As someone who has been on a dozen international mission trips, I can without a doubt say that the long-weekend trip we took to Cap Haitien, Haiti in December was one of the most fun, fulfilling, and energizing trips I’ve ever been on. The Orphans Foundation leaders really took time ahead of our trip to pray, prepare, and anticipate what this trip would hold for us.

Coming into the trip, I was disappointed that it was seemingly very short, but the three full days we were there with the kids were incredible. From making paracord “survival” bracelets and playing games for hours on end with the kids at camp to singing songs and dancing at the orphanage Christmas party, the laughter and joy never ceased. I have always been amazed at the people of Haiti’s joyfulness, but these sweet children at the orphanage went above and beyond. With every song they sang and hug they gave, each child reminded me that, “The joy of the Lord is my strength” (Nehemiah 8:10).

Although these kids do not have much materially in this world, they are overflowing with the love of the Lord. I’ll never forget meeting the kids for the first time—walking up the hill to the hotel basketball courts I saw the kids talking and laughing. Joseph asked each of the volunteers to introduce themselves, and when he got to me he put me on the spot to speak creole with the kids (he’s been patiently teaching me creole over the last eight years…still a work in progress!). I simply told the kids, “Mwen renmen ou” which means, “I love you.” The next thing I knew, 30 sweet, sweet kids ran up to me and gave this stranger the biggest hugs. In that moment I realized that the simplest words and the smallest gestures are important in the scope of eternity.