this is a letter mon wrote to the editor

Upon returning from Haiti, I am humbled and thankful for the things I have; a nice comfortable bed, food to eat, doctors, running water and most of all, a home to come to.
On June 15th, my husband and I, along with 28 other people from the area through Faith Community Church left for Port-au-Prince Haiti on a mission trip. Not knowing what to expect or see, all of us were scared, needless to say.
Upon arriving in Haiti, to look around seeing lush greenery and beautiful mountains, a person may think: Why is this the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, but we would soon experience what was meant by it being poor. Two vans took us from the airport to the compound where we were to stay for the next week. On our way, what we saw was overwhelming. The homes were nothing more than three sides (fronds or leaves from trees and a piece of tin for the roof), their clothes were rags sewed together. Pictures and stories on the television don’t begin to describe the devastation and heartache there is in Haiti. One has to experience it first hand.
I found myself seeing what it was like to be poor, yet I found out what it was like to be rich in the spirit. The Haitian people know how to smile and be thankful for what they have.
Coming home, I saw the contrast; people pushing in line, not saying excuse me, people being rude, and people spending like there is no tomorrow.
I find myself praising and thanking God for the things He has given me daily. I am truly blessed beyond measure.
My hat goes off to Rick Batey and Dave Ketelsen for encouraging my husband and I to go to Haiti. A special thanks goes out to all the team members. Thank you all for all the prayers that went with us.
I want to thank Mission to Haiti, through Bill Sr. and Ann Nealey, who had a dream 30 years ago, to witness and help the people of Haiti to learn of Christ’s love.
Someone asked me if I was glad to be home. The answer is yes and no. There is so much to do in Haiti that words cannot describe. My challenge is to every person reading this to go to Haiti and experience the poverty first hand.
The look of a child when given a piece of candy or even a pencil to write with. To have a smile on their face and to be thankful for what they have received.
We had a construction team, a wellness team, and also a Vacation Bible School team. They were awesome in all respects.
If asked to go again, the resounding answer would be yes.

Richard and Irlene Stimmel
407 West Maple Street
Maquoketa, Iowa 52060-2822