ApParent Project at EPCOT

Most of you know that Disney is my absolute FAVORITE place to go!  We have had passes for several years and spend many weekends at "The Happiest Place on Earth".  If you have ever been to my house, you know that there are many hidden (and not so hidden) Mickey's around.  If you have been over and tried on AP jewelry in my dining room, you probably have looked at yourself in my favorite mirror.

 Most people don't even realize it's Mickey Mouse.  I love it!

The week after I left Haiti, Shelley received an order from Disney for 1000 pieces of jewelry.  She was blown away and I was totally impressed and excited for her.  We didn't know exactly where it would wind up but someone posted on her FB page that they had seen it at EPCOT.  It's time for their annual Flower and Garden Festival.

I receive emails each morning of all the different Disney blogs published each day (I told you I'm a Disney nut - you have to keep up with all that is going on!) and yesterday they sent me this:

Visit the Haiti Garden of Many Colors

And it just so happened that my friend Christie - who lives in Orlando - was headed to EPCOT yesterday so she went on the hunt for it.  She sent me these photos - 

 How cool is that?????

Haiti has it's very own place in the EPCOT World Showcase right in between Germany and the African Outpost!  And ApParent Project jewelry is on sale there.  It makes me so happy!

Now - this makes my husband happy - 

Haitian Coffee!  Also on sale at EPCOT.  I brought some home for Russ and he is totally hooked on it!  He's been searching the internet (with no luck) trying to figure out how to get more of it here in the states.  Christie picked up a few for him and shipped it today.  Russ will be in coffee bliss - at least until this runs out.  

It's been 2 years since we've been to Disney.  I know, I know - it's shocking to us too!  We've just had too many other expenses to justify renewing our passes.  I so wish I could go see all of this in person, but for now I am thankful for friends who go for me, take pictures and buy coffee!

On a similar note - this kind of exposure is increasing the demand on AP jewelry.  They are having to hire more Haitians to keep up - which is a good thing!  When I was there in February, Shelley had 200 on payroll.  She has a goal to have 1000 on payroll by the end of 2012.  This is not impossible considering the recent exposure.  Jillian Michaels (Biggest Looser) is adopting a child from Haiti and stopped by AP a few weeks ago.  She has over 1 million fans on FB and gave a huge plug for AP jewelry parties just last week.  The fund raiser bracelets are taking off and they are having a hard time keeping up with demand.

All of that being said - they are in GREAT need of cereal boxes!  Shelley posted the other night that they were close to temporary layoffs of the artisans if they didn't get boxes in!

 Layoffs!!!

These went out today

That's the last thing any of them need.

If you are collecting boxes and they are just sitting in your garage - get them in the mail!  They are needed to help keep the artisans employed.  If you have not started collecting - won't you consider it?  It's easy and it's so rewarding!

For more information about shipping - 
 Click here 

And feel free to contact me with ANY questions!  If Rays of Hope gets boxes on a regular basis, Shelley will have a steady flow of LOTS of boxes each month.  Let's blow her away with cardboard!!!!

Until next time....

Spring Break 2012

Last week was Spring Break.  We enjoyed staying up late, sleeping late, and just doing whatever we wanted.  So very nice.  I'm almost excited for summer to get here - except the kids went back to school today and my house was quiet.  I enjoy that too!

The weekend began with Boy Scout Merit Badge Fair.  Russ and Jarod spent the weekend camping out along Dr.'s Lake here in Orange Park.

Love this sunrise pic....

 Russ doing a little sermon prep by the Lake

 Jarod working on his Chess Merritt Badge

Monday was spent at home, relaxing and fielding all the phone calls and emails once the news was out about Russell's resignation.  All of the encouragement and kind words were so appreciated.  We are excited for our new journey to begin.

I spent Tuesday at the church office, training the new secretary.  She's excited to do it and I think she's going to do a great job!  The kids spent the day at the park with Nana and Papa.

On Wednesday, we picked up Sam and Chloe and headed to the beach.  The weather here has been beautiful - but the water is still cold.  Not too cold for my crazy children!  Water temp was 71 - I guess it could have been worse.

 

It was a bit too cold for Chloe but we found a pool that was created when the tide went out.  Love those!  Perfect for the kids to play in and it warms up really quick in the warm sun.

Love this cousin pic!

 Love Chloe's face in this pic - so mischievous!  Makes me giggle!

 No one was safe!  

Cuteness!

Even more cuteness!

Love this one!

Coming back from filling her bucket

It was a great day.  When we first arrived it was sprinkling and overcast and VERY windy.  I was tempted to turn around but we didn't.  The sun came out and it proved to be a beautiful day!

On Thursday, we watched Chloe in the morning and then Jarod and Anne went with Nana to the movies to see The Lorax that afternoon.  Friday I spent the day inside doing laundry and cleaning while Russ mowed the lawn and washed the van.  Although that always entails bathing suits, water guns and massive hose wars.  Not sure who was more wet!  Of course, as soon as everyone was in for the day, we had one of our typical Florida downpours!  But - nothing says "I love you" more than a clean car and it was still fresh and clean on the inside!  Extra brownie points for that one!

Saturday was full as well.  Russ and Jarod went out to Hickory Grove to help with a church work day.  They laid new mulch and got everything cleaned up for our Easter services.

Russ went off to a Youth Camp Meeting that night and I prepared for Sunday's Bridal Show.  

 It was a crazy day!  I met many new brides and had a wonderful time.  The bridal shows are a lot of hard work but always worth it!  So much fun!!!!

Last but not least, Anne's great accomplishment for Spring Break 2012 --------

 Yes ladies and gentlemen - she is now an official bike rider!  2 wheels and everything!!!!  She received her new bike at Christmas and has struggled off and on. But today she got it out and just started riding it - all by herself!  We are proud!!!!  Way to go Anne!!!!!

So that's an overview of our Spring Break this year!  Now we focus on the last 9 weeks of school.  We have field trips, speech contests, FCAT testing, dance recital and MANY other things on the calendar between now and June.  It's going to fly by.  Don't worry - I'll be right here to document it all!

Until next time......

ApParent Project - Fundraiser Bracelets

I thought I would continue my posts about ApParent Project - Stateside.  Marilyn and her helpers continue to stay busy out in Lacey, Washington.  One of the newest additions to AP is their Fundraiser Bracelets.  When I learned all the details about this - I was so excited!

 It has become incredibly popular - especially among families who are raising money for an adoption.

Basically, it works like this - 

"We (AP) mail you 100-500 (or more) bracelets which you sell for $6-8 each. After sales are final you return all of the unsold bracelets to our U.S. address along with $4 for each bracelet sold. If you sell a bracelet for $8, that means that AP artisans earn money to feed, shelter, and educate their families while your group gets $2-4 per bracelet towards your fundraising goals. If you sold 100 bracelets at $8 each, you would send us $400 and you would earn $400 for your project."

Seriously - how cool is that???  How many fund raisers do you know where the product you are selling is helping to feed, shelter and educate the poor?  

The AP bracelets are so popular!  I sold over 100 of them at Christmas time - along with all the other jewelry.  They are simple, inexpensive and so much fun!  Every time I wear mine, I receive a ton of comments.  They are so colorful that they go with ANY thing and they catch everyone's eye!  And then that opens up a chance for me to talk about AP to someone new.

 These are boxes of Fundraiser Bracelets at Marilyn's house in WA.

"And, now we have the fundraiser bracelet boxes going out like crazy. The "normal" Fundraiser Bracelet box holds about 125 bracelets. The "large" Fundraiser Bracelet box contains 200-225 bracelets. This has become enormously popular with people who are adopting from Haiti. We will need to hire more Haitians (a good problem!) in order to keep up with the demand. We ran out of fundraiser bracelets this month, so I brought back LOTS of bracelets last week. It took us one day to make them disappear! Then the next day... which was yesterday... we emptied those 3 shipping boxes full of bracelets."   ~ Marilyn

Does your church, team, school, youth group, workplace, or club need to raise funds to support a program, an upcoming event, or a short term service project? Do you need to raise money for an adoption?  This helps Haitians AND your cause at the same time!

Please Contact Them if this is something you would like to try!

Until next time...... 

God's Grace in Our Transitions

A little over ten years ago, the Lord led us away from church work and we joined with Student Venture, the High School division of Campus Crusade for Christ.   They assigned us to the Jacksonville area and shortly after that we learned my mother had been diagnosed with Lou Gherrig's disease (ALS).   We moved back to Orange Park to care for her and to begin raising our financial support. 

Russ took on a part time job when we began our support raising to help with our income.  He wound up working as an Interim Youth Pastor.  It was perfect.  It helped us financially and allowed Russ to continue in youth ministry while we raised support.  It helped the church because they had someone to work with their teens while they sought a full time person.

The church was wonderful.  They were supportive, loving and they took good care of us. While my mom was sick, they brought countless meals and women voluntarily came and sat with her a few days a week to allow me to go grocery shopping or run other errands - or even just have a few hours "off".  They loved on my then 3 year old Jarod and provided lots of food and help during my mom's funeral.  Russ served there for nearly 2 years.

Much of this time is a blur for me.  There were a good 6 months that I was unable to attend church on a Sunday. Many people helped me out during the week, so I never felt comfortable asking someone to give up their Sunday worship time as well.  But Russ took Jarod on Sundays and he was loved on and taught God's word.

Many people in this church supported us in Campus Crusade as well.  They donated to our ministry and they prayed for us.  They have kept up with us over the years and it's always been fun to run into different people in the community and catch up a bit.

So - here we sit.  Transitioning in ministry again.  You know I always say that EVERYTHING has a purpose.  Things in our life happen for a reason - a stepping stone to the next thing God has for us.  He is constantly building on that foundation.

Ten years ago, we had absolutely NO idea that God would be laying the foundation for Russell's newest pastorate. 

Did you figure it out?

The church that I have been speaking of is......

Yep - you guessed it -

Hickory Grove Baptist in Green Cove Springs.

We walked into this building on March 11, for Russ to preach in view of a call, and it felt like home.

God is so good.  Transition and change are never easy.  You walk away from the familiar into the unknown.  So many times over the years, God has provided "Exceedingly abundantly above all we could ask or imagine" in this area.  We have always walked into the unknown with His peace and an unwavering conviction that we are doing the right thing.  And he has either brought wonderful, precious and treasured friends out of the group of strangers or as in this case, (and the case of Ocean Park when we started there) He puts us in a place where we already have a little bit of a history and foundation.

Leaving Ocean Park is bittersweet, but how good is God to take us to a place that is somewhat familiar?  It makes the transition easier and I have to say - exciting!

I have to just chuckle. 4 years ago I was stressed about moving out of my house.  I'm sure God was just shaking his head at me.  He only wanted my willingness to move.  I gave Him that and I get to stay.  We sacrificed and drove back and forth for nearly 3 years and now He is allowing us to serve in our own community.  With many people that we already love. The possibilities are endless.  His plan is best and there is no other place I would rather be than in His will. 

Until next time.......

ApParent Project - From Desperation to Hope

ApParent Project has begun a new ceramics program using this exact same clay. They are employing Haitians from Site Soleil to make the beads for their jewelry, thus giving them employment and money for real food. I am so excited to be a part of an organization that is creating jobs and bringing people out of poverty.  Bringing more people from desperation to hope.

Sometimes Obedience is Bittersweet

The Lord is constantly working in our lives and for that I am extremely thankful.  If you have followed my blog for any length of time, you know that I'm a firm believer in the fact that everything in our life has a purpose.  Absolutely nothing is wasted by God.  He uses everything to change us and grow us closer to Him.  Sometimes these things are in the forms of trials and difficulty.  Other times they are in the forms of blessings and grace.  And every once in a while things come into our lives that fall in the middle of the two.

From the beginning of our marriage, we have prayed and asked God to use us in His ministry.   We have surrendered our family - our lives  - to His will.  If you have read The Story of Us, you can see how God has taken us several different places in the last 15 years of marriage.  We firmly believe that God uses each one as the stepping stone to the next thing He has for us.  I realized several years ago, through the wisdom of a good friend, that even though we are not a military family in the sense of the U.S. Army or Navy, etc. - we are part of God's Army and He has the right to move us around and assign us where He wants us.

All of that said, I'm writing to inform you of our newest "assignment". 

To help explain things, let me start by including Russell's newsletter article this week:

     Cami, Jarod, Anne, and I came to Ocean Park nearly three years ago with excitement about what God was going to do in and through this church body. Our goal was to move here to the beach as soon as we could, and commute back and forth from Clay County in the meantime. We took our house off the market after ten months without any bites. We interpreted this as God telling us to continue commuting longer than anticipated. During this season of commuting, I have sought to serve Ocean Park as best I could while living several communities away. 

     In January of this year, Hickory Grove Baptist Church in Clay County contacted me about being their pastor. I had no desire to leave, but told them I was willing to “look through the door” with them. Through search team interviews and other discussions, it became clear that God was leading them to me and me to them. I had the opportunity to preach in view of a call last Sunday and they voted 100% to call me as their pastor and I have accepted. I am resigning as pastor of Ocean Park, effective Sunday, April first. Cami will also step down from her role as secretary on that date. Please know that I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here at Ocean Park and I am confident that God has great things in store in the years to come. I will be praying for you and I ask that you pray for us during this time of transition.

In His Grace,

Russell

This is where our obedience becomes bittersweet.  We are very excited about where God is taking us and the new journey He is beginning in our ministry, but also sad about what we are leaving behind.  This has been especially hard for us.  We have prayed and sought the Lord for weeks.  We have struggled through the decision and sought outside council.  Another sweet friend reminded me a few years ago that God's will is like a swift current.  When that current starts moving - it pulls everything in with it - everything flows in the same direction and there is no stopping it.  I love that word picture.  When we are in the middle of God's will, everything just flows and falls into place. There is no denying it - God's peace and direction are unmistakable.  We have experienced this with each and every ministry move that we have been directed to.  Isn't God good?  He gives us clarity and peace of mind so when there are doubts and opposition, we can go back to this place where we KNOW we are making the right decision.  We experienced this current when God called us to Ocean Park and now He is closing that door and leading us to a new place of service.  One that is closer to home - one that is in the community where we live.

Please pray with us as we make this transition.  Like I said, we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead but also have a love for the sweet people at Ocean Park.  We realize that this move affects more than just our family and we pray that God will use this in everyone's life to continue to grow and change us all into the people He has created us to be.  

Until next time.......

 

ApParent Project - Stateside

I've blogged a lot about ApParent Project in Haiti, but now I'd like to focus a bit on all that happens here in the states to make AP so successful.  Specifically in Lacey, Washington. 

This is Marilyn Monoghan, Shelley's mom.  And of course, her wonderful grandchildren, Keziah, Zebedee, Jackson and Ember.

When ApParent Project began to take off a few years ago and Shelley started promoting the jewelry parties, she asked her mom if she would be willing to deposit some checks stateside for her.  Marilyn agreed.  No big deal, right? Little did she know how much of an important role she would play.

Originally, the jewelry came directly from Haiti.  When I ordered my first box in Nov. 2010, Shelley shipped it to me from Haiti.  Basically what that meant was, Shelley had to find someone who was flying out of Haiti and was willing to take a box of jewelry home and then ship it to me.  It took a few weeks and oddly enough - my original box went all the way to California and then back across the country to me.

During this time, they were working out some logistics and every other box I have received has come from Marilyn in Washington.  The jewelry parties took off like crazy and they soon realized that they needed to have a "warehouse" here in the states so that it can get into the hands of the people willing to sell it for them a lot faster.

So Marilyn makes several trips to Haiti each year to visit her daughter and all of those lovely grandchildren, of course.  But also to load her suitcases up with jewelry!  Shelley also ships things to her throughout the year as well and those who visit fill suitcases also.  Marilyn was excited that I was going to bring my own stuff back this time so I would quit bugging her for it!  Ha!!!!  She is one busy lady!

On any given day, her living room looks like this:

or this:

Jewelry EVERYWHERE!

"I've been up to my eyeballs in AP stuff for over 2 years now. I keep adding "helpers" but the work load hasn't decreased yet. Right now, there is grace to do what I'm doing. And I LOVE what I'm doing... building an infrastructure that will sustain what God is doing. I have had the most amazing people come alongside me to help! We now have 4 paid staff in WA (part-time) & some volunteers, plus me!"  ~ Marilyn

Meet some of the staff:

This is Keri the "Warehouse Manager" and packing / sorting / labeling, etc person

 

This is Sandy, the "Shipping Manager" alias expert at packing our custom and any other orders

 

 

This week Marilyn posted some photos on Facebook that gave some insight into her "post office runs".  This is just a SMALL part of the process.  

 

 Boxes of bracelets from Haiti

These boxes are emptied and then sorted into other boxes ready to ship across the U.S.

 "Our "normal" Party box contains 100+ items. Our "large" Party box contains 150+ items. And, now we have the fundraiser bracelet boxes going out like crazy." 

"My average post office run depends on the time of year. This Fall was absolutely crazy. I think my record was 33 orders in one day - but that included Market Haiti (lots of individual item orders) and Apparent Project (full boxes.) Right now... during the slow time, there are at least 2 post office runs per week, often 3. It is rare to only have 5-6 boxes. I often have 2 luggage carriers full of boxes - maybe 12-15 boxes, plus a large bag of small MH orders & the paperwork I carry to keep track of what orders were sent."

Postmaster George and Marilyn

Like I said, this is just a small part of the process!  I wish I could got to Washington for a week and follow her around like I did Shelley!  It would be so much fun to help out with this part of it too.  

Marilyn and I are going to collaborate in the next few weeks and I'm going to continue to blog about her side of things here in the states.  I am excited to learn more and I hope you are too!

Until next time.......