Erin Duhe had never left the country, much less, boarded an airplane before this summer.

That all changed for the 2014 Miss Andouille Queen in July when she headed to Haiti on a service mission.

She hoped the experience would make her more independent, all while she devoted her time to Camp Jacob children.

Following her return July 23, she had many new friends and formed relationships that would last a lifetime.

“While I was there to teach and guide the kids, they were actually the ones who taught and guided me,” Duhe said. “I learned from them to love unconditionally, help others above all else even when you may need help yourself, get back up after you fall, be tough no matter what tries to knock you down, fill your life with music and enjoy it to the fullest. It was an extraordinary week of love, laughter, swimming, music, good food and enjoying one another.”

Camp Jacob, founded by Executive Director Tom Landry II in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, provides life skills and self-care training that builds confidence and inspires independent thinking in the lives of campers with disabilities well beyond camp.

Duhe, a Garyville resident, was drawn to the mission when she saw camp pictures from a counselor’s point of view.

After seeing the smiles and researching the organization, she fell in love with their purpose, Duhe said.

“I have worked with people with disabilities for years at Magnolia Community Services and now as a special education teacher at Lake Pontchartrain Elementary, so I knew this camp for Haitians with disabilities was perfect for me,” she said.

According to Duhe, people with disabilities in Haiti are often greeted with superstition or blame.

Many who are born with a disability or develop one later in life are not wanted and given away.

“People in Haiti are often shocked when they see someone with a disability because society keeps them out of sight,” Duhe said. “This is what Camp Jacob is trying to avoid. Campers are brought into a resort for the week and integrated with all other guests to show others that having a disability is not a bad thing.

“These people should be allowed to have a normal life.”

Duhe said the trip reinforced that children want and need love in their daily lives. Without love and a trusting relationship, she feels education is not possible.

It’s a lesson she is taking back to her St. John the Baptist Parish classroom.

“When working with children with disabilities, some days curriculum may have to wait,” she said. “Some days all these kids need is love and one-on-one time with an adult who shows them how special they really are.

“This is how I operate my classroom. Those who work with kids with disabilities must learn to be flexible and go with the flow.”

To learn more about Camp Jacob, visit jacobscolorlink.org.