Purposeful Travel

Thoughts on purposeful travel

Since I am traveling again but in a very different way, I thought I would share something that I have realized or learned about myself recently.

Traveling through Europe is incredible because you get to witness so many different cultures and experience new fun things at every turn. This is a rare opportunity and the chance to do this with long time friends is even more incredible.

At the same time though, it has now been almost 6 months since I was forced to leave Haiti early and I miss it with a fierce intensity. The only way I can describe my time on the island I adore, is that it was both the best and worst experience of my life. I learned of and formed the greatest love for the families of Haiti that I was blessed with getting to know. I also formed what I know are lifelong bonds with the incredible ladies who I worked alongside at Middle Ground. My heart is absolutely full. On the other hand, I felt deeper sorrow than I knew possible as I helplessly witnessed several children with so much more life to live, lose the fight against malnutrition.

I honestly don’t think that I have even still fully processed this life changing time, but I would not trade it for the world.

Should I actually feel helpless to this cause though? No. I can pray to my Lord and Savior. Through all things He can work through organizations like Middle Ground, as they help and take steps toward a sustainable future for the families of Haiti. I can also continue to work toward a degree that will allow me to go back to places like Haiti with knowledge that will help me contribute in any way that I can.

What am I realizing about myself as I spend my time traveling through incredible new places? That no matter how great this is, it can’t compare to my time in Haiti. What else? That time in Haiti is not over forever. Maybe not in the near future, but I will find a way back.

In the meantime though, I will continue to support Middle Ground from afar, and it would mean so much that if you feel so called, you would too. Either through donations, prayers, or both, this place is doing God’s work and can use any and all support possible.