This past summer I was given the opportunity to travel to Cap-Haïtien, Haiti and volunteer at the Missionaries of the Poor Orphanage. My time at the mission was not only enlightening, but I also got to experience a whole different way of living.

Picture in Cap- Haïtien, Haiti with a Resident of the Missionaries of the Poor.

Each day began with Mass with the Brothers, volunteers, and a few of the children at the orphanage. Following this, we would eat breakfast before the long day ahead. The mission has four buildings, each of which houses a different group of individuals: one for active school children, another for the elderly, a third for physically and mentally disabled children, and a fourth for HIV positive patients. When we first arrived to see the children in the morning, we would assist the Brothers with bathing and feeding the children. There were over 170 people on the mission trip. Once all the children were fed lunch, the volunteers would return to the Brothers’ quarters for lunch, and midday prayer. Afterwards we would get to play with the children again, before ending the day with the other volunteers, playing card games and just getting to enjoy each other’s company.

One of the best parts of this trip was being able to take time away from technology, and being able to grow spiritually. Seeing how little these children are and how happy they are brings a newfound joy to a person.

This journey was one of the best experiences, and I cannot wait to go again!

By Angeline Jacob, Co-Junior Editor-in-Chief