Mission trips are a life-changing experience, regardless of your background. After visiting Haiti last year during my FABULOUS trip with Cherylann and the girls, I knew I had to get back to BLB ASAP! Going into this trip, I was apprehensive about the unknown of what my schedule would look like, the unknown of who would be working with me, and the unknown of whether or not my project would be successful. Right off the plane, we were greeted with smiling faces, a beautiful song sung by the children, and giant hugs, and I knew everything was going to be OK! Chloe, the first Britsionary group leader during my time here, made the statement “no reservations, no hesitations, just love” and I feel this is the perfect way to describe my trip.

Here at BLB, the kids are more than halfway through their summer camp schedule, which was helpful for my project since the kids were already grouped by age. For my project, I am working with the children on identifying emotions, ways of showing feelings, and resolving conflict. I am a school psychologist and wanted to incorporate what I do at work each day in Boston to Brit's Home. I also meet with the teen girls on leadership, female empowerment, and self esteem. BLB’s mission statement centers around raising the generation of leaders in Haiti and my goal is to make an impact unlocking the potential that exists in these teenage girls at BLB. While I knew the language barrier was going to be difficult to convey each lesson, I can’t thank Myster Way, Gina, and Mirlaine enough for standing by my side each day to support me and what I am teaching, as well as to translate to the children.

I think what has been most surprising for me this trip is that I haven’t touched one lesson that I prepared prior coming onto this trip. More specifically, I had a hockey bag full of curriculums and books marked with chicken scratch notes and sticky tabs for each lesson that I was going to teach to the children. However, my lessons the first week should be considered “trial and error” to say the least, and I have revamped every lesson into a board game with “resolving conflict” questions in Creole, BINGO, and customized Jenga. Observing the children become so excited during the games, support one another, and really understand what I am trying to convey, is such a great feeling, and has me leaving each lesson looking forward to the next.

On my first trip to Haiti, I went with some close friends and had Cherylann as my leader. Part of what makes this trip so special is that I did not know anyone coming in and I am able to meet a new group of Britsionarys each week. I think I heard myself say each Friday night before a Bristionary group was heading back to the USA, “I don’t want you to leave!!!” When one group leaves, a new group comes in and my expectations are exceeded. And of course, my new friend Devan, who I met at the airport as the only other long-term britsionary. I think after a week of knowing her, I called her “my rock” here at BLB. I am so lucky to have witnessed her encouragement, continued positive attitude, and strength (literally and figuratively -- she carried my extremely heavy hockey bag for me at the airport after knowing me for 5 minutes). I am grateful to say I have so many new friendships that started with a simple conversation. Although we each have unique backgrounds and different stories, we are all here with the same goal which has formed a powerful bond between us.

This trip has been full of surprises, but one surprise that I will forever be grateful for is seeing Bernie, Brit’s brother, at the airport and finding out he will be with us in Haiti for two weeks. It seems like just yesterday Brit brought me on family road tripsto Vermont and Maine, you acting as the "little brother" and jokingly shoving icecream in my face when you told me it “smelled funny,” singing to the Sister Act 2 soundtrack at the Rutland Lip Sync, and counting down from 5 as we crossed over from Mass to Maine each ride. Catching up with Bernie, has most definitely been a highlight of my trip.

Growing up with Brit and cherishing those priceless memories with her makes this place so special to me. I have heard so many people use the word “legacy” to describe what Brit left behind; and believe it or not, that is an understatement. I can’t help but leave with a new perspective and stronger understanding of life’s basic necessities. My heart is filled with overflowing love from these children and I am excited to share some of this love with others when I leave Haiti. I am going to especially miss taking walks around the track with Fredo as he teaches me Creole, Medlens cracking me up with his quick wit, Kathiana’s warm heart, Nashca’s huge smile, Socrate’s eagerness to learn, Delienne’s mature conversations, the insanely talented dancing and singing each night from all of the children, and of course, the continued support for one another that captures unconditional love, without hesitation or reservation.

Already looking forward to the next trip! 

-Taylor