SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT: Nichole G
I just wanted to share with you my reflection on my recent trip to Haiti since the Bruce Gilley Memorial Fund Scholarship is what made it possible.
Here are my thoughts.
Everyone keeps asking me “how was Haiti?”
It’s an obvious and harmless question that I am unable to answer. Haiti was hot and rocky and poor and happy. It was strange and different and humble. Haiti was an experience unrivaled by any in my life.
As we drove the Boukeron in the back of a caged in truck, bouncing along with the imperfections in the road, I couldn’t even begin to prepare myself for what I would see. Our first medical clinic brought malnourished children with red hair, worm-filled swollen bellies, terrible blood pressure, bloody eyes, and lots of bare feet. The people came from all over the village to see our doctor and receive a meager ten vitamins.
My first instinct was to feel sorry for the poor, skinny Haitians. But as the week went on, I met some of the most joyful, grace-filled, generous, and genuine people I have ever come across. The women were shameless and confident without makeup and nice clothes. The children were giggly and smiling without full bellies and toys.
The older sought better lives for the younger.
I like to think that my presence in Haiti made it just a little bit better. Maybe we saved a child from parasites so that he can grow up. Maybe we sent a kid to school to become a doctor for his village. But in reality, Haiti changed me more than I changed it.
I learned that living simple is better.
That joy comes from a love of God and nothing else.
That beauty is confidence.
And most importantly, that Haiti is rich in what matters most.
I hope to go back to Haiti once I have some medical training and give them the healthy bodies to match their vibrant souls.
Thank you so much for the scholarship that allowed me to go to Haiti.
It has given my life direction and a new perspective.
– Nicole
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