Josh goes all the way to Haiti

Systems Developer Josh Krcadinac was a part of a group of young adults from Church of Rock in Winnipeg who ventured half way around the world to Haiti on a short-term missions trip. He was a part of an 11-person team who spent April 28 to May 8 in Haiti, and Josh cashed in his Payworks Pay It Forward Day to be a part of the experience.

“I wanted to go somewhere where I could make a difference in someone’s life,” explained Josh.

Josh spent the first three days in Ranquitte helping the outreach program where he went door to door visiting Haitians and asking if there were tasks he could complete for them. He did everything from tilling, planting plantain trees, to fetching water, washing dishes, and picking cotton seeds.

“The reactions of people in Ranquitte were emotionally staggering. One man came to tears after we helped him plant close to 20 plantain trees. He couldn’t believe we stayed and helped him until they were all done,” said Josh.

The latter half of the trip was spent in Savon Gra helping repair a church that had the supporting wall caving in.

“The team worked on preparing the foundation, transporting piles of large rocks by hand up a cliff to the work site,” explained Josh. “We also pickaxed the trench for the new wall and helped move large bags of cement and rebar. The work-site was particularly difficult because the church is located on the side of a mountain. The truck that transported our team through Haiti could only get part way up the mountain before we had to get out and walk the rest of the way.”

At the end of the trip the group visited Milot where they helped distribute food to the sick and elderly.

“I really love that we have a Pay It Forward Day,” said Josh. “As an employee I have the chance to help better someone else’s life. In this case it was in another country alongside 10 friends and family members, but it is amazing to know I am supported by my employer to do good things. It definitely boosts my morale and makes me want to come to work even more than I already do.”