Posted on December 28, 2011 by Jonathan Cooper
I honestly couldn’t believe it. Singing was never my thing, yet I had to get up, walk over to the microphone, and stand next to four others who would be partaking in this musical event. Zach, the guitarist, started playing, and before we knew what was happening, we started singing. Midway through the first song, I looked up, and I saw 300 Haitian men, women, and children, all listening intently, despite the fact they couldn’t understand a word (they spoke Creole). After the song was over, they all cheered and clapped, and even though we weren’t the best singers they had ever come across, their gratitude for this simple gift was enormous. I was singing at a Haitian church in Croix des Bouquets, a city in the poorest nation in the western hemisphere.
Over Thanksgiving week, while some of you were catching up on sleep, spending time with relatives, and kicking back and relaxing, I was on a mission trip in Haiti. We left on Friday, November 18th, and got back the night before Thanksgiving. We set out hoping to give, but instead we received. Our time was something priceless that we knew was a desired commodity in such a poverty stricken land, but when it all came to a close, it felt as if we were the ones who had done the receiving.
This might sound strange, but it’s the most legitimate thing I’ve ever written. We gave the people of Haiti our time. We created a second bathroom for a school of 100 children (see picture below), and we conducted a few medical clinics that helped over 300 individuals get the medical treatments they needed. We set out thinking we were going to give, and that we did, but we also received something that wasn’t physical. We received the gift of happiness. It sounds so cliché, but until you actually see the people who have nothing, and see how eternally grateful they are for even the smallest of things, you haven’t seen what it’s like to be genuinely happy.
This was the only bathroom for a school of 100 children.
It was a concrete hole.
This (the photo on the left) was the only bathroom for a school of 100 children. It was a concrete hole.
During the trip I got a chance to play soccer with one of the children at the school. In your mind you might be picturing a soccer ball, but in reality we didn’t have one. What we did have was a rock. Yes, a rock. We would kick it around, with no goals, just for the heck of it. You might laugh, but the child I was playing with was having the time of his life. I was giving my time, but I received a smile from his face that will stay with me to my grave.
In Haiti, the technology we take for granted is non-existent. One day I pulled out my camera, and I let one of the little boys play with it. He started taking pictures of me, and he couldn’t get over the fact that he could see my face on a little screen. He quickly became quite the little photographer. Every time he showed me a picture, his face lit up brighter than the sun. This is him & me in the picture below.
If there’s anything I want you to leave here with, I want you to know you have something millions of people in this world want. You have something that people 15 minutes down the street would die for. What you have is something so easy to give, something so powerful and world changing, but only a few step back and realize what is. The thing you can give right now that would make the biggest difference in this world is your time.
Think about it. We’re not talking about a few toys, a TV, or a cut of your paycheck. We’re talking about something much more valuable, something much more reasonable to ask for.
Here’s the best part: When you give your time, you get more in return. This might seem a little selfish, but it’s the best example of a win-win this world has to offer. The time you spend with the less fortunate is life changing.
Think about some of the local charity organizations in your community. Think about schools in your area that would love to have you in the classroom. Think about the homeless shelter down the street, or the food pantry just a 15-minute drive from where you live. I’m not asking you to go to Haiti, I’m just asking you to go find people in your community that need your help. Whether you love helping children or the homeless, there are people all around you that would love your time more than anything.
I encourage all of you just to give up a few hours of your time this holiday season. Something so small to you makes more of a difference than you could ever imagine.
Looking back on it, the 6-day trip I had in Haiti was the best thing that ever happened to me. I got the opportunity to help those in need, and in doing so, I was left with a lasting impression of a child looking up at me, smiling, thanking me for something as small as a game of soccer with a rock.
By sharing this post, whether it’s on twitter or Facebook, you can make a huge impact. Let people know what you’re all about. Let your friends & family know that we all have something that is more valuable than anything else in this world.
Did you like this post? Did you hate it? Do you have a question or a suggestion? Please leave a comment below! I’m dying to hear what each & everyone of you have to say. Thanks for reading!
Editor’s Comment: If Jon’s post has inspired a burning desire in you to give a world changing gift but you need that extra accountability and support to make sure it happens, consider talking to one of Noomii’s hundreds of qualified life coaches and feel free to request a free consultation.
Good post Jon. Too often people are too busy in their own little bubble to consider those less fortunate than ourselves. This is ameliorated in many cases by the odd donation to charity when a large disaster strikes (which it inevitably does each year). But there is so much more you can do if you go and visit these places and interact with people on the ground.
I’ve never been a big fan of organisations such as Habitat for Humanity, mainly because the one thing most of the countries they build schools and houses in have is cheap, abundant labor. Instead I’d prefer to see these people use the money to go and help directly, bring in some skills that they can share; even just visiting many of the “third world” countries as a tourist can bring life back into their economies and help people to be more self sufficient.
Even in developed parts of the world, a visit when a country is going through a tough time is appreciated. I spent some time in Japan earlier this year, and most of the people I met were really thankful that I was still willing to come to the country in spite of the nuclear/earthquake/tsunami problems it had.
I guess my main point is that a donation can be such a faceless thing. If you are willing to put the time in to go and visit places like this, then the people receiving the aid are happier, and you’re probably a little bit happier too.
I couldn’t have put it better myself. Writing checks is 10x less fulfilling for both the people who are receiving the help and the ones giving. I might not have made some major change, but what I did do was bring a smile to about 10 different children, and although that might be small, I can tell you that made more of an impact than writing a $100 check.
Thanks Neil!
I completely agree with you that we should more often give time instead of money. Thank you for a great guest post. It’s great to see so many inspiring posts on one blog and you have a very pleasant writing style.
This was so beautiful. I can honestly say that I got chills while reading it. Keep using your gifts to spread your message, as well as your spirit to share the love.
Thanks Rick :D. Noomii has done an amazing thing by making this contest, because even if it means just getting one more person to read about the spirit of giving, then it’s all worth it.
Jon, this changed my entire outlook on life. I hope you know you’ve personally touched my life.
Really nice post, bathroom picture hits home, it’s hard for many of us to even imagine a life like that. Jon, you did an amazing thing by going over there, I hope you continue to help others. It is very inspiring to the rest of us!
Bathrooms like that are quite common across the developing world. Often it’s little more than a shed with a hole in the floor, put over a large, deep pit that’s been dug into the ground. The smell of ammonia is often overpowering, and it makes you think twice before you go and use the thing. In areas where they receive flooding or rely on water sources that are too close to the pits, you tend to see large amounts of cholera and other water borne diseases spread amongst the population. These things are entirely treatable and preventable with a small innoculation or with better sanitation, but kids still die needlessly because of this.
You can go and build these things (or wells or other useful services) overseas, or you can donate to provide the medicines or means to help others. Be aware that a large percentage of money donated (especially to street-side people asking you to sign up for direct debits) can be absorbed in the processing cost of taking the transactions in the first place (often up to 25% of the donated amount). By going directly to these countries you can be more sure that your money is being spent where you want it spent, although the corollary of this is that you are wasting a lot of money in travelling to these places in the first instance. That said, when you make it a worthwhile trip as part of an annual vacation then you can combine the best of both worlds.
Neil hit it right on the money with the bathrooms. Unfortunately this is just the way bathrooms are in 3rd world countries (if they have one!).
Thanks Joe & Carolyn! I really appreciate it 😀
Great article Jon! I wish I could have gone with you guys. It’s clear that this trip changed your life and I’m glad you got to have that experience. Keep up the good work bud!
I am so super glad that i met such a guy. It is very pleasing to know that someone in my age range is taking his time out to give back.
Thanks Taylor & Darien! I hope you guys have the chance to do something like this in the future!
Great post Jon! Good to see you helping out by giving your time and not just a check. If only there were more cases like this…
“When you give your time, you get more in return.” Excellent! And true. Jon, you did a beautiful thing by going to Haiti. May you be blessed.
Thanks Jason 😀 Glad you liked it!
Great post Jon! This really hit home with me. I’m going to try and get out more in my community & in my church to start doing more things like this. Thanks
Good article Jon! I need to get out there and spend more of my time helping others. I’ve always wanted to go help others in a 3rd world country, but have not had the opportunity to do this yet. Keep up the good work!
This really got me thinking! Great job Jon!
Definitely an enlightening article dude. Good luck in the contest. You deserve it! It’s stuff like this that inspires others to help out in their own communities
Well i see a brilliant posting from a brilliant author. Actually I dropped in here from of his others publications, which he had linked to this publication, but I don’t regret for this not even for a single second!
Great article! Thanks for sharing.
One of the good things about living in South Africa is that each day is lettered with ample opportunity to help my fellow man. I may not be donating gazillions to any charities but each day i can do a little for my fellow man and it really doesn’t cost the earth.
Each day I try to do 2 good turns, without anybody knowing about it. If someone knows about this small favour it doesn’t count.
This helps me much more than the receiver of these favours, I’m convinced of it!
Big Love from South Africa.
Gareth
I am a South African, and it warms my heart to read stories such as this. Jonathon Cooper, very
well written indeed, my one hope is that a many more South Africans get to see your blog, even though
it is more than 2 years old.
Debbie
Gareth above, it makes me proud to read a comment such as yours from a fellow South African. I truly believe that if more people in the world shared the same thoughts as yours..the world would be a better place for all.
Agreed @Bridget! Kindness trumps all. 🙂
I was asked by a friend to visit your blog. I am very happy I did. Keep up the
good work, I will be an avid follower, thank you. Cynthia above, my sentiments exactly !
I’m amazed as I am travelling back through these old articles. It’s so true that time is more valuable than money when it comes to giving.
I do have to wonder about some circumstances though. Is spending fifty thousand dollars to get a youth group to a foreign country for a week justified? Many missionaries I’ve talked to would say the money could go to much greater use.
Jon thank you for sharing this experience, it was a good uplifting read for me this morning.
wow , im impressed, thanks for sharing
Very well said. I agree, giving to humanity is very gratifying
Even in developed parts of the world, a visit when a country is going through a tough time is appreciated. I spent some time in Japan earlier this year, and most of the people I met were really thankful that I was still willing to come to the country in spite of the nuclear/earthquake/tsunami problems it had.
I guess my main point is that a donation can be such a faceless thing. If you are willing to put the time in to go and visit places like this, then the people receiving the aid are happier, and you’re probably a little bit happier too.
Great Post, Thank for sharing….!
Great Job BRO.
This definitely touched my heart. Keep up your good heart Jon Cooper, your story will change lifes
I do have to wonder about some circumstances though. Is spending fifty thousand dollars to get a youth group to a foreign country for a week justified? Many missionaries I’ve talked to would say the money could go to much greater use.
Great article! Thanks for sharing. hope one day i can create a comic that can touch and move ppl.