By the end of this year, 333 Britsionarys will have traveled to Brit’s Home in 2017. Yes, you read that correctly, 333. Call it a coincidence or whatever you’d like, but if you know Be Like Brit you understand why this fact hits home. Let’s take a moment to really appreciate what that number means. There have been 333 individuals who have – out of the pure goodness of their hearts – raised money, took time off from work or school, traveled to a foreign country, sweat out of every pore, built a house for someone they’d never met, provided medical care for our family and the community, worked with our children and staff on educational activities, and embraced each other to create a family within their own teams. On top of that, there have been over 500 others who have taken part in this since the Britsionary Program was started in 2011.

I don’t know about you, but knowing that so many people from all genders, ages, races and nationalities have engaged in our program in Haiti is an amazing feeling. And it is even more incredible when you realize none of this would be possible if one young woman hadn’t shared an idea with her family of starting her own orphanage. I have worked with other organizations in different parts of Haiti before coming to BLB, and I can tell you I have never seen anything like our Britsionary Program. It is such an honor to watch first time Britsionarys walk through the doors of Brit’s Home and be overwhelmed with the love of our children, and to see returnees on their 6th and 7th trips embrace our staff as old friends. No matter how many times you’ve traveled to Haiti it is never the same experience twice. Between working with the carpenters and masons on the worksite to the doctors and nurses at the local clinics, each Britsionary has brought their own unique energy to our program.

To those of you who have stayed at our home in Haiti, thank you. Thank you for opening your arms and your hearts to not only our children and staff, but the entire Grand-Goâve community. It’s because of your love and compassion that we can keep Britney’s dream alive. Our children are growing up to be the next generation of leaders in Haiti. Our staff can provide for their families and advance their education which directly improves our children’s education. And just this year alone 32 families now have a roof over their heads and a bed to sleep in. I think I can speak for the entire Be Like Brit staff when I say this holiday season you are all on the list of things we are grateful for.

To those of you who have considered joining us in Haiti but haven’t I promise you: you won’t regret it. I’m not saying it’s an easy week. It’s an emotional rollercoaster filled with laughter, tears, joy, heartbreak, love, and a lot of sweat. But, it is one of the best way to understand why Be Like Brit was founded. You walk away understanding why Britney fell so in love with Haiti and its people in such a short period of time. Please know however, even if you cannot travel to Haiti with us your dedication and support of BLB is so valued and appreciated. There are countless numbers of you who sponsor our children, come to our events, drop off donations from our Wishlist, have started BLB clubs, collected spare change and so much more. Simply taking the time to read this is helping to spread Britney’s message and keep the faith, hope, and love flowing.

I read somewhere it is a good idea to throw a quote into a blog post, and I couldn’t think of a better fit than the classic words by Margaret Mead, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, organized citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

Wishing you all a fabulous Thanksgiving and holiday season,

Shelby Hutchinson