Courage, by Sydney Boukedes

Hey everyone! I’m Sydney Boukedes and I just graduated from Myers Park High School. I'll be a freshman at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the fall. I’m excited to go to Haiti because I will be able to serve others, see firsthand how the Haitians live, and have an incredible experience before I go off to school!

I decided to go to Haiti after my younger brother started begging my parents if he could go. I thought it was very courageous and sweet of him to want to go so badly. He was the one that made me want to go, not just so that I could look out for him, but so that I could learn to be as caring and willing to serve as he is. I’m extremely scared, just because this is not something that I would decide to do on my own. But I feel that the Lord is calling me to step out of my comfort zone and be as brave as my brother. It’s going to be challenging for me, but I know that the Lord is sending me on this trip to change my heart and show me that there is no reason to be afraid.

Direction, by April Purvis

In the midst of choosing classes for next year, looking at colleges, and social dilemmas, all through my junior year, my prayer has been for direction. Seeing other friends know exactly what they're doing with their lives really began to take a toll on me. All I wanted was to start traveling towards the future that God has planned out for me. After really thinking about it, I realized that I'm still young and have much more time and many more experiences ahead before I gave the final answer. In fact, in trusting God, I realized that nothing was the final answer. He has the power to step in and completely redirect me towards his calling and the path for me at any moment in time. Rather than fret about my destinations, I should live in accordance with His Word and place my trust in him. I may not know the purpose I am to serve yet, but I know that he's placed a calling on my heart to Haiti. After serving on the team last summer, I fell in love with the country, the people, and what God was doing there. He is transforming it, and part of my purpose is to be a minute part of the transformation. I can't wait to return and see how things have been changing over the year since I'd last left footprints in Haiti's soil. 

Going To Haiti, by Joey Boukedes

Hello my name is Joey Boukedes. I am a rising 9^th grader and will be going to South Meck next year. I like to swim, run, and do Krav Maga. I have been going to ADVANCE for a couple years now and I have seen many high schoolers return from Haiti. They all seem to have loved their experience and I have been wanting to go for some time now. This is the first year that I am old enough, so I immediately signed up. I am excited to go to Haiti because I think that the experience would be good for me. I will get to see what the Haitians life is like and get an idea of how lucky I am. I’m nervous about how hot it will be there, and about getting sick from the water. I am also worried about how much work we will be doing, and how exhausted I will be. But seeing the kids’ smiling faces each day will make it all worthwhile. I am a very energetic and crazy kid, so I think I will love playing with them. Overall, this trip will make me face my fears and that will bring me closer to God. 

Always Trust, by Brittany Hanks

     I am completely overjoyed that I am able to go to Haiti this summer. I know this is going to be an incredible journey, and one that will change my life forever. Ever since I was little, I’ve always wanted to not only help people, but spread the word of God. Last year when I heard about the mission trip to Haiti, I knew that it was something I wanted to do.

     I started praying to God about going to Haiti to see if it was the right thing to do. I know it was a huge decision, and I wanted to be sure that God wanted me on this path. When my sister came back from Haiti last spring break and told me about it, I was amazed. I learned that among all the devastation and turmoil in the country, the people are still joyful and are filled with the Spirit of God. This really changed my perspective, because I had no idea what the Haitian people were going to be like.

Even though going there seems a little scary at times, I just remember that the Haitian people have always believed and trusted God in everything they do. They helped show me that I too can trust God in everything I do, because he will always be on my side. And with God on my side, I know I can overcome anything.

Excited, by Andrew Watts

Hi my name is Andrew Watts and this is my first time going to Haiti.  I’m so excited that I have the chance to go on this mission trip with Advance and help out the people of Haiti.  I really enjoy volunteering in Exploratorium at church with the 2^nd graders and now I am so excited to go serve the people of Haiti.  I have wanted to go to Haiti on this trip since I first heard about it at Advance.  It is going to be so fun to go learn about a different culture and share God’s word with the people there.  One of my biggest fears about going on this trip is that I will get sick and not be able to enjoy this trip.  I know that God will be watching over me though and keeping me safe.  I can’t wait for all the things we are going to do there like help the people, worship with them and having the chance to play with them.  I am so grateful that I get to go on this trip especially with other Advance students.  I feel like God is calling me to go on this trip to help out people that really need it.  I pray that we will all have a safe trip and that will also have fun and enjoy spreading God’s word.  Every day I become more and more excited for the trip and I can’t wait for the day that we leave.