Picture the Nations | Mission trip to Haiti | Part 1: Why?

Haiti

My “Why”

I have been thinking about this blog post for months, asking myself questions; “Where do I start?” “What do I say?” and … “Can my blog post really impact people the same way this trip impacted me?” Truth is… probably not. But I’m going to try. So I figured I would do what I do best… and babble. (LOL) Or in other words… just write how I talk.

Before I get started on everything that this trip represents… I wanted to give a background on my Why, and introduce you to the team. So this post is only part one of a series.

Haiti : Fort Liberty

Before I was a Wedding photographer, I was a nurse. And according to my mother, I have always been the type who liked to give. Rumor has it, that when I was 16 years old- I would help an elderly man, who would pass out on the side of the road. Despite his reasons for passing out, (usually too much alcohol) I wouldn’t pass judgment, I would make sure he got home.

This desire to give back has always been there. And the older I got, the more it kept at me. The more I had an urge to do something that was for others.

Nursing just wasn’t enough- I desired more.

Through the years as a nurse. Nursing challenged me on many levels. The most challenging was- watching those die too soon, for reasons I thought were unfair. Other times- I saw some Pass on after living a long, happy life, surrounded by loved ones. One main thing I learned though, was that we are all a part of a bigger plan. We may not understand that plan. But I’m learning that we need to have faith. And I’ve come to learn that everything happens for a reason

I also realized, not only a need for photography, but the value photographs have. As these tender souls were preparing to take their last breaths here on Earth, I took notice to a few things. Those things were, Family members and photographs. I saw first hand how these photographs are now holding more value than they ever have before. These photographs are going to continue telling our stories… long after we have passed on.

Haiti : Fort Liberty

No Judgements

When I had children, it was (and still is) important to me that they were raised to be as judgment-free and compassionate as possible. Now, being human I know that it’s so easy to place stereotypes on those who are different than us. But my goal as a parent is to raise our boys to be the very best people they can be. To be compassionate, emphatic and caring. To be accepting of those who are different. I’m hoping they realize that different isn’t better or worse. Different is just different. I’m hoping that they realize Different can be awesome.

Little did I know- that in a few years time, I would be introduced to two amazing Christian organizations. One called “Picture the Nations” and the other Together4Haiti

Picture the Nations

The Mission of Picture the Nations is to serve communities and show the beauty of people in every nation. We facilitate short-term photography trips that benefit individuals, ministries, and communities. Funds acquired by selling prints and books are used to help build sustainable “people serving” organizations throughout the world.”

Haiti: View from the Citadel

The Mission of this trip (Led by Founder and fellow Photographer Joshua Macleod and assisted by Danny Davis Director of operations for “Together For Haiti“) was to show the beauty of Haiti and her people.

After the application process was complete… I waited. Then it came. That email that changed my life. I learned that I was accepted to be a part of their next trip.

Word got out about my upcoming trip- And the Keene Sentinel reached out for an interview. {You can read that HERE > Keene Sentinel Article.

Haiti- Photo by K. Lenox

Choose to see the beauty.

It’s amazing how each person, experiencing the same situation can have a totally different experience. It all comes down to what you choose to see and how you choose to respond. You can choose to see the worst in people or you can choose to see the best. Those of us on this trip- we chose to see the beauty, so that we could, in our own way, give back. We all came together for a wonderful project. To make a book of photographs showcasing the beauty of Haiti. (I’ll elaborate more in the following post)

Haiti-

Meet the Team

From November 3rd- November 12th I spent time with an amazing team. A team of photographers, pastors, musical artists and now friends. Most of us meeting for the first time, not knowing exactly what to expect. Yet, I feel as though I’ve known them forever. Let me Introduce you!

Dr. Mark Hardison! (Pictured with the most adorable kiddos!!)

Haiti Mission Trip; Picture the Nations

Kristen McCann (pictured below) She is one of the most beautiful souls I have met. She is kind, generous, and a very gifted photographer.

Picture the Nations Photo Trip; Haiti

Danny Davis- the Director of operations for Together for Haiti.

Together 4 Haiti: Haiti

Me! LOL

New Hampshire wedding photographer

Now meet Tom!!

Haiti Mission Trip

Chris Sharber (Gifted Photographer and Pilot for United Air)

Haiti Mission Trip

And now for Josh…

Pictured Below is Joshua MacLeod- founder of two non-profit organizations: Picture the Nations and Instruments of Joy

Picture the nations NH professional engagement photographer

Frederson, pictured below was our awesome translator, speaking over 5 languages and helping us complete our mission. Frederson is also a paster and a VERY GIFTED musician.

Instruments of Joy Instruments of Joy: Haiti K. Lenox Photography Haiti Mission Trip: Picture the Nations

Below we have Pastor JeanAlix Paul He is not only the founder of the nonprofit organization Together for Haiti but the lead pastor for Eglise Agape Church

Eglise Agape Church Haiti

I know there are so many more people who played a part in this trip, people who all deserve to be individually credited. People like Garry- our driver who got us everywhere safely, and those who donated money and time. I may not know everyone and the part they played… but I’m so very grateful for you.

I simply can’t wait to share with you part two “The Haitian People” … which will further explain the purpose of our time here in Haiti. And Part Three ” The Mission”

Stay Tuned.

If you would like to donate to any of the organizations mentioned in this post, you can do so via these links:

Together For Haiti (Ways to Donate)

Picture the Nations

Instruments of Joy