On Thursday, November 14, 2018, signified a day of remembrance for 30 missionaries traveling to a third world country to embark on a great mission. The mission at hand was to fulfill a
Pre-Christmas give back in Haiti that would bring welcomed joy to 200 children at three different locations. Although there were current political events that led to a five-day protest in Haiti, this didn't deter their plans as they had backup sites prepared. The change and attendance did not affect the volunteers at all. It only showed them how many people are waiting for aid and assistance in this poverty-stricken country.
Day one of the mission began with a dedication to Marie Gonzalez ”The Helping Hands of Haiti” the Jean Baptiste Family. The gifts that were presented to the children on the hillside school brought them much felicity and gratification. The volunteer elves were ready to spread early Christmas cheer with an assortment of alms inside their bags that were filled with toys, books, soap, toothbrushes, and toothpaste. They also assisted the little ones to pick out clothing and shoes. The Lakayse Haiti Inc. Santa bequeathed the children with monetary allowances to enjoy also. The plenary volunteer group consisting of some Master haircare professionals began the next phase of their mission trip, which were beauty and barber services for all the children. These Master Stylists of the Beauty and Barber Industry consisted of Walt Washington of Walt’s Barbershop, Gynesis of Hair by Gynesis, Laurrin Rockingham of XXposur hair and Rene Donaldson of Basic Hair Care Systems. As they transformed the precious angels with extraordinary hair services, they were serenaded with the sounds of thankfulness by the children in their native language saying “Mesi, ” which translates to ”Thank you” in English. Amongst the volunteers was Naji Foundation Inc.’s CEO Vivienne Mitchell who provided pastries and drinks for them. They were so ecstatic to receive such delicious baked treats.
Day two of the mission the group traveled to an Orphanage. This day was deemed as Naji Foundation Inc. Day, in honor of Lakayse Haiti Inc.’s sister foundation founded by CEO Vivienne Mitchell. The group toured the orphanage to visualize conditions of the shelter that the orphans called home. They noticed a caved-in roof that occurred because of the storm, discovering the roof is made of metal with no insulation. Saddening their hearts due to the nature of these conditions knowing that more of Mother Nature's elements will come to the country, which will lead to mosquitoes and other bugs attacks on these innocent children. The orphanage is not like the traditional orphanages. The bathroom is located outside the orphanage with just a hole in the ground, and the kitchen is outside in a covered canopy with just a mere charcoal grill. After everything was set up, the beautiful children came inside the compound anxious and excited. They were hugging every volunteer that they encountered. The volunteers and sponsors began to cry, tears of joy for the humbleness the children displayed, and thankful that they were able to bring joy to their hearts. They presented them with gifts such as clothing, school books, toys, and food supplies. To show their gratitude to the volunteers the children sung a song in both English and French to showcase their English learning skills.
Some of the volunteers sat with the children and read books to them. It was very fulfilling to be able to assist the kids in learning English through storytelling verbally and with beautiful illustrations. Medical screenings were administered to the adult staff as well as supplying them with 2 pairs of reading glasses.
The last day of the mission the volunteers visited a site in Petionville Haiti. This adventurous day seemed challenging due to the site was located on a high mountain and their vehicles couldn’t make it up such a high terrain, so the group journeyed by foot. They climbed up the hill for about 30 minutes, traveling through some difficult obstacles. They even had to venture through trees and a few homes. With exhaustion kicking in the group at times wanted to vacate, but they preserved through the thirst-quenching traverse. Although their thirst became unbearable and the group came across a drinking stand and purchased the entire stand, which allowed the owner of the stand to close her shop for the rest of the day. But as the traveling party recharged reality set in as they had to cross a man-made bridge made of logs. They walked across without looking down and although it was scary for most of them who were afraid of heights, they found the courage to overpass the bridge. As they were going through the hill trail, they heard the melody of young children singing and chanting. Yes, it was a challenge to get to the mission site, but they made it, and it was worth the risks. The last site was a church. As soon as they arrived, they prepared their presentation of gift giving, which included toys, hair care products, toiletries and children clothing. The volunteers also provided children vitamins, medication, and walkers for the adults. They left a lasting impression by also screening struggling children that needed their school tuition paid, which the volunteers covered for those who couldn't afford to pay it. The conclusion to the final day of their mission ended with a fun-filled soccer game, which the best kicker received an autograph soccer ball.
Lakayse Haiti Inc, all the volunteers, and sponsors achieved their goal of bringing early Holiday cheer to the women, men, and children of Haiti. To see such beautiful smiles on their faces made it fulfilling to each and every one who traveled to Haiti to give back to a beautiful poor country that is in dire need of assistance.
Volunteers and Sponsors Attended the Mission:
Gynesis Losa, Rosemie Philippe, Carla Andre, Carina Atkins, Chandra Alston Southern, Claudia Gonzalez, Cotrina Jones, Ketia Shaw, Laurrin Rockingham, Lou Smith, Marie Gonzalez, Patrica Bery Lashawdra Jones, Renee Donaldson, Sandra Edna, Stephanie Mcduffie, Tanya Clarke, Angella Watson, Vivienne Mitchell, Walter Washington, Angela Salvant, Martine Louis, Balan Marcsan, Jeff Jean Baptiste, Gesper Paul Ralph Luc
Special Thanks to Mike Farina Crosslink Memphis, Manisha Duferne, Rognial Fleurmont, Olivia Laguerre
Lakaysehaiti Inc. Nonprofit Foundation North Port, Florida lakaysehaiti@gmail.com www.lakaysehaiti.org Email for interviews for immediate response by Gynesis Losa.