Being Stretched - It's Always Worth It!

Yesterday was our quarterly Board Meeting for Apparent Project.  This time we were all over the country and Haiti so we met for an hour via conference call.

Being on the Board is still very overwhelming to me.  It brings up all my fears, and insecurities.   I worry that if and when I open my mouth, all of my lack of knowledge will be revealed.  I feel very small and unworthy but, I am still new and  still learning and I know that God has brought me to this place for a reason.  I also know that God does great work in my life when He takes me out of my comfort zone.  So as uncomfortable and insecure as I may feel, I will continue to plug on, seeking His guidance in the middle of it all.  And trusting that all the other Board Members and Staff will be patient with me as I walk through this process.

It's funny  -  in the last few years I have grown the most confident, the most secure in who I am and what my purpose is in life.  It's just like God to bring something in that shakes all that up - keeping me humble and relying on Him.  The wonderful thing is - no matter my confidence level - He still uses me.  I think that is pretty awesome!

The Clay County Fair ended a week ago.  I have been in a 'coma' all week trying to recover.  It was a great experience.  Ten days, over 40 volunteers, many connections and over $5000 in sales!  We were all able to talk to so many people and the potential is huge!  We handed out lots of literature about Apparent Project, their fundraisers and my info so I can come and do my presentation with other churches, schools and community organizations.

After ten long days working our booth, I've been doing a lot of evaluating as to whether or not all that time was "worth it."  Not a good question to ask yourself when you are tired.

Yesterday, during our Board Meeting, Shelley mentioned that that morning alone she had two different moms stop at the gate outside of Apparent Project and try to give her their babies.  My heart broke.  It's a good thing we were all on the phone as I sat there crying.

THIS is why I sell.  THIS is why I give up ten days to run a booth and tell people about Apparent Project.  THIS is why I go around talking to churches, etc.  These moms are desperate.  They love their babies and want them to live.  It's so sad to me that giving your babies to orphanages is so 'normal' in Haiti.  Shelley walks through her community and people are constantly asking her for a job.  She desires to employ as many people as possible. So - we have to continue to spread the word - have parties - sell the jewelry.  As the demand grows, she can hire more artisans.

So - Yes.  The fair was worth it!  We raised $5000 for now and laid the ground work for future sales.  We helped to support the artisans and allow them to keep their babies.  As word grows, we will help employ more people.

As Mother's Day approaches - I can't think of a better gift for mom.  A beautiful piece of jewelry that allows a mom in Haiti to keep her baby.  Won't you consider having your own jewelry party?  Do you need to raise funds for an adoption, a ministry opportunity or another cause?  The Fundraiser bracelets are perfect for that! 

You don't have to be as involved as I am - just volunteer to do one party.  Order a box (no cost up front), have your friends over, tell the story and sell the jewelry.  When your finished, mail the money and the leftover jewelry back.  It's that easy!  For more information - click here.

You have followed my blog - you've read how it's changed my life.  How Apparent Project is changing the lives of the artisans.  Won't you give some of your time to help spread the word?

Lives depend on it.

Maybe it's a little out of your comfort zone.  I promise you - it will be worth it!!!!




Until next time.....