Short Term Mission Trips

Short Term Mission Trips

 

Short-term mission trips at West Indies Self Help (WISH) are designed to be bridge-building experiences that connect North American supporters with the local community on La Gonâve. Unlike traditional “voluntourism,” WISH structures these trips to support long-term, Haitian-led development rather than providing temporary fixes.

The Purpose of the Trips

The primary goal of these missions is Reciprocal Encouragement. While teams provide much-needed labor and resources, the experience is intended to transform the hearts of the visitors by exposing them to the “living and authentic faith” of the Haitian people.

• Supporting Local Staff: Teams work alongside the 30 full-time Haitian employees, ensuring that the work continues long after the mission team departs.
• Vision Casting: Trips often serve as “Vision Trips,” allowing potential partners to see the impact of clean water, medical care, and education firsthand to foster long-term advocacy.

Typical Activities

Depending on the skills of the visiting team, a short-term trip usually involves a combination of the following:

• Infrastructure Projects: Helping with physical labor on equipment repairs, building community centers, or maintaining the ice plant.
• Kids Clubs & VBS: Engaging with the island’s youth through sports, crafts, and biblical teaching—often working with local youth leaders.
• Dental Outreach: Specialized teams often run clinics to provide needed dental care to the local community and remote villages that lack permanent facilities.
• Pastoral Encouragement: Teams may participate in the Pastoral Training sessions, offering a global perspective while learning from the resilience of local church leaders.

Logistics and Cultural Immersion

WISH emphasizes local connection  means staying and serving within the local community.

• Accommodations: Teams typically stay at the WISH guesthouse in Anse-à-Galets. The environment is modest—emphasizing a “glimpse of the Haitian experience” with local food and shared living spaces.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Participants are encouraged to build relationships rather than just checking off project tasks.

Note: Due to the shifting security landscape in Haiti, WISH frequently reassesses the feasibility of these trips, often shifting focus to “Vision Trips” or virtual partnerships when travel to the mainland or the island is restricted.