Just six years ago, I was eagerly counting down the days to my first trip to Haiti. I had a countdown timer set on my phone, and even a “__ Days Left” note scribbled on the whiteboard in my room. In preparation, I must have checked the Britsionary Packing List 100 times and had gone to Target (on more than one occasion of course), to purchase all of the essentials; Nalgene bottles, bug spray, sunblock, and travel-sized toiletries. Whenever I think of my Britsionarys now who are preparing to travel down to Brit’s Home in Haiti, I always wonder if the same excitement is taking over their lives by way of countdown timers and multiple trips to Target, just as mine did on my first trip!

On May 19th, 2012, my excitement was overflowing as I woke up early to head to Logan Airport to finally travel to Haiti! Myself along with 12 others from Becker College traveled to Haiti together as the first official school Britsionary Team to help to build The Be Like Brit Orphanage, now known today as Brit’s Home. While I have so many amazing memories from my first Britsionary Trip, my favorite would have to be from our second day in Haiti when we hiked a mountain called Mt. St. Etienne. It was one of the most wonderful experiences of my life, both because of the incredible scenery we saw, but also because of what we experienced together, at the top of the mountain.

Our hike began on one side of the mountain, towards the top, and our plan was to hike down, around, and then back up. While we were on our hike back up the mountain, we came out in a different area than where we had started, and it appeared that we were in an area that may be someone’s home. There was a small clearing with what appeared to be a tent and a small area for cooking, as well as a small chair. From what I would imagine sounded like a large commotion from our group, a man emerged from the tent, looked at us, and went back inside. We all sort of nervously looked around at one another and decided it may be best if we continued on our way so as not to disturb. Moments later, the man re-emerged from the tent, only this time, he was carrying two chairs and a cinderblock. He placed them down on the ground and went back into his home, only to come out with two other people, and more solid items to be placed onto the ground. Shortly, all of the chairs, cinderblocks and pieces of wood were in a semi-circle around the home, and the family we accidentally intruded on were motioning for us to sit down. We had a translator with us, who also doubled as our hiking guide, who had grown up in Haiti so knew the area, as well as the language far better than any of us ever would. As the man began to speak to our group, the most amazing words were translated to us: “We do not get visitors often, and we are very happy you are here. Our home is your home, and you may visit us anytime.” The man then pointed to us, and then pointed to his own arm and said, “even though our colors are different, we are all the same – we are all family.” It was in that very moment that I knew I was exactly where I was meant to be.

Since that life-changing trip in May 2012, I have gone from Britsionary, to USA Coordinator, to Britsionary Program Director. Throughout these past six years, I have been lucky enough to travel to Haiti 44 times and be accompanied by some of the most wonderful and loving people on those 44 trips. I have had some of my best days in Haiti, and I have had some of my worst days in Haiti. I have met some of my favorite people in Haiti; whether Britsionarys, colleagues, or strangers. I have experienced more “it’s Haiti!” moments than I ever thought I would, including missing flights, getting flat tires on the tops of mountains, tarantula sightings, bus tires getting stuck in ditches, mice chewing through phone chargers, and having dangerous run-ins with poisonous trees – just to name a few! I have seen some of the most incredible sunrises, and some even more incredible sunsets. I have experienced some terribly painful sunburns, some belly-aching laughter, some moments of heavy sorrow, and even more moments of pure joy. I have watched as so many deserving families in our Grand Goâve community have been given the keys to their new homes during our House Dedications that take place at the end of our weeklong Britsionary Trips. I have felt some of the tightest hugs and have been met with the loudest warmest greetings of “Mayleesa!” I have watched 66 of the most adorable little children grow into amazing young adults with hopes, goals and dreams for the future.

I have experienced lots of firsts in Haiti; the first time I’ve pulled out a wiggly tooth, the first time I have flown a kite, the first time I have touched a tarantula, the first time I ever made fried plantains, the first time I have been able to communicate in another language, and the first time I have driven in another country. I have also been alongside our children as they experienced some of their firsts; their first time riding a bicycle, their first time swimming in the ocean, their first time going to school, and for some of our children, their first time speaking.

The most significant first however, would have to be the first time I met one of my co-worker’s children. On May 8th, 2015, I was unexpectedly introduced to the most beautiful baby girl, after going on an excursion with a group of Britsionarys. One of my co-workers, Lifet, who is a laborer on the worksites with our Britsionarys during our home build projects, had asked me to bring the Britsionarys to come visit his house that day. I of course agreed, and decided to bring the group along to visit Lifet at his house after we went on a hike behind BLB. Lifet happened to live behind BLB at the time, so it worked out perfectly! When we arrived to Lifet’s house, I learned that he was living in a home with 4 other families, and he was renting a small portion of the home. Lifet quickly introduced me to his wife, and as I was saying hello to her, she smiled the biggest smile, and reached towards me. As soon as I knew it, I had a beautiful little newly born baby in my arms, and 14 Britsionarys alongside me inside the house. I was overwhelmed and sweaty, and at the time, terrified of babies, but was trying my hardest to remain calm so as not to appear disrespectful or uncomfortable. I told Lifet how beautiful the baby was and asked him what her name was, and he replied, “her name is Melissa. We named her that because you are a hard worker and our really good friend.” One of the most overwhelming moments turned into one of the most amazing, humbling and love-filled moments, and of course one of favorites from my many times in Haiti. I have been fortunate to visit baby Melissa on numerous occasions, and I am happy to report that Lifet and his family now live in a home built by a Britsionary Team, so they no longer need to rent such a small area of a house!

One of the most challenging tasks I have been given is choosing all of my favorite memories and experiences in Haiti, so I have made a few small collages to illustrate them:

May 2014 (top), March 2018 (bottom):

You will always be my favorite hello, and my hardest goodbye