To my incredible family and friends... (copy of thank you letter)

Dear Friends and Family,

I’m still trying to figure out exactly how long I was in Haiti. According to the calendar it was only a month, but the number of truths, experiences, and miracles God revealed to me were enough to last at least five. Forgive the delay in sending out this letter, but I realized, soon after returning that words seem too shallow to express the ways God’s Spirit worked through my team. What I can tell you, is that God shattered every expectation that you or I could ever imagine from a ‘mission trip’. I’d first like to sincerely thank you for the part you played in influencing so many lives, including my own. Even before I arrived in Haiti, God was already using you to teach me lessons in giving – whether financially or in prayer.

Had anyone told me even two years ago I’d be visiting Haiti I probably wouldn’t have believed them. Haiti was not on my radar as a place to travel until about a year ago, and after getting to spend the month of June there I’m so happy to tell you that I honestly cannot wait to return and once again witness God using a tragedy to glorify His Kingdom. Though it’s estimated that nearly 300,000 Haitians were killed in the January earthquake, and a million other’s left homeless, I saw firsthand Haiti’s spiritual awakening and lives being changed forever.

My team was sent to the RENMEN Orphanage (http://renmenhaiti.org/), just outside of the capital, Port-au-Prince, where the earthquake occurred. Though we arrived ready to work, we quickly found that God had more planned for us than just physical labor. After falling in love with the 55 children at the orphanage, we ministered to them by playing soccer and football, working on projects, leading Sunday church, having Bible studies, and enjoying the World Cup. Experiencing sincere unity with each other, my team was able to pour our hearts into each other, and the children. During this time of giving, God revealed so much to me, and opened my eyes to Spiritual Gifts in me that I previously never thought possible.

We were all called to ministry to different children in different ways. The men in our group were called to focus our ministry on the 10 boys at the orphanage. Each boy had a unique, heartbreaking story. There was Frantze, the 17-year-old that grew up as a slave in his own family, and Papoosh, whose mother died from AIDS soon after admitting to him that she was a prostitute. Most of the girls were called to minister to the younger children and spent hours playing and loving on them. I, however, was called to the older girls. Speaking French was a divine appointment and I got to bond with them in such a special way. I am still blown away by the fact that as much as I thought I was being sent to Haiti to help and minister to others, these young women in fact ministered to me and taught me so much about love and servant hood. For the part you played, thank you. You can see photos and learn about the individual children by visiting the RENMEN page on Facebook.

I am overwhelmingly appreciative for the prayers and financial support I received, and look forward to telling you about the future plans God has for me. My heart literally aches to go back to RENMEN and the 65 children who own a substantial portion of my heart. God willing, if I am able to raise the support fund again I am planning to return to in late December.

Best,

Melanie Piche