutrition center where I am working by going to the website middlegroundhaiti.org.

With love,

Sophie