For a video on the Ramapo College team's Haiti trip visit http://wingsofrefugehaiti.com/wings-of-refuge-haiti-blog

It’s already been 4 days since returning from Haiti.  If I thought that time had been moving quickly during the trip, then it is blazing fast now.  I feel the experience moving quickly into the past, into a memory to be forgotten.  I am yearning to stop this loss because of the extreme emotions that came out during the experience of this trip.  Spiritual immersion, beautiful views, and memorable exchanges with the people of Haiti have changed my view of the world.

It may seem dramatic to say that my perspective has changed so drastically over the course of 7 days, but that is exactly what the experience has done for me.  New thoughts of giving and changing my lifestyle have flooded my mind since the first few days of the weeklong trip.

It is amazing to see and experience the incredible power that children have with their love.  I came to Haiti to gain a new perspective on the world.  I definitely gained that, but I also gained a new perspective on myself.  The entirely selfless love and attention that I received from the children at the Wings of Refuge Children’s Home has set off a spark in me that I feel has been yearning to be lit for a long time.   It has brought about a change in me for which I can never truly give ample thanks.  I am especially grateful to sweet little Sarah who wrote a special birthday card for me which I will never forget.

Moving through the days has become progressively easier since my return to the US.  The first few days were quite difficult to adjust to, mainly because of the culture shock of returning.  In fact, I feel a greater shock returning home than I did in venturing to a new, foreign country! I am certain that this will not be the end of my relationship with the children, and that someday I will return….

This post was written by Taka, one of five Ramapo College SIFE students to visit Wings of Refuge Children's Home in March '12.