UPIKE’s annual mission trip to Haiti big success
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By David Chapman
During the Christmas break, University of Pikeville Chaplain, Rob Musick, returned to the small island of Haiti with another group of UPIKE students. The annual mission trip was a huge success in the eyes of Musick.
“The trip to Haiti was amazing. It turns out we had probably the best or one of the best groups we’ve ever had when it comes to group cohesion. We had 10 students. The students got along well, and were flexible. Turns out during the week we had some complications with some different changes to our trip and the students really went with the flow and had a gratitude servants’ hearts and it was awesome,” Musick said.
Musick listed several different reasons they choose to return to Haiti on a yearly basis and how it’s beneficial to UPIKE students.
“2012 was our first trip to Haiti, and the reason why we go to Haiti is for a couple of reasons. Statistically it’s the poorest country this side of the world, but also Haiti is a place where the United States has a really complicated relationship. Our government at times tries to help them, but many times, it’s tried to hurt. I feel like we have a real opportunity to undo some things that we’ve done, but also there’s some practicalities to it,” he said.
During the trip, students gave back to the community through construction projects.
“We always learn about the community, and we worship with the community, and we have a construction project. Haiti is what we call rural access education, so we want to be into a community that doesn’t have access to quality education,” Musick said.
Even though the chance to go on the Haiti trip has already passed, UPIKE students still have an opportunity to sign up for other mission trips later in the semester.
“We have a trip going to Denver, Colo, over spring break where we’re going to work for ministries and agencies that help support the homeless and do evening activities where we’ll be working with the homeless population.”
If you are looking for a chance to get outside of Pikeville and serve, please contact Musick by his email at robertmusick@upike.edu, come by his office on the 6th floor of the Record Memorial building, or call him at 606-218-5762.