In case you haven’t heard, Sarah Palin is headed to Haiti this weekend. She’ll be traveling with Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse, to observe their work in the country.

Despite the obvious politic drama connected with this trip, I for one am glad to see Palin set her sights on Haiti rather than reality TV. The Samaritan’s Purse location is right down the street from the Mission of Hope Haiti organization I’ve served with in the past, a place I hope she’ll also visit during her travels.

When our nation’s political candidates see the pain of the suffering, it is often a life-changing experience. Carter’s work with Habitat for Humanity is but one notable example. Regardless of our political perspective, I’m praying Palin comes back with a deeper heart for those in need, whether in Haiti or right here in the US.

Helping those in need is a political platform I hope we can all support.