I spent the last 3 months in Port-au-Prince teaching along side Rachel Harvey. The two of us had over 30 students Monday - Friday rotating between business classes and our skills & trade labs. Our vision was to teach the older children of the orphanage business concepts along with the trade they were learning so they can apply business skills and techniques to a potential business in these areas. Through much prayer, the kids hearts were completely softened and they went from discouragement and no dreams of the future, to seeing a future in their dream businesses that they proposed to the class at the end of the program. We saw so much potential prior to this program and now that they are more equipped, motivated and eager, they are most definitely going to be successes in Haiti, the next generation to change the country one kid at a time.
My main focus in teaching a trade was fostering a creative environment for the kids to create jewelry made of true materials from Haiti such as shells of the Caribbean beaches, broken glass, bottle caps, cans, tiles, etc. Recycling materials that are all around them, they were given the tools to make the most beautiful jewelry that is for sale, helping them provide for themselves upon graduation. Through much prayer, I have decided to come along side the Transition Program and launch the jewelry business. The biggest need is a job. Creating jobs in this country will help entire families survive so we hope that the Transition Program helps to do so in this city.
I've stepped out in faith feeling confident that this is where the Lord is leading me, that I have moved out of my apartment in LA and sold the rest of my belongings. I will be serving full time in Haiti and have committed to another 3 months, but with the intentions of staying longer. I will reevaluate in January when i am back in the states for a wedding.
“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9
My heart is torn between the kids in the orphanage and the kids roaming the streets, but one way or another, my heart is in Haiti. I cannot wait to be back in the country with all my kids, but I can definitely use your support. The first way I can use your support is in prayer. I know that what I am committing to is a very challenging decision. I am aware of the obstacles I will face and it will certainly be difficult, but I know this is where I am supposed to be. Please pray for the following:
- Wisdom: It says in James 1:5 "if anyone lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." I definitely need wisdom as I launch a business and guide these kids in learning to be hard workers with integrity.
- Discernment: I am surrounded by so much need constantly, but I know the Lord will give me discernment in who and how to help. I know I cannot help everyone and I am just called to love the person in front of me. I need Him to completely remove my understanding of "help" and give me His eyes to see.
- Love/Patience: Kids are always challenging to work with, but these kids are severely abused and neglected and need so much love. Sometimes they refuse my love but its just a sign I need more of Jesus' love for them, to pursue them with love through patience. A constant picture of Christ's love for us.
- Provision: I am blown away by the support I have received and I know the Lord always provides. I am still a few hundred dollars away from my monthly goal, and the transition program has decided we need an iPad for a number of different reasons. The online business I am starting will require photographs, photo editing, uploading to the internet site, and the ability to swipe a credit card for the gift shop purchases. The ipad has the ability to do all of these things with out having to buy 3 or 4 separate expensive devices. If you have an iPad you would like to donate, please contact me. Or if you feel led to financially support me for my rent, food, airfare, or other costs such as supplies for the program, please follow the link and it will already have my name in the subject box and be added to my Child Hope account for the listed purposes.
"I have called you back from the ends of the earth, saying, ‘You are my servant.’For I have chosen you and will not throw you away. Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand." Isaiah 41:9, 10
If you have any specific questions or need more information, please contact me! I cannot tell you all how blessed and encouraged I am by each one of you. I could not have followed the Lord's calling on my life without your support both prayerfully and financially. I am so incredibly thankful to each of you. I love you so much.
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