SJP Team Serves in Haiti

During April Vacation, a team of students and faculty members from Saint Joseph Prep traveled to Miragoane, Haiti for a service experience they will not soon forget. On Monday, April 17, the team boarded a plane for Port-au-Prince and, upon arriving, were immediately shocked by the sights, smells, and sounds of the city. After just a short flight, it was as though they had entered a completely different world.  

The team spent the week at the Lifeteen Mission Base in Miragoane where they served in a variety of ways. Some projects were work-based, such as painting and cleaning; however, the team also served through the “ministry of presence” and the spirit of the Gospel to the people of Haiti in a number of ways. The group visited homes in the area bringing them food and water, and spending time talking with the Haitians and reading scripture with them. “Even though we don't speak creole,” noted Rebekah Forrest ’17, “through simple things like smiling, painting their nails, playing ball, and dancing, you realize the language of love is universal. You don't need to speak words to communicate that.”

The team also visited a local prison where they were able to speak with the prisoners and bring them a message of hope in conditions that were incredibly inhumane. From coloring with children, to getting beat at soccer by the Haitian teens, to sharing in Mass and prayer, the team spent the week sharing the joys and sorrows of the Haitian people and learning more about the ways in which we, as Americans, can support those who are much less fortunate than us. Jack Brooks ’17 remarked, “My favorite part was interacting with the kids. I brought baseballs as a gift and taught them how to play catch. I was shocked at the level of poverty, but amazed at how happy they were in spite of the circumstances.”

Although the group faced some challenges, particularly with the heat and living conditions, the trip was a worthwhile experience and an opportunity that has changed their perspective on Haiti.

The 2017 International Service Immersion team includes the following: Martine Bjoernstad ’17, Jack Brooks ’17, Arianys Dias ’18, Caroline DiPalma ’18, Reggie Fils ’17, Rebekah Forrest ’17, Bruce He ’18, JK Kim ’17, Hannah Sansone ’18, Jacob Yang ’18, Kirk Zhou ’18, Judy Zhu ’18, Ms. Beach, Ms. Gabriel, Ms. Hughes, Mr. Nunan, Mr. O’Mara, Mrs. Osborne, Ms. Piendak, and Ms. Scorza.

To view a video montage of the trip, visit our Haiti Project page or click this link: Haiti Service Trip Video.