I was just finishing up my freshman year in high school and we were staying in the lower level of a Church in Boulder, Colorado. To say that I was nervous about this mission trip is a bit of an understatement, but the upperclassmen wouldn't have that. They made room for my sleeping bag in the messy Sunday School room by pushing the toys against the wall. They asked questions about my life and let me hear about their own. Katie was in this welcoming group and her kindness was so inviting. She could make the whole room smile and laugh while making each person feel so incredibly special. And I have been blessed by her ever since.
Katie recently spent 5 days in Haiti making a bride smile, telling children Bible stories, distributing medical treatment for babies and expecting mothers and evangelizing to the people in Haiti. Katie made such a huge impact in the lives that she met, but the story that melts my heart the most is hearing about how she gave her wedding dress to a woman in the village.
Meet Katie.
Immediately upon arriving in Haiti, your heart just breaks for the people you see. It’s hard to imagine living in the conditions they are so accustomed to. Chickens, pigs, and dogs running around searching for food. Trash lining the streets, buildings, and houses and overfilling the few dumpsters. Women and children bathing by the side of their tent. The smells, the noises, the damage…it’s the most humbling and eye-opening experience. As an American, I’m so rich and spoiled. My basic needs are met each day without a second thought – plus numerous wants. Can I imagine living any other way?
After a few days, I honestly didn’t want to come back! It’s hard to leave new friends and people that need
Christ. I hope to go back and give even more.
I’ll never forget the butterfly feeling when I met the bride that would be wearing my dress. Even though I know it’s not comparable, I think I grasped a fraction of what God feels when we glorify Him straight from our heart. PURE JOY. Satisfaction. Contentment. For that moment, I knew there was no better place in the world I could be. I wanted to give that girl everything. I wanted her to be the most beautiful and happiest person she’d ever been on this one special day. I had to tell her my story, so I wrote it on paper and had it translated to Creole. I told her that I was supposed to be married last year, but it didn’t work out and God told me it wasn’t right. I wanted some special girl that needed a dress to have mine and be blessed in her marriage by God. I told her I was here just for her! We hugged and she shared my story with her husband. They were so grateful – and her husband’s friends all said he was lucky to have the most beautiful bride of them all. Never underestimate God’s plan – it ALWAYS outlasts our own.
Everyone has a story – pray about how He can use yours. We’re called to be open and encourage each other in our faith (James 5:16). Go. Give. Guide. He can turn your biggest ‘bad’ into the biggest blessing.
If you want to get involved look for Joy House group on Facebook (click HERE). Feel free to reach out to me as well via email (katie.ware@accenture.com) if you have any questions or want to donate to the cause. There are medical, construction, and financial needs outside of the marriage ministry!
