New outlook has woman taking goodwill trip to Haiti

Lee Murray Lee Murray says she used to be a "complainer."

The 47-year-old Simi Valley resident always wanted the newest knickknack or the latest gadget, and often forgot to be grateful for the basic necessities always at her disposal.

"The things I didn't have meant more than the things I did have," Murray said. "I think many of us are that way. You see something that someone else has, and you're always complaining that what you have isn't good enough."

But Murray's perspective on things changed this year, after she learned about a missionary program to benefit the less-fortunate orphans and street children of Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

This summer, 22 members and friends of Redondo Beach-based Child Hope International- which was founded in 2001 by missionaries Bill and Susette Manassero- will travel to the Maison de Lumiere (The Lighthouse) orphanage in PortauPrince to hold the first weeklong "Haiti Camp in a Box."

Murray and the other volunteers are currently fundraising to buy supplies for a complete summer camp experience- with everything from Bible study to arts and crafts to sports and basic English instruction.

"(The kids) don't have that opportunity to just be children," Murray said. "You see such age and wisdom on their faces, but they never really experienced childhood, or a memory to look back at with joy."

Each missionary will pay their own way for the trip, and after supplies are purchased, donations will be used for food, camp facilities and materials, medical supplies and all other camp-related equipment.

Murray said this is the first time she has ever participated in a missionary trip, and it has already changed her life.

"It's made me view things totally differently," Murray said. "I just think it makes you sit back, take a look at your life, and say 'I'm really lucky to have all the things I have.'

"Sometimes we get complacent that things are always going to be there. We complain about rising gas prices, but at least we're still able to buy our gas. We still have cars, we still go to the movies. I don't think I'll take that for granted anymore."

Murray, who was an art teacher for 10 years and a graphic designer for 20 years before that, will be in charge of the arts and crafts portion of the camp.

The mission trip begins on June 19 and will last 10 days. Murray has spent time over the last three months learning basic Creole- the native language of Haiti.

"I don't know what I'll learn when I get there, but I'm excited to find out," she said.

Murray said she hopes to gain a better understanding of the way of life in Haiti, and ultimately would like to share her experience with her children and grandchildren back home.

On Sunday, June 1, Mission Viejo Christian Church will hold a "Camelot and Classics" benefit concert to raise money for the trip. Tickets are $10 per person or $25 per family.

Mission Viejo Christian Church is located at 27192 Jeronimo Road, Mission Viejo.

For more information on the concert call (949) 465-1940.

To make a donation for the mission trip, go online to www.maisondelumiere.org, call (888) 808-9595, or mail checks to Maison de Lumiere c/o Child Hope International, P.O. Box 3677, Redondo Beach, CA 90277.