Meet Amy McKay, a pastor's wife and homeschool mom who is heading back to Haiti this summer, this time with her daughter. She believes that if you are obedient and accept the Lord's call to go, He will provide what you need to get there.
How did the Lord lead you to Haiti?
I believe as we serve in our local communities and domestically, we naturally want to expand our outreach globally. So, after 2 trips to Maine, where I served with a church from my hometown of Tupelo, I was compelled to serve even more. I began helping with our youth group at church where many opportunities for service and missions was at the forefront of everything we did. At some point our church invited Stan Buckley, founder of But God Ministries, to come and speak about a mission work he formed in a susceptible community in Haiti. It was not long after that our church formed a Mission Team and we chose Haiti to be our first international mission trip in 2015-2016. Although I was not fully aware at the time, God was planting deep within my soul the seeds of love and admiration for the Haitian people.
What is one thing you really loved about the Haitian culture?
It is hard to pick just one because there are so many things I have fallen in love with: the delicious food, their work ethic, their passionate display of worship; all of these are vivid in my mind. However, if I had to choose one thing that really pulled at my heart, it would be their determination and resolve. In preparation for our trips, our team researches and studies the cultural differences between Americans and Haitians so we can have a better grasp of life there. Haitians have experienced many hardships over the years, but more than that, many Haitians are met with these adversities on a daily basis. Where as Americans always look to save for the future or plan our meals for the week or month, most Haitians are just trying to survive day by day. Many Haitian people literally do not know if they will have drinking water or be able to feed their children tomorrow. Survival is their primary concern. So, when I say determination, I think about the people who walk hours to get to the Hope Center’s medical clinic, or the women and children who carry heavy barrels of water several miles a day to ensure their family has water for that day. I am obligated to mention the men who carried a newly constructed bed up a mountain to a village over an hour and a half away to a family who had recently received their new home; all without thought of a complaint. They are truly grateful for what we as Americans often take for granted.
What lasting impact did your time serving in Haiti make on your life?
Oh wow, this could be the most poignant question of all because the impact is huge! Serving in Haiti has changed countless aspects of my life. It has changed my worldview and perspective and caused me to look at nearly everything around me through a new lens. At first, I would return home and feel burdened about what I had seen and been a part of. The impoverished and eye-opening conditions of Haiti are images and experiences I cannot forget. What we witnessed for a week does not leave when we do. Haiti did not change even though it forever changed me. It broke my heart and yet, ultimately transformed my life. Thankfully, after our second trip, I saw hope and healing where before there seemed to only be sadness and sickness. Instead of just seeing hopeless faces, I began to see beautiful souls and actively engage and form eternal relationships.
Sometimes, I would find myself frustrated by things I thought were frivolous or superficial back home in American culture compared to the suffering and need I had seen Haiti. Over time, God is teaching me balance. I am learning not to scorn the rich and at the same time not to glorify the poor. I do what I feel called to do and pray that others would also become willing to use their resources and sacrifice their lives to make His kingdom known. Instead of wondering why others may not be as passionate about Haiti as I am, I strive to disciple younger generations to go and serve. I am not going to change the world with my opinion of how I think things should be or how I think people should respond, however, I do hope to change the world by being a positive example and serving alongside the younger generations for the spread of His Kingdom.
What was one fear or hesitation you had about serving internationally and what led you to say yes anyway?
Honestly, I dealt with what I call “mom guilt.” You know, leaving my family behind and hoping I made it back to them safely. But I remember reading a quote from my boss and Noonday Collection founder, Jessica Honegger. She shared about her own mom guilt of leaving her children behind a lot during a season when she had to travel to several of our artisan locations around the world. She said, “Why is it that as moms we immediately think we are going to die when we step out of our comfort zone? That somehow, we are going to leave our children behind and they will be messed up for life? So far, I haven’t died, which is great news for everyone (I think?)” She went on to say that she took the advice of her friend, Jen Hatmaker, who gave her the exact motivation I also needed at the time. Hatmaker said, GET ON THAT PLANE!! Because your kids are going to be much better off from you answering the call and serving 3rd world countries than they will be from you meeting their every 1st world need.” Seriously, that’s all it took for me to get over my fears. I got on that plane in 2016 and have no regrets. I took my then-14-year-old, Mary Lawrence, with me in 2017 and she will accompany me again this summer as well. As soon as Lydia (my youngest daughter) is old enough, I plan to take her with me too.
What advice do you have for someone wanting to serve internationally but has never left the country and has some fears about doing so?
My motto for life is “Just Go!” Being available is the first step to overcoming your fears. And then obviously, begin praying about an opportunity to serve. Most churches now provide several opportunities to travel internationally and I believe serving with a group of like-minded people is perfect for your first international journey. Then, trust that God will lead you in the direction you should go as well as make provisions for you. Finally, I would encourage them to dive deep into studying the country’s culture. Culture shock is real, but you can prepare yourself by simply knowing the demographics and social norms. This is vital in knowing how to minister while you are in another country or even in your own city. Remember you are not going to Americanize anyone, you are going to share the Good News of Jesus Christ to people who may not have a knowledge of our American Christian lingo. Get to know their population, economics, heritage, major religions, greetings, and most importantly, their day to day struggles. My advice is simple, Just Go!!
I would like to add a personal note that a few years ago, international mission trips would not have seemed possible financially. As a Pastor’s wife and homeschool mom who does not work outside the home, missions abroad seemed impossible. However, I cannot express enough that if you are obedient to follow the command of the Great Commission, He provides more than enough EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.
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