Diocese of Lafayette
Journey of faith leads to move to Haiti
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel parishioner Karen Jung is moving to Haiti as a full-time missionary. (Photo provided)
By Lisa Wilson-Cotillier The Catholic Moment
CARMEL — Karen Jung, 38, a parishioner at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, visited poverty-stricken Haiti for the first time in December 2006. She was part of a team of missionaries visiting the church’s sister parish, St. Antoine de Padoue, in Ti Rivierre.
The experience changed her life. This month, she will move to Haiti as a full-time missionary. “About five years ago I began to feel that God was calling me to do something different with my life,” Jung said. “Thus began a very long discernment process where I explored many different possibilities.
“The pivotal event that led me to the journey I am beginning now was that first short-term mission trip,” she said. “I went into that trip with a single agenda — trying to answer the ultimate question — ‘God, is this what you want me to do?’ It didn’t take the entire week for me to recognize what God’s plan was for me.” Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. Four-fifths of its population lives in poverty, and many of its people are unemployed or underemployed.
Over the past year, Jung has spent time preparing for her move. She sold her home and left her job as a marketing professional. “There is a lot that goes into preparing for long-term mission work,” she said. “I have put a lot of energy into raising money to support my efforts and trying to learn as much Creole as possible. I’ve spent a great deal of time in prayer, including studying the Bible so that I may deepen my relationship with God and increase my understanding of his plan for me. I’ve also asked a lot of other people to pray for me and I will continue to do that.”
“Karen truly has answered the call of God, not based on her own agenda or will, but prayerfully,” said Haiti Ministry chairman Laura Moehling. “She’s taking a great leap of faith, leaving behind a great job, a home and family to follow God’s call. She is such a wonderful example and inspiration for all of us to discern what God is asking us to do in our lives and to understand that he takes us as we are to accomplish his will.”
During a recent trip to Haiti, Jung began her search for a place to live. Though she was unable to find housing, she said, “I came back even more reassured that my move to Haiti permanently was in line with God’s plan.” She plans to remain in Haiti for 18 months to two years, but she said, “I am keeping my heart open to wherever this journey takes me.” While there, she will serve the needs of the people of Ti Rivierre.
Jung is often asked “Why Haiti?” when people learn of her plans. “They say ‘Isn’t it poor?’ and ‘I’ve heard the government is really corrupt. Isn’t it dangerous?’” she said. “I suppose these are all true statements … but my impression of Haiti is much different and it’s for one reason — the people. They lack many of the luxuries we have — clean water, electricity, adequate shelter, abundant food supply, yet they are truly happy, and that happiness is contagious. Once you visit, it never leaves your soul.”
While unsure what she will do while in Haiti, Jung is certain she will be busy. “I will obviously commit a lot of my energy working with our sister parish and meeting the needs of the parishioners and students of the school,” she said. “For example, working with a team from OLMC going down in February, I am going to start up a school library.
“The worst thing I can do though is go down there with an agenda of things I want to do,” Jung said. “I need to take the time to get to know the people and understand their needs from their perspective. Then I will work with them to put in place sustainable programs to meet their needs. “I have really had to set aside any preconceived definitions of what I need to accomplish to consider my mission work successful,” she continued. “I have repeatedly said that if I do nothing grand in the eyes of the rest of the world, my mission will still be successful if I make the difference in one person.”
Jung’s previous experience as a short-term missionary has prepared her for what is to come. “I’ve been to Haiti enough times now to have a good sense of what awaits me,” she said. “I know there will be some culture shock … but more than anything I am eager to wake up that first morning in Ti Rivierre and say, ‘OK, I’m here. What do I do today?’”
To learn more about Jung’s mission in Haiti, visit her Web site at www.credosandchronicles.com.
(Go to the website of The Catholic Moment) †