On Monday, I will board a plane to fly to somewhere I have never been but have heard a lot about; Haiti. Haiti is located in the Caribbean and shares the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic. The Dominican Republic is known for its pristine beaches, all-inclusive resorts and golfing, while, Haiti is known for their devastating natural disasters and poor infrastructure.

I have been on many mission trips within the United States before, but Haiti has seems different. There is a culture barrier, but also a language barrier. In Haiti they speak Haitian Creole and French, neither do I know anything about ¿Hablas español? Also, the extreme poverty is something that I have no frame of reference for. I am not from an upper-class family, I have traveled to some of the most segregated cities in America, I have volunteered in some of the poorest areas in our nation, but from what I have learned, all those places pale in comparison.

As our team was packing donations someone took out the hand sanitizer that had been packed. One of the leaders said, “it’s not worth the space it takes up.” Many team members looked confused. My friend’s mom, both a nurse and a veteran of Haitian mission work, explained that the need for sanitation is not understood. When latex gloves are donated they will wear the same pair for dozens of patients or simply never open the box. If they don’t even use gloves why would they use hand sanitizer? That blew my mind. I have spent significant amounts of time in other Caribbean countries, but now I know that what I will see on Monday will be unlike anything I have ever seen before.

As I pack my own bag I wonder; what can I bring that will help them? What do I have that they need? Sometimes you wonder what one person can do? I may be able to bring down a suitcase of donations, but what does that do for the extreme and unfathomable struggles that Haitians face? Many in City Soleil, some say it’s the largest slum in the world, are without clean water and rely on water that is transported in.

When I place my socks and shorts into my bag I try to remember that I am not only carrying with me my belongings but my strengths as well. What is important to remember is every small action counts. I love to talk and connect with people young and old. No, you will not be able to single-handedly solve the clean water problem or save those dying from disease, but you can make someone’s day, encourage others to volunteer, and support organizations that do have the ability to solve some of the country’s problems. Sometimes simply painting someone’s nails can have a domino effect.

Photos courtesy of: Christine Davis