Prostitutes, night clubs, and voodoo...oh my!

So, I just received the email with the villages I will be working in when I go to Haiti.  The descriptions sound like it could be a VERY interesting experience.  

One of the villages is Minoterie.  You can read more about it here: http://www.mohhaiti.org/villages/6#.U17NnoFdX-o

The description that stood out to me is "According to our Church of Hope leaders, there is no church inside the city limits that exerts a substantial Gospel presence in the town. There are three voodoo temples in Minoterie. The church has difficulty growing in Minoterie because of a heavy presence of prostitution and nightclubs, which is fed by the constant inflow of truckers coming the flour plant. According to a survey of community leaders, there are 3 prostitution houses and 6 nightclubs...The constant influx of truckers has cultivated the market for prostitution and other similar activities discussed previously...The gospel is often not accepted by women in the prostitution industry because they feel as though they have no other way to provide for their families. Minoterie could benefit from a gospel-centered program to move the women of the town out of prostitution. "  I feel for these women that feel their only option to care for their family is the sell their bodies.

The other village is Source-Matelas.  The description isn't quite as colorful, but still sounds interesting! 
http://www.mohhaiti.org/villages/8#.U17PQ4FdX-o

"Though there are many churches in the town, there is an equally strong presence of Voodoo temples. There are 19 Voodoo temples in Source-Matelas that are broadcasting an anti-gospel message in the town."

"Now behold, a marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men"

As a full-time missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it was essential to understand Doctrine and Covenants chapter 4 in order to fully comprehend your purpose and the impact one can have as a missionary.  Here is the complete passage:

"Now behold, a marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men.  Therefore, O ye that embark in the sevice of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day.  Therefore, if ye have desires to serve God ye are called to the work.  For behold the field is white already to harvest; and lo, he that thrusteth in his sickle with his might, the same layeth up in store that he perisheth not, but bringeth salvation to his soul; and faith, hope, charity, and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify him for the work.  Remember faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, diligence.  Ask, and ye shall receive, knock and it shall be opened unto you. Amen."

Doctrine and Covenants Section 4

In 2009, I left on what was supposed to be an 18 month mission for my church.  Due to an injury sustained, I came home after 9 weeks and was never able to return.  Ever since then, I've felt like there was a hole inside of me.  Something was missing.  I still had a mission that I needed to fulfill.  But where?  Well, several co-workers and friends have made trips to Haiti since the earthquake.  I've heard the wonderful stories of how much need there is.  After researching many different organization, I've found one that just felt right.  After more prayer, I KNEW I needed to share one the the talents God has given me.  A medical mission trip was going to Haiti in the month I have between Spring semester and Summer semester.  PERFECT!!!!!!!!!  So, I contacted Mission of Hope and started the process.  I dug my passport out of hiding (and only had to open 3 boxes to find it) and sent in all the documentation required.  I've started fundraising for this mission and even started a fundraising webpage!!!!!   I am so excited for this trip that I can hardly contain myself.  I'm sure my current coworkers and classmates are sick of hearing about it.  There are links to my fundraising site as well as the website of Mission of Hope, the organization I'm working through.  Please check them out and if you can help in any way, I will be eternally grateful!!!  I will definitely keep this updated about my trip and when I return, I'll flood it with pictures and stories from my experience.